Low Cost and Minimal Infrastructure Off-The-Grid X-Band Radar Network Development for the West Coast of Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Test Bed (PRTB) is part of the CASA NSF Engineering Research Center, and is currently focused on developing Off-the-Grid (OTG) X-band low infrastructure and low cost radar networks in the west coast of Puerto Rico. These radars will fill lower atmosphere gaps (< 2 km) not covered by current technology. The radar units operate using solar energy and ad-hoc wireless networks, and provide data with improved temporal and spatial resolution. Currently, there is a concern among National Weather Service forecast meteorologists and emergency managers regarding the need for more accurate radar data from the lower layers of the atmosphere. In this particular region, the earth's curvature impedes weather observations due to the long ranges covered by today's current technology. This is the case in the western region of Puerto Rico. The CASA OTG network consists of three radar nodes, whose locations are strategically selected to cover the desired area. These radars were developed from commercially available marine navigation radars. They measure precipitation with the resolution required to meet scientific needs and to also complement measurements taken with the current NWS NEXRAD radar. This low-cost, low-infrastructure X-band weather radar network will aid with forecasts for any region of the world that is in need of observing the lower atmosphere and has limited resources. This paper will provide an overview of system design and development and initial results of the CASA OTG radar network in Puerto Rico.