It is sensible when naming the weather file that you find some way of identifying which weather files you have created and which 'came with the software'. When the specification is complete, simply Import Data and save the file. A general rule when checking any data formats/signs when the help files are not helpful: is to examine any datafiles which are already incorporated in the software. You will need to specify a name for the location along with Latitude, Longitude, Time Zone and Altitude (check the sign convention). Simply select each parameter, in order from the left hand window, add and, then check the units. WeaTool opens your file and produces a view window of the file. To load your data, select Open, telling WeaTool to look for Files of Type: 'Separated Value Files'. It is recommended that you retain the data file from which the Ecotect weather file will be produced as this can be used to help validate the conversion. Make a note of Time Zone, Longitude, Latitude and Altitude. You should have your climate data prepared before using Weatool and be aware of the units and order of parameters. However the absence of some parameters may make the design tools nonsensical. If your data is incomplete, then this may be OK (for example you do not need to worry about Rainfall data unless you are particularly interested in this). For example, of the Psychrometric data, only 2 are necessary as the remainder may be calculated from these two. Note that not all of these parameters are strictly required as their is an interdependence of some provided to give flexibility. The following represents the current set of parameters accepted by the software: It will accept data in a range of units and formats.
WeaTool will convert hourly ascii climate data files in a separated (tab, comma, space) format.
To make best use of this tool you will need to develop good skills in this area. Proper use of the final two functions requires a high skill in interpreting data presented in many formats.