• Introduction
• Objectives
• System Requirements
• 1. Radar Data Acquisition
  (RDA) Unit
  • Introduction
  • Transmitter
  • Antenna
    • Overview
    • Volume Coverage Pattern
      (VCP)
    • Long Pulse vs. Short Pulse
    • Operational Modes
    • AVSET
  • Receiver
  • Signal Processor
    • Overview
    • Ground Clutter Suppression
    • Calculation of Base Data
    • Range Unfolding of Doppler
      Data
    • Archive Level I
  • Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM)
    and Monitor Interface
• 2. Wideband
  Communications
  • Introduction
  • Direct Wire Link
  • Private T1
  • Telco (Commercial) T1
  • Microwave Line-Of-Site
    (MLOS)
• 3. Radar Product Generator
  (RPG)
  • Introduction
  • Product Generation
  • RPG Control
  • Product Distribution
    • Overview
    • Archive II Data Distribution
      System
    • Archive Level III
• 4. Master System Control
  Function (MSCF)
  • Introduction
  • The RDA HCI at the MSCF
  • The RPG HCI at the MSCF
    • Overview
    • RDA Changes Initiated at
      the RPG HCI
    • Optimizing Data Quality
    • Status Monitoring
    • Free Text Messages
    • Product Distribution
      Communications
• 5. Product Distribution
  Communications
• 6. User Systems
  • Introduction
  • Principal Users
  • Other Users
    • Overview
    • Archive II Data Distribution
      System
    • Radar Product Central
      Collection/Distribution
      System (RPCCDS)
  • Advanced Weather
    Interactive Processing
    System (AWIPS)
    • Overview
    • AWIPS Narrowband
      Communications to
      the RPG
    • RPCCDS and Archive Level III
    • The AWIPS Workstation
• Acronym Listing

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RDA - Transmitter

 

The first step in acquiring radar data is the transmission of a radio frequency (RF) signal. The RF signal from the WSR-88D is transmitted using a klystron amplifier. The klystron amplifier produces a coherent signal with a precisely controlled amplitude, frequency, and phase. The WSR-88D transmits this high frequency signal using a 10 cm wavelength RF pulse at a peak power of 750 kW. These specifications allow for collection of base moments (Reflectivity, Velocity, and Spectrum Width), as well as dual-polarization variables (Differential Reflectivity, Correlation Coefficient, and Differential Phase) of sufficient quality for current NWS purposes.

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