A Hardware Perspective

1
Dual Polarization Upgrade

• A Hardware Perspective

2
Existing WSR-88D antenna
A vast majority of the dual polarization
components are being mounted to the
counterweights thus all of that hardware must be
hoisted up into the radome.
3
(No Transcript)
4
Left side of antenna
Major component added to the antenna
counterweight is the RF Pallet.
5
Antenna counterweight
View from rear of antenna
6
Right side of antenna
Major component added is the Antenna Mounted
Electronics assembly. - Receiver,
BITE/Calibration, Processor, Cooler/Heater, Power
Supply
7
Close up diagrams of Antenna Mounted Electronics
(AME) assembly.
Assembly box is mounted on right side of antenna
counterweights.
8
Front of antenna
All new complex feedhorn must be mounted to the
front of the antenna to transmit and receive dual
polarization signal.
9
REVIEW NEXRAD Dual Pol Modification
10
WSR-88D radar prior to upgrade
WSR-88D radar After upgrade
11
Final Thoughts

• All of the waveguide (conduit for transmitting
  and receiving signal) must be replaced and
  doubled.
• Hardware components installed in the radome weigh
  400-700 pounds.
• All new software must be installed and tested.
• In short, this is the most significant upgrade to
  the WSR-88D since it was deployed in the mid to
  late 90s.