The
radar is a modified Enterprise Electronics Corporation C-band (5cm wavelength)
Doppler radar. In June 1989, a new Sigmet Model PPP-02 pulse-pair signal processor
was added to the system, replacing the older Doppler signal processor. The pulse-pair
processor provides high quality reflectivity, Doppler radial velocity, and velocity
spectrum-width measurements at as many as 1024 range gates. The system is capable
of recording these data digitally as wel l as displaying them in real-time on
a number of color displays.
The radar electronics and computer support equipment are housed in a 48ft transport van. The radar electronics and computer trailer (REACT) is a self-contained research laboratory with environmental controls for maintaining temperature, humidity, and dust levels, providing a comfortable work environment for up to four scientists or engineers at the field project site. REAC T provides a computer room environment for the system's Concurrent 3280 XP computer, Ramtek display processor, Chormatics display systems and the Radar System's (RDS) HP 100/A900 computer equipment. All electronics are powered from a computer-grade isola ted and regulated power system. The total system electrical load of 75-kVA may be split for connection to two 50-kVA external diesel generators or can be operated using commercial power sources.
The interior of REACT is divided into four compartments: an analysis area, a computer area, a radar operations area, and a transmitter/power distribution and regulation area. All compartments are interconnected with a high-quality communications system, allowing telephone, intercom, and VHF radio control. A voice recorder can be activated from the user's work stations. In addition to the trailer housing the radar and its display and processing units, the University also has a storage trailer used to transport and store spare parts and other items used on field projects.
The antenna for the radar operates in a fiberglass radome and is mounted on a 50ft tower. Depending upon the site requirements, the radar has been mounted as low as 20ft or as high as 60ft.
Technical specifications are given on the tables below:
| Diameter | 3.66 m 12 ft |
| Beam width | .99 degrees |
| Gain | 43.75 dB |
| Polarization | Horizontal |
| Rotaion rate | up to 24 degrees/sec |
| Band | C |
| Frequency | 5.55 GHz |
| Wavelength | 5.4 cm |
| Peak power | 250 KW |
| Pulse length | .6 & 2 |
| PRF | 250-1200 Hz |
| Bandwidth | .75 M Hz (SP) |
| Noise Power | -106.5 dBm |
| Noise figure | 4 dB |
| A/D converter | 10 bit |
| Clutter suprression | 30, 40 dB |
| Number of gates |
1024 |
| Gate Spacing | 25, 50, 75 . . m |
| Radar Constant | 64.5 dB |
| Z (min) at 50 km | -8.0 dBZ using long pulse |
University of North Dakota / School of Aerospace Sciences / Atmospheric Science Department
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