Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Unlike the previous versions, the new versions of these applications do not require any special plug-ins, so many of the difficulties associated with installation of plug-ins and special port access through firewalls should no longer be an issue. We will add to this page as we discover problems (and hopefully the solutions) that users experience.

These applications require either Netscape 4.x or better or IExplorer 4.x or better.

The applications are also set up to timeout after 30 minutes if there has been no activity. Any intermediate query results will be lost if this happens.

Pop-ups

On startup the application displays a map as a pop-up which Windows XP may block. Select "Always allow pop-ups from this site".

Many of you may also use the Google toolbar which can also block pop-ups. Go to the Options menu and deselect the popup blocker.

If you don't wish to do this, there is a button "Show all stations" at the bottom of the query screen. Selecting this will force the map to be drawn.

IE7 Status Bar

Users have reported that upgrading to IE7 results in the loss of the map co-ordinates being displayed in the status bar.

Here is the fix.

1. Open Internet Explorer and select Tools / Internet Options / Security .
2. Click Internet or Restricted sites, and then click the Custom level button.
3. Scroll down to Allow status bar updates via script, select Enable.
4. Click OK until you return to Internet Explorer

How to access the data files?

Complete time series data are available on request. Each time series is associated with an event specification (event_spec). Please specify this field with any request for data. Use the Contact Us menu link at the left of the page. Requested data files will be placed on our anonymous ftp server.