Open Radar Data Acquisition (ORDA) Calibration Consistency

Radar Calibration depends on the accurate measurement of several system-unique variables used in the radar equation. Accurate measurements of antenna gain, system noise, receiver gain and transmitted power are vital in computing reflectivity. This paper investigates Open Radar Data Acquisition (ORDA) automatic calibration techniques to consistently and accurately measure these changing variables in the WSR-88D. The paper also explores the variability added by the technician's measurement of calibration parameters. Finally, the paper shows how changes in particular system specific parameters used to compute reflectivity affect accuracy.