DCTAMA

DCTAMA decodes TAMDAR data in BUFR format from a real-time 
data feed, or from a file fed to the program through standard 
input, and writes the data to a GEMPAK sounding file.  The program is 
controlled by inputs to the command line.

The inputs are program options and the output file template.
For example, for real-time data feeds:
    
	dctama [options] output_file_template

If running the program interactively with standard input, the -c
option must be used.  The input file must also be specified.
For example:

	dctama -c YYMMDD/HH [other_options]
		 output_file_template < input_file
    
	output_file_template = YYYYMMDD.tdar

The template uses the date and time of the bulletin or report
to replace the following characters.

	YYYY or YY	Year with or without the century
	MM		Month number
	DD		Day

The output file is a merged GEMPAK sounding file and can be viewed 
using NSHARP or dumped using snlist. 

Example of a snlist run print-out:

SNPARM = PRES;TEMP;DWPT;DRCT;SPED;HGHT

 STID = 0000404D      STNM =   600404   TIME = 080823/2300
 SLAT =  44.25     SLON =  -88.50   SELV = -9999.0
 STIM =  2336

      PRES     TEMP     DWPT     DRCT     SPED     HGHT
    980.20 -9999.00     0.00   350.00 -9999.00   270.00
    974.90 -9999.00     0.00   303.00     6.00   320.00


here:

	STID - is the "station ID" comprised from the aircraft flight 
	number (ACFN) and a letter indicating the phase of the flight
		A - ascending
		D - discending

	STNM - is just another representation where first number actually
	corresponds to the code number for the phase of flight:
		5 - ascending
		6 - discending

	TIME - is the time of the report

	SLAT - latitude of the lowest reporting point

	SLON - longitude of the lowest reporting point

	SELV - elevation

	STIM - the time stamp of the actual "sounding"