32nd Conference on Broadcast Meteorology/31st Conference on Radar Meteorology/Fifth Conference on Coastal Atmospheric and Oceanic Prediction and Processes

Monday, 11 August 2003: 4:15 PM
Planned WSR-88D improvements
J. Rex Reed, NOAA/NWS/NEXRAD Operations Center, Norman, OK; and D. Evancho and R. Fehlen
Poster PDF (108.5 kB)
This paper will describe improvements and upgrades to the WSR-88D network as described in the eight-year modification plan developed by the WSR-88D Radar Operations Center. These radar upgrades are in addition to NEXRAD Product Improvement (NPI) projects sponsored by the Office of Science and Technology. Examples of the projects to be covered are: radar signal enhancements to update/replace obsolete hardware, implementation of modern TCP/IP communication protocols (replacing outdated X.25 protocols) on interfaces to external users, implementation of distributed processing and new OPRG processors to increase processing capacity for new science, replacement of outdated communications hardware, development of new, rugged radome technology that requires no painting and minimizes other depot maintenance without compromising radar performance, replacement of selected radar shelters with new materials that minimize long term maintenance, transmitter upgrades to more reliable, low voltage components, and long term replacement of computer sub systems.

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