Getting started with FOCUS_PRZM
written for FOCUS_PRZM_2.4.1, but also applicable to previous versions |
Back
|
How PRZM works
A general description of the FOCUS PRZM shell and the
necessary user guidance can be found in the FOCUS PRZM user manual provided
with the installation files. The structure of the PRZM shell and the communication
between the different program modules may be visualized in following graphics:
FOCUS PRZM Groundwater Tool is separated into three individual
modules :
-
FOCUS Input Generator
-
WINPRZM 3.20
-
FOCUS Grapher
The FOCUS Input Generator is used to generate the required
PRZM input files based on the predefined FOCUS scenarios and the User Input.
WINPRZM 3.20 is the actual truly Windows based simulation program. It may
be also used individually without the FOCUS PRZM shell. The Grapher is
used to generate the output tables and graphics as required from FOCUS.
Each simulated FOCUS PRZM scenario is completely characterized by the Master
Project File. The Master Project File may be used for an easy exchange
of compound specific simulation scenarios.
System Requirements
-
Hardware : Standard IBM compatible PC with 100 MB free
hard disk space (50 MB for installation plus additional space for temporary
files)
-
Software: WIN95 compatible operating system
Installing FOCUS_PRZM (for latest version 2.4.1)
"FOCUS PRZM Groundwater Tool version 2.4.1 (Mar. 2002)"
is an updated version of the FOCUS PRZM gw tool distributed through the
FOCUS webpage. Modifications were made only in the code of the PRZM shell.
The FOCUS PRZM meteorological files and the PRZM model itself remained
unchanged. This upgrade pack installs:
-
FOCUS PRZM Shell version 2.4.1 (March 2002)
-
FOCUS PRZM version 3.21 beta (February 2001)
-
Actual Documentation files (revision date 18/06/2001)
In order to keep the necessary file size for future updates
small the PRZM installation has been split into separate parts (shell vs.
weather files). The installation should be done in three steps:De-installation
of existing FOCUS PRZM versions:
-
A de-installation of "FOCUS PRZM Groundwater Tool version
1.1.1 (Oct., 2000)" is strongly recommended. There is no need to de-install
newer versions of the FOCUS PRZM shell. De-installation tools are provided
by WIN95/98 in the "Control Panel" under "Add/Remove Programs".
-
Installation of the new FOCUS PRZM Shell (one zip file "FOCUS
PRZM Install.ZIP"): Extract all zipped installation files into a temporary
directory, start "SETUP.EXE" (not "setup2.exe"!) and follow the given commands.
The upgraded PRZM shell will be installed under the default path C:\FGRAT\.
-
Installation of the FOCUS PRZM weather files (one zip file
"FOCUS PRZM Met Install.ZIP"): The weather files remain unchanged. A new
installation is not necessary if a former version of the FOCUS PRZM tool
is already installed. For an install extract all zipped files into a temporary
directory, start "SETUP.EXE" and follow the given commands. The PRZM meteorological
files will be installed under the default path C:\FGRAT\MET\.
Documentation
Actual versions of the PRZM User Manual and the PRZM
Parameterisation Document are automatically installed under the default
path C:\FGRAT\MANUALS\ as DOC and PDF files. The PRZM Install Readme (this
document) and a copy of the FOCUS PRZM webpage description (for the latest
version please look into the web) are included in the zip file "FOCUS PRZM
Install.ZIP" and my be manually extracted.
Uninstall
The FOCUS PRZM Shell may be uninstalled using the standard
WINDOWS remove tools. By WIN95 these tools are provided in the "Control
Panel" under "Add/Remove Programs".
Getting the PRZM Shell started
After a successful installation the shell can be started
by double clicking on "FGRAT.EXE" under C:\FGRAT\ or by starting the shortcut
"FPGWT" (Focus Przm Ground Water Tool) which is automatically created during
the installation. The starting screen should appear including a picture
of well monitoring equipment in a field. All the functions of the FOCUS
PRZM Shell can be selected simply by clicking on the specific menu points.
Further details are given in the actual "FOCUS PRZM User Manual".
Before starting the new shell each user is advised to
read carefully the actual "FOCUS PRZM User Manual". Relevant changes have
been implemented compared older version of the PRZM shell. This may effect
the required operation and parameter selection. Additional information
about PRZM itself can be found in the two documents "FOCUS PRZM Parameterisation"
and "FOCUS PRZM webpage".
List of implemented bug fixes and other code modifications
(compared to FOCUS_PRZM_2.3.1)
Code modifications were made only in the PRZM shell but
were not necessary for WinPRZM itself:
-
Fixed a reported input file error for scenarios "parent with
two metabolites".
-
Fixed problem of deactivated "efate" button found under special
scenario conditions.
-
De-activated option to use Kss as input parameter.
-
Fixed minor shortcomings of the compound database.
-
Fixed reported problems with the "Scenario Manager".
List of reported bugs (status 02/04/2002)
Technical Support
Excerpt of existing model documentation related to FOCUS Groundwater
-
FOCUS groundwater scenarios in the EU plant protection product
review process. The report of the work of the Groundwater Scenarios Workgroup
of FOCUS (FOrum for the Co-ordination of pesticide fate models and their
USe), final version April 2000.
-
FGRAT User Manual provided with the installation files (version
1.4, October, 2000).
-
FOCUS PRZM Parameterisation Document. Updated version, October
2000.