The Ka-band (35GHz) cloud Radar on Van (KaRaVan) is an active sensors mainly used for the characterisation of the cloud evolution and triggering of precipitation. KaRaVan was conceived since 2010 by ISAC-Bologna and assembled by the Advanced Radar Company.
Measured quantities:Co polar reflectivity factor (Zhh), Linear Depolarisation Ratio (LDR), Doppler Velocity (V), Doppler spectral width (W).
Applications: The fields of use of a Ka band radar include:
- Identification of cloud bottom and top.
- Microphysical characterisation of snowfall
- Fog detection
- Insect migration
Technical details
Transmitter: - magnetron, peak power 150KW -Frequency 34-35 GHz -PRF from 0 to 2.0 KHz -pulse width 0.5 microsec -duty cycle 0,0005 -PRT constant or staggered -wave guide pressure 40 psi (nitrogen) Antenna specifications -two front feed parabolic circular reflector -Diameter 1,2 m -Tx polarisation: linear horizontal, Rx polarisation:dual linear or circular (selectable) -beam width 0.5 deg 3dB -Antenna gain larger than 50 dB, Side lobes less than 25 dB. Receiver specifications-HiQ dig receiver by Quinstar -Noise floor -112 dBm -Noise figure less than 6 dB -dynamic range larger than 80 dB.
Operation: supervised. Temporal repetition: 1 min
measurements availability: No
Networking: No.
Experimental campaigns:-
contacting person: (from Aug. 2018) Mario Montopoli (m.montopoli [at] isac.cnr.it ())
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