New science algorithm implementation with the advent of the Open Radar Data Acquisition (ORDA) deployment on the WSR-88D presents several challenges for testing, due to limited test radar availability and infrequent significant weather events. Engineers at the Radar Operation Center (ROC) overcame these challenges by utilizing a combination of custom processing software, custom builds of specially modified ORDA software, and SIGMET's recording and playback capabilities.

This paper discusses the testing required to demonstrate the validity of the WSR-88D's new SZ-2 major mode.