Student developed meteorological radar network for the western part of Puerto Rico: First node

This document summarizes the work done in developing the first node of a student designed X-band radar network in western Puerto Rico. The network proposed will improve coverage and resolution of the weather of western Puerto Rico through the implementation of low-cost and short-range radar systems. Modifications to commercially available Raytheon MK2 High Seas marine radars are presented as well as the sensitivity analysis performed. The modifications consisted of replacing the antenna, reducing the antenna pedestal's angular velocity, adding an internal calibration channel and replacing the data acquisition system. A case study where the initial data is compared with Nexrad and rain gauge data is presented. As a result, agreement between the three sensors was found. On the other hand, the resolution was improved more than 6 times when compared to NEXRAD. This will enhance the study of weather features in western Puerto Rico.