Doppler Weather Radar Research and Development
NSSL Special Project – Development of Mobile X-Band Dual-Polarization Weather Radar
Funding Type: CIMMS Task III
Objectives
Develop a new mobile dual-polarimetric X-band Doppler radar to evaluate
the utility of X-band polarimetric data for NWS applications in hydrology,
flood warnings, and tornado detection and prediction and enable researchers
to gain more insight into dual-polarization applications for short wavelengths.
Accomplishments
During the reporting period, the following tasks were accomplished: (1)
acquisition of a mobile platform; (2) design and installation of bed
and hydraulics on the mobile platform; (3) building and testing of
the SCR-584 pedestal; (4) integration of the antenna controller with
the pedestal; (5) fabrication and testing of the transmitter; and (6)
acquisition and programming of the signal processor. The RF portion
of the receiver was constructed and basic antenna control has been
achieved. The hardware interface betw
een the analog and digital portions of the system was designed and is in the process of being built. System testing is anticipated during fall/winter 2007/08. This project is ongoing.