SoftRadar: X-band weather radar project

It was a rather busy week with the X-band radar installation. The outcome was excellent, i.e. a fully working X-band weather radar. Transmission coding and receiver system rely heavily on the USRP technology. Hence, we decided to call this project 'SoftRadar'. Below you may find the interface and SoftRadar experiment design system.

We will continue the development at some suitable point after we have gained some further experience on using the system!

Yihenew Dagne from Aalto University made the USRP
design and implementation for the SoftRadar!
Thanks Yihenew!

X-band weather radar installation continues

Yesterday and today, we have assembled transmit/receive system for our experimental X-band weather radar. The system is based on two USRP N210 software -defined radios with Basic Rx and Tx daughterboards. A cylinder Mac titled "Freud" is used for control and data analysis.

We have now proceeded to the point, where we have successfully transmitted and received signals. However, as this a weather radar experiment, we simply see the signal jumping directly from Tx to Rx. Hence, we are waiting for "good" weather, which in this case means rain.

First received signal.

During the installation, we were asked to make proper safety arrangements. I used this possibility to purchase my very first blinking orange light (typically used in professional vehicles and alike). This is to show when the radar is operational and when not. In addition, for amusement, I purchased a "siren" :) !!!

Safety items and the transmit/receive system.

We will report further development as soon as we get a proper target!!

X-band weather radar installation

For information of all the Tähtelä society, residents and visitors:

This week, SGO will install a 10 GHz experimental weather radar. Installation location is next to the meteor radar, i.e. on the left-hand-side of the road, when coming to Tähtelä. A strictly no-access-zone will be marked clearly. Access is strictly forbidden due to microwave radiation hazard! Notice especially: During experiments, you are not allowed to be near by the back-side of the transmitter! The purpose of the radar installation is the development of radar transmission coding and analysis methods. The installation is temporary. The objective is to install the radar to the upper structures of the 32-metre EISCAT antenna. 

X-band experimental weather radar in Tähtelä, Sodankylä.