ARM Enhanced Shortwave Experiment (ARESE)
September 25 - November 1, 1995
94 Ghz PSU Radar SOP
We intend to arrive on site either on the afternoon of Sunday, September 17 or early Monday, September 18. Our 94 GHz radar and accompanying equipment (signal processing hardware, 3 pc's, video camera, vcr and tv) will be off loaded and pieced together during the next two to three days. We hope to be up and running on Wednesday, the 20th.
The radar will be housed on a wooden box with wheels and will look nearly identical to the configuration used during the April 94 RCS I0P. Radiation shields will be attached to the transmit dish to ensure safety while operating. Unlike April 94, we intend to keep the radar outside during the entire experiment with the exception of severe weather events when it will be rolled into the calibration trailer. Two persons will be required to move the radar into and out of the calibration trailer. PSU personnel will, in most circumstances, perform this task. The assistance of site personnel may be required, however, if conditions deteriorate rapidly or unexpectedly.
We would like to collect data nearly continuously. The exception to this is prolonged moderate or greater precipitation, heavy thunderstorms or clear conditions. The radar, in its current configuration, is designed to operate unattended. We will have an operator on-site, however, during the day and most evenings and will continue data collection during the night if conditions are certain to remain favorable. The video camera will be operated during the day when the radar is being operated.
The radar will be operated in a vertically pointing mode only and no target beam analysis will be performed while at the central facility. Given the very narrow transmit beam (.25 degree) and the addition of the radiation shields to the transmit dish, no safety hazards are anticipated. Several appropriate hazard placards will be posted on and near the radar. Chemical disposal concerns are not relevant since no chemicals will be necessary.
Contact:
Gerald Mace
mace@essc.psu.edu
