Attenuation due to hydrometeors at 58 GHz on 850 m path

TESTCOM started the electromagnetic wave propagation research at 57.650 GHz with V polarisation in December 2000. The length of the experimental path is about 850 m. Since October 2002, this research has been extended to measurements at 57.250 GHz with H polarisation exactly on the same path. The research is focused on attenuation due to hydrometeors. Attenuation data obtained was processed over a 3-year period from October 2002 to September 2005. Rain intensity data from heated siphon raingauge records was statistically processed over the same periods as was the hydrometeor attenuation data. The cumulative distributions of attenuation due to individual hydrometeors for different periods of observation are given. Influence of individual hydrometeors on attenuation is assessed. Year-to-year variability is shown. The cumulative distributions of rain attenuation obtained are compared with the calculated ones in accordance with the relevant ITU-R recommendations. The results obtained are discussed.