UND Doppler Weather Radar

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.