Investigating external and dual polarization calibration options for the WSR-88D

Engineers at the WSR-88D Radar Operations Center (ROC) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) have investigated a number of options for improving radar network reflectivity calibration consistency. Engineers analyzed a number of techniques including the use of external targets as well as identifying requirements for specialized calibration hardware test sets. Recently, the investigation has turned to aspects of calibrating dual polarization radar systems with the goal of identifying production system design requirements.

This paper will present results of a recent comprehensive survey of external reflectivity calibration techniques and will address some of the technical challenges related to calibrating polarimetric radars. The current status of technique development projects will be presented.