The 10 cm wavelength polarimetric weather radar at NOAA´s National Severe Storms Laboratory

The Cimarron radar is located approximately 40 kilometers to the northwest of the NSSL´s main facility in Norman, Oklahoma. The remote facility consists of a 10-m antenna structure, transmitter, receiver, signal processor, auxiliary power source, and a computer system. The radar is operated by remote control using a 9600 baud dedicated communication line. Real-time data are transmitted to the central facility by a microwave link. The remote computer and communications equipment are maintained on an uninterrupted power supply to eliminate loss of control. A diesel generator can be remotely switched on to provide power to the entire system in case of power failure or interruptions caused by lightning. The transmitter power supplies, cooling equipment, and all high-power switches are controlled by the remote computer system. Antenna control is provided by a closed-loop servo system with an embedded microprocessor connected to the remote computer to allow efficient execution of complex scanning strategies