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Problem: Since RPG Build 16.0 was installed a few sites have received the following message in the RPG Status Log:

Process qia CPU Utilization decreasing

After it begins, this message will repeat every 4 seconds. Since the message is considered an "RPG Error" message, it displays with a yellow background in the Status Log and on the Status line at the bottom of the RPG HCI.

Note that at least one site has received the message "Process veldeal CPU Utilization decreasing". This is the exact same issue with a different task identified.

These messages DO NOT mean that the task is about to crash. All products will continue to be generated by the RPG and sent to users. This is more of a "nuisance" alarm as it can fill the RPG Status Log.

Background: The qia (Quality Index Algorithm) task provides input to the Dual Pol Precipitation (QPE) algorithm. The veldeal (Velocity Dealiasing Algorithm) task contains the legacy Velocity Dealiasing Algorithm, the new 2D-Velocity Dealiasing Algorithm, and the Multi-PRF Dealiasing Algorithm (MPDA - used in VCP121). Both of these algorithms process large amounts of information and, therefore, utilize the CPU heavily.

The RPG tracks CPU (and memory) usage by all RPG tasks so that, if a task begins to use too much, the task can be terminated before all RPG resources are used up. This is to prevent a single task from crashing the entire RPG computer. In Build 16.0, the process that tracks CPU usage incorrectly thinks the amount of CPU time being used by these tasks is actually decreasing. This only occurs after the RPG software has been running for an extended period of time. For sites that have already had this message, the number of days of RPG software runtime has varied from 57 to 118 days. Most have had the issue after 84 days of runtime.

Short Term Solution:

If the message is occurring, simply restart the RPG software. This will reset the CPU usage counters and prevent the message. It is not necessary to reboot the RPG but doing so would also reset the counters.

To prevent the message from occurring, we recommend restarting the RPG software once a month (e.g., during 28-day PMIs).

To Restart RPG Software, perform the following on the RPG HCI. This can be done either at the RPG or MSCF. For NWS sites with a Distant MSCF to a DoD or FAA radar, this procedure can be performed from the Distant MSCF.

• On the RPG Control/Status (i.e., RPG HCI), select the "Control" button in the RPG box.
• On the RPG Control window, select "Startup" and "Yes" to confirm
• The RPG will place the RDA into Standby (if in Operate), restart the RPG software, and then return the RDA to its previous state (i.e., if in Operate the RDA will be placed back into Operate).

Long Term Solution: RPG Build 16.1 will correct this issue. Build 16.1 is currently scheduled to deploy in March/April 2016.

Active MODIFICATION NOTES

As of Friday, December 18, 2015

As of Friday, December 18, 2015