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McIDAS Documentation Updates

This page contains a log of the revisions to the documentation on the McIDAS Website. This information is especially important for sites that download a manual and use it rather than the online one (i.e., they need to make sure they keep their local copy current). Some of the information and/or links in older entries on this page may be invalid as the contents of the manuals and this website are modified over time.

The bullets below list the McIDAS manuals and date of their most recent revision. A complete list of all revisions to each manual appears below the bullets.



The section below lists all revisions for each manual by date. The HTML files that were updated appears in small square brackets ([ ]) after each dated entry.

McIDAS-V User's Guide [go to]

01 Nov 2023: Added version 1.9 of the manual.[All files updated]

04 Dec 2018: Added version 1.8 of the manual.[All files updated]

25 Jan 2018: Added version 1.7u1 of the manual.[All files updated]

05 Jan 2018: Added version 1.7 of the manual.[All files updated]

15 Jul 2016: Added version 1.6 of the manual.[All files updated]

01 May 2015: Added version 1.5 of the manual.[All files updated]

03 Oct 2013: Added version 1.4 of the manual.[All files updated]

30 May 2013: Added version 1.3 of the manual.[All files updated]

01 May 2012: Added version 1.2 of the manual.[All files updated]

05 Apr 2011: Added version 1.01 of the manual.[All files updated]

21 Sep 2010: Added version 1.0 of the manual.[All files updated]

10 Sep 2010: Added version 1.0beta6 of the manual.[All files updated]

2 Nov 2009: Added version 1.0beta5 of the manual.[All files updated]

19 Aug 2009: Added version 1.0beta4 of the manual.[All files updated]

09 Jul 2009: Added version 1.0beta3 of the manual.[All files updated]

09 Jul 2009: Added version 1.0beta2 of the manual.[All files updated]

08 Jan 2009: Added version 1.0beta1 of the manual.[All files updated]


McIDAS-X User's Guide [go to]

29 Dec 2023: Added Version 2023.1 of manual. [All files updated]

23 Dec 2022: Added Version 2022.1 of manual. [All files updated]

30 Dec 2021: Added Version 2021.1 of manual. [All files updated]

16 Sep 2020: Added -noXCursor sections to Configuring McIDAS-X Sessions with .mcidasrc page. [File updated: install-10.html]

31 Jul 2020: Added Version 2020.1 of manual. [All files updated]

10 Sep 2019: Added Version 2019.1 of manual. [All files updated]

11 Jan 2019: Added Version 2018.2 of manual. [All files updated]

06 Jun 2018: Updated RHEL version numbers from 6.7 and 7.2 to 6.9 and 7.4 in Installing McIDAS-X on Unix or macOS Workstations page and added setting of kernel.shmmni to 131072 and requirement of mysql and mysql-devel packages on McXCD workstations in Linux section of Preparing the Workstation page. [Files updated: install-2.html, install-3.html]

04 May 2018: Added Version 2018.1 of manual. [All files updated]

17 Nov 2017: Updated macOS Notes in Apple section of Installing McIDAS-X on Unix or macOS X Workstations page to include XQuartz recommendation and note that compilers must be reinstalled if Xcode is updated. Also updated WWDISP and WWLIST on 03 Nov 2017 due to blizzard warnings being discontinued as of 02 Oct 2017. [Files updated: install-2.html, wwdisp.html, wwlist.html]

04 Oct 2017: Added Version 2017.2 of manual. [All files updated]

28 Feb 2017: Added Version 2017.1 of manual. [All files updated]

05 Oct 2016: Added Version 2016.2 of manual. [All files updated]

22 Feb 2016: Added Version 2016.1 of manual. [All files updated]

29 Dec 2015: Added Version 2015.2 of manual. [All files updated]

01 Jul 2015: Added Version 2015.1 of manual. [All files updated]

24 Mar 2014: Added Version 2014.1 of manual. [All files updated]

30 Aug 2013: Updated OS X Note in Apple section of Installing McIDAS-X on Unix or Mac OS X Workstations page to include information about installing Xcode Command Line Tools. [File updated: install-2.html]

18 Apr 2013: Updated SUA Community webpage link in the "Installing the SUA Community Complete Toolset" section of the Preparing the Windows 7 Workstation page. [File updated: install-11.html]

21 Mar 2013: Added "Checking for Required Packages" section to Preparing the Workstation page.[File updated: install-3.html]

11 Jan 2013: Added Version 2013.1 of manual. [All files updated]

18 Oct 2012: Updated location of GOES-14 satellite (now at 89.5°W) in Appendix D and added PDF copy of the 2012.1 and 2012.2 versions of the manual. [Files updated: app_d-2.html and app_d-3.html]

16 Oct 2012: Added Version 2012.2 of manual. [All files updated]

21 Jun 2012: Corrected error in description of -tgeometry flag (should be widthxheight, not heightxwidth).
[File updated: install-23.html]

13 Jun 2012: Added Version 2012.1 of manual. [All files updated]

15 Nov 2011: Added Version 2011.1 of manual. [All files updated]

28 Dec 2010: Added Version 2010.2 of manual. [All files updated]

04 Jun 2010: Added Version 2010.1 of manual. [All files updated]

04 Dec 2009: Added Version 2009.2 of manual. [All files updated]

22 May 2009: Added Version 2009.1 of manual. [All files updated]

27 May 2008: Added May 2008 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

25 May 2007: Added May 2007 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

27 Jun 2006:Corrected description of the GeoTIFF file name in DSSERVE command, and removed FORM=OLD from GRDLIST command, per inquiry 13469. [Files updated: dsserve.html, grdlist.html]

26 May 2006: Added May 2006 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

15 Sep 2005: Added NOAA-18 HRPT and HIRS information in POES section of the Bands for Satellite Imagery appendix. [File updated: app_d-11.html]

15 Jun 2005: Cleaned up the HTML code to improve the format of the online manual. [All files updated]

20 May 2005: Added May 2005 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

30 Mar 2005: Added link to Sourceforge in Mac OS X section of Systems Configurations table, and added step to Mac OS X section of Preparing the Workstation in Chapter 1. [Files updated: McHTML-4.HTML, McHTML-5.HTML]

25 Feb 2005: Added procedure to Configuring a New User Account in Chapter 1 to assign a key to act as the Insert key on Mac OS X systems. [File updated: McHTML-11.HTML]

18 Feb 2005: Added new step that creates a symbolic link to the /dev/fs/C/home/ directory in Making and Configuring the New User Account in the McIDAS-X for XP section of Chapter 1. [File updated: McHTML-18.HTML]

28 May 2004: Added May 2004 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

30 May 2003: Added May 2003 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

30 May 2002: Added May 2002 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

25 May 2001: Added May 2001 upgrade version (7.8) of manual. [All files updated]

30 May 2000: Corrected NT Installation instructions in version 7.7 to use Service Pack 6, instead of Service Pack 4. [File updated: McHTML-12.HTML]

24 May 2000: Added May 2000 upgrade version (7.7) of manual. [All files updated]

22 Sep 1999: Updated May 1999 upgrade version (7.6) of manual as follows: In Chapter 1, updated HP-UX 10.20 patch number in McIDAS-X software versions table, moved gcc directory information into McIDAS PATH modifications table, and rewrote entire Installing McIDAS-X on Windows NT Workstations section for Hummingbird Exceed X server (replacing DEC eXcursion information). In Chapter 2 and Appendix H, corrected cross references to Chapter 1 section Configuring McIDAS-X Sessions with .mcidasrc. In Trademarks page, replaced DEC trademark information with that for Exceed. Also made presentational corrections (e.g., to font types, spaces, breaks, etc.) throughout the manual and redesigned the index. [All files updated]

30 Jul 1999: Updated May 1999 upgrade version (7.6) of manual as follows: Rewrote instructions for Setting the Interix Environment in a new NT user account and added two new files to the McIDAS-X for NT download page. [Files updated: McHTML-15.HTML, McHTML-18.HTML]

28 May 1999: Added May 1999 upgrade version (7.6) of manual. [All files updated]

25 Nov 1998: Added November 1998 upgrade version (7.5) of manual. [All files updated]

20 May 1998: Added May 1998 upgrade version (7.4) of manual. [All files updated]


McIDAS-X Learning Guide [go to]

30 Jun 2021: Added version 2020. [All files updated]

08 Jun 2015: Added version 2015 and removed version 2008. [All files updated]

01 Jul 2008: Added version 2008 and removed version 2006. [All files updated]

12 Jun 2007: Added version 2007 and removed version 2005. [All files updated]

20 Jun 2006: Added version 2006 and removed version 2004. [All files updated]

26 Aug 2005: Added version 2005 and removed version 2003. [All files updated]

28 Jul 2004: Added version 2004 and removed version 2002. [All files updated]

12 Aug 2003: Added version 2003 and removed version 7.7. [All files updated]

01 Apr 2003: Added version 2002 and removed version 7.6. [All files updated]

20 Jul 2000: Added version 7.7 to the and removed version 7.5. [All files updated]

13 Jan 2000: Added versions 7.5 and 7.6 and removed version 7.3. [All files updated]

27 Sep 1999: Corrected IMGLIST commands in step 8 of Getting Started in the ADDE Chapter, and in step 4 of Displaying Satellite Data. [Files updated: adde-7.html, sat-2.html]

04 Dec 1998: Added a "Cover Page" for consistent design with other manuals and moved directories around for future revisions. [All files updated]

06 Mar 1998: Added November 1997 upgrade version (7.3) of manual. [All files updated]


McIDAS-X Programmer's Manual [go to]

23 Nov 2015: Added version 2015 of manual. [All files updated]

23 Mar 2007: Updated SATBAND file format to include wavelength and wavenumber changes added December 2004. [File updated: formats-28.html]

28 Apr 2006: Added May 2006 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

05 Jul 2005: Cleaned up the HTML code to improve the format of the online manual. [All files updated]

24 Oct 2003: Added a search engine to the Programmer's Manual, and a link to the search on the top and bottom of every page. [All files updated]

09 Oct 2003: Added May 2003 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

22 Nov 1999: Corrected top and bottom navigation bars' Table of Contents links to go to the correct page. [All 200 progman-*.HTML files updated]

04 Nov 1999: Corrected top and bottom navigation bars' Index links to go to the correct page. [All 200 progman-*.HTML files updated]

28 May 1999: Added May 1999 upgrade version (7.6) of manual. [All files updated]

24 Mar 1999: Updated November 1998 upgrade version (7.5) of manual as follows: Added an Index and updated AVHR calibration information in Chapter 7 and Appendix D. [All files updated]

25 Nov 1998: Added November 1998 upgrade version (7.5) of manual. [All files updated]

17 Jul 1998: Added May 1998 upgrade version (7.4) of manual. [All files updated]


McIDAS-XCD Administrator's Guide [go to]

29 Dec 2023: Added Version 2023.1 of manual. [All files updated]

23 Dec 2022: Added Version 2022.1 of manual. [All files updated]

30 Dec 2021: Added Version 2021.1 of manual. [All files updated]

03 Sep 2020: Updated instructions in DMCOND Data Monitor section of the Configuring the GRIB Decoders page in Chapter 2. [File updated: install-11.html]

06 Aug 2020: Added Version 2020.1 of manual. [All files updated]

10 Sep 2019: Added Version 2019.1 of manual. [All files updated]

11 Jan 2019: Added Version 2018.2 of manual. [All files updated]

21 May 2018: Added Version 2018.1 of manual. [All files updated]

07 Dec 2017: Added Version 2017.2 of manual. [All files updated]

05 Oct 2016: Added Version 2016.2 of manual. [All files updated]

08 Jan 2016: Added Version 2015.2 of manual. [All files updated]

24 Mar 2014: Added Version 2014.1 of manual. [All files updated]

20 Jun 2012: Added Version 2012.1 of manual. [All files updated]

18 Nov 2011: Added Version 2011.1 of manual. [All files updated]

28 Dec 2010: Added Version 2010.1 of manual. [All files updated]

22 May 2009: Added Version 2009.1 of manual. [All files updated]

05 June 2008: Added June 2008 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

04 June 2007: Added June 2007 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

14 June 2006: Added June 2006 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

03 Jun 2005: Added new section with instructions for creating a separate spool file to the Configuring the NEXRAD Decoder section in Chapter 2. [File updated: install-10.html]

31 May 2005: Added May 2005 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

26 Jan 2005: Added example and more information about piping lines from pqact.conf file to ingebin.k or ingetext.k in the LDM section of Configuring Data Communications in Chapter 2. [File updated: XCD_HTML-16.HTML]

16 Jul 2004: Updated May 2004 upgrade version of manual to include significant improvements to Chapter 2 (Installing and Configuring McIDAS-XCD). [All files updated]

04 Jun 2004: Added May 2004 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

04 Jun 2003: Added May 2003 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

07 Jun 2002: Added May 2002 upgrade version of manual. [All files updated]

25 May 2001: Added May 2001 upgrade version (7.8) of manual. [All files updated]

24 May 2000: Added May 2000 upgrade version (7.7) of manual. [All files updated]

28 May 1999: Added May 1999 upgrade version (7.6) of manual. [All files updated]

25 Nov 1998: Added November 1998 upgrade version (7.5) of manual. [All files updated]

17 Jul 1998: Added May 1998 upgrade version (7.4) of manual. [All files updated]


SDI Operator's Manual [go to]

06 Feb 2019: In POES Relay chapter, corrected directory path for RESOLV.SRV file (/data/opt/etc/) and updated section in Navigation page that describes how the SYSNAV1 file is updated. [Files updated: poes_relay-14.html, poes_relay-17.html, poes_relay-22.html]

13 Feb 2014: Added more information about names.gvar files, including a link to the SSEC Data Center names.gvar files page. [Files updated: gvar-11.html, gvar-15.html, gvar-20.html]

30 Apr 2008: Added PDF version of 2008 edition of the manual. Note: The PDF version was created from the HTML files (rather than hardcopy-friendly publishing software), so page breaks sometimes occur in the middle of paragraphs or tables.

25 Apr 2008: Added 2008 version of manual. Major changes include addition of FY-2 chapter, addition of new appendix ("Replacing the Hard Drive"), removal of MTSAT HiRID chapter, and many corrections and additions to existing chapters. [All files updated]

06 Jun 2007: Renamed version 2006 to version 2007 to reflect the many updates in 2007. [All files updated]

04 Aug 2007: Added MTSAT HRIT chapter and updated many pages throughout manual. [All files updated]

22 Nov 2006: Added 2006 version of manual (for new SDI-104 systems, the successor to the old SDI systems).[All files updated]

03 Aug 2005: Added updates for the new SDI MTSAT ingestor and the removal of SDI NOAAPORT. [All files updated]

27 Jun 2005: Cleaned up the HTML code to improve the format of the online manual. [All files updated]

23 Mar 2005: Added new FAQ entry about removing a "bad" image, per inquiry 12935 and 12943 requests. This change appears only in the July 2000 online HTML version, not in the PDF and PS versions. [File updated: SDIHTML-125.HTML]

12 Mar 2004: Changed sample names.gvar file on page 3-10 (SDIHTML-41.HTML) to match SSEC Data Center's, per inquiry 12465 request. This change appears only in the July 2000 online HTML version, not in the PDF and PS versions. [File updated: SDIHTML-41.HTML]

30 Mar 2001: Added PDF and PS versions of July 2000 edition of the manual. [All files updated]

07 Dec 1999: Replaced February 1999 issue with new November 1999 issue. [All files updated]

25 Feb 1999: Added February 1999 *preliminary* issue of manual. [All files updated]