Vaisala WRK200 User manual
www.vaisala.com
Vaisala Weather Radar WRK200
Dual Polarization Adds
New Dimension
The Vaisala Weather Radar
WRK200 is a dual polarization C-band
Klystron Doppler Weather Radar. The
radar operates in either Simultaneous
Transmit and Receive of H and V (STAR)
mode or Linear Depolarization Mode
(LDR) mode , during which H alone
is transmitted and both are received.
STAR mode enables use of the high
sensitivity power estimator increasing
detectability by up to 10 dB versus
the competition. The polarization
variables, depending on the mode, are
ZDR, RHOHV, PHIDP, KDP and LDR.
However, the goal of polarization radar
is not only to produce and display
these outputs; it is also to expand
the capabilities of the radar for the
operational forecaster.
The WRK200 provides the following
benefits:
• Hydrometeoridentification
• Attenuationcorrection
• Dataqualityimprovement
• Improvedrainfallestimates,
based on KDP
S-Band Performance at
a C-Band Price
Attenuation by intervening heavy
precipitation has been a long-standing
problem with C-band weather radars,
making S-band radars preferable,
especially in tropical environments
where heavy rain is common. However,
with dual polarization, the radar
performs accurate, real-time attenuation
corrections. The benefit is that you
can obtain the same precipitation
measurement accuracy using the
WRK200 as with an S-band system that
costs typically two or three times more.
More Accurate
Precipitation Measurement
Eliminating non-meteorological
targets and correcting attenuation can
substantially improve precipitation
measurement. However, the WRK200
Features/Benefits
▪Vaisala’s light-weight, semi-
yoke-style pedestal
▪1 degree beamwidth low side
lobe antenna
▪High sensitivity mode
processing to recover
sensitivity loss in STAR mode
▪>35 dB integrated cross-
polarization isolation
▪Image rejection >80 dB
(>100dB with Vaisala WG
filters).
▪Dynamic range > 99 dB
(2µs pulse)
▪Feed forward control loop
to allow extremely fast and
precise antenna movement
▪Dual channel digital IF receiver
▪Precision horizontal and
vertical beam matching
▪Built around Vaisala Sigmet
RVP900 signal processor
▪Integral flat screen display for
local maintenance
▪Remote control/monitoring
▪Rainfall estimation based on
KDP
▪Accurate attenuation
correction
▪250 kW klystron transmitter
with low-maintenance solid-
state modulator
▪Option: Built-in dual channel
receiver calibration
goes further by providing KDP-based
measurement of the precipitation
rate. Unlike the reflectivity (Z),
KDP is directly proportional to the
precipitation rate, independent of the
radar calibration and unbiased by
intervening clutter or partial beam
blockage. This makes the KDP very
robust in measuring moderate and
heavy rain.
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Technical Data
Transmitter
Type Klystron VKC8387
Operating frequency range 5.6 - 5.65 GHz
Peak power 250 kW
Average power max 550 W
Duty cycle 0.0022
Pulse widths Typical 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, max 5.0 µs
PRF 250 to 2125 Hz
Modulator Solid state
Antenna
Type Center-fed parabolic reflector
Diameter 4.5 m
Gain (typical) 45 dB
Beam width <1 degree
Peak side lobe (typical) -28 dB
Peak on horizontal axis (typical) -33 dB
Integrated cross-pol isolation ≤ -35 dB
H/V alignment (squint angle) <0.1 degrees
Weight 620 kg
Options
Radome 6.7 m, foam core sandwich, random panel
Automatic calibration
Forward and reverse transmitted power monitoring
System Specifications
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Cabinet (w x h x d) 1400 x 1800 x 1300 mm
Cooling: Air-conditioned and forced air
Weight 992 kg
Total height 1890 mm
CABINET ENVIRONMENT
Operating +5 °C to +40 °C, 0 to 95 %RH, non condensing
Recommended +15 °C to +25 °C
Storage -50 °C to +50 °C without oil
-10 ° to +50 °C with oil
ANTENNA/PEDESTAL ENVIRONMENT
Operating -40 °C to +55 °C, 0 to 95 %RH, non condensing
Storage -50 °C to +60 °C
INPUT POWER
Voltage 230/400 VAC ±10 %, 50 - 60 Hz ± 5 %
POWER CONSUMPTION
Cabinet 8720W max. with UPS
7850W max. without UPS
Antenna/pedestal 1050 W (max), 200 W (typical)
Pedestal
Type Semi yoke elevation over azimuth
Elevation range -2 to 108 degrees
Maximum scan rate 40 deg/sec
Acceleration 20 deg/sec2
Position accuracy 0.1 deg
Weight 910 kg (total with antenna 1530 kg)
Motors Brushless AC servo
RF-to-IF Receiver
Type Dual stage, dual channel IF downconverter
Dynamic range > 99 dB ( 2 µs pulse ) >115 dB option
IF frequency 442/60 MHz
Image rejection >80 dB ( >100dB with Vaisala WG filters)
Phase stability 0.1 deg rms
Tuning range 5.5 - 5.7 GHz
Noise figure < 2 dB
Radar Controller
Type Vaisala Sigmet RCP8 with IRIS/Radar
Scan modes PPI, RHI, Volume, Sector, Manual
Local display Real time, ascope, BITE, products
Ref. B21081 1EN-D ©Vaisala 2012
This material is subject to copyright protection, with all
copyrights retained by Vaisala and its individual partners. All
rights reserved. Any logos and/or product names are trademarks
of Vaisala or its individual partners. The reproduction, transfer,
distribution or storage of information contained in this brochure
in any form without the prior written consent of Vaisala is strictly
prohibited. All specifications — technical included — are subject
to change without notice.
Digital IF Receiver and Signal Processor RVP900
Type Vaisala Sigmet RVP900
IF digitizing 16 bits, 100 MHz in 5 channels
Range resolution N*15 m
Number of range bins Up to 4200
Velocity dealiasing Dual PRF 2x, 3x, 4x
Range dealiasing by phase coding
Clutter filters fixed, adaptive or GMAP to >55 dB clutter
cancellation
High sensitivity STAR mode processing: >3 dB detection gain
System Performance
Modes STAR or LDR
Phase stability <0.1 deg rms
Maximum RhoHV >0.99
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