Scanning W-band ARM cloud radar development

Description

The W-band ARM Cloud Radar (WACR), previously deployed in a vertically pointing mode at the ARM SGP site since 2005, was recently modified for volume scanning operation. The Scanning WACR (SWACR) system, built by ProSensing Inc of Amherst, Massachusetts, was deployed in September 2009 as part of the AMF1 deployment on Graciosa Island, Azores. SWACR generates a 1.5 kW peak power pulse, with 15, 45 or 90 m range resolution with a beam width of 0.4 degrees. The antenna, RF unit, and video camera are mounted on an elevation over azimuth pedestal with a maximum scan rate of 36 degrees per second. A remote chiller is used to maintain the temperature of the RF unit to within +/-3 degrees C. The chiller, dry air purging unit for the antenna, and data system are rack-mounted and located in the AMF shelter. The cable carrying power, coolant, dry air, control, and signal lines between the pedestal and data system rack is supported by a chain-flex cable housing that protects the cable bundle from wear during rotation of the pedestal. Following its deployment with AMF1 in the Azores, SWACR was installed at the ARM SGP site in February 2010. While at the ARM SGP site, SWACR will be calibrated and prepared for deployment with AMF2 in the fall of 2010 for the STORMVEX experiment near Steamboat Springs, Colorado.