S-Pol Data Users' Guide

WISP04, NCAR Marshall Field Site
Feb/Apr 2004

1. Introduction
   • Project Description
   • The role of S-Pol
   • Links to other project information

2. Siting
   • Location
   • Radar and site photos

3. Dataset Description
   • Periods of Operation
   • List of Known Problems
   • Ka-band performance in WISP04
   • Processing Status and Preliminary Data Availability
   • Requesting Data
   • Parameters Available
   • S-Pol Datasets
   • Data Types and Formats
     • S-Pol DORADE
     • Value-added products
       • Precip accumulation
       • Particle ID
   • List of Data Tapes
   • Periods of special data collection

4. Practical Notes on Using the Data
   • S-Pol DZ/VE scan image archive (from preliminary data)
   • Clutter Filter and Test Pulse use
   • LDR thresholding

5. S-Pol Description
   • Physical layout
   • Receiver configuration
   • Parameter Calculations/Derivations
   • Internal computer network and data flow
   • Photos

6. Data Verification Issues
   • Ka band Reflectivity Calibration (with comparison to S-band)
   • S-band Reflectivity
   • Antenna Patterns (Ka and S-band)
   • Attenuation issues
   • Ranging and Pointing
   • Differential Reflectivity, Zdr
   • Linear Depolarization Ratio, LDR
   • Radial Velocity
   • Differential Phase, PhiDP
   • Miscellaneous

7. Corrections Made in Processing
   • Proposed corrections

8. Software Tools
   • Solo and the translators
   • Zebra

Appendices

1. Operators' Log
2. S-Pol Solar Calibration History