Bill and David noticed that the current draw on the 449[MHz] wind profiler was lower than usual despite receiving good data values on the science side of things. This prompted testing the power output of several of the antenna sections via a power meter and antenna patch with ample attenuation in-between. After learning the correct methods to place and align the patch antenna in order to conform with the radar's polarity, all three main antennas had 2 of their 18 sections tested. 4 sections read approximately 33.75[dBm] or 2.37[watts], while 2 sections read approximately 15[dBm] or 1[watt]. These are rather far off from the expected 49.19[dBm] or 83[watts] that each section should theoretically be blasting into space. (1.5[kw] total divided by 18 sections = 83.33[watts] per section = 49.19[dBm] per section). This all seems to indicate a severe drop in power, but with how good the data appears, this doesn't seem very likely. Potentially an issue with the test setup coupling between antenna and patch antenna as different cables, attenuators, and couplers were tested as well. Since the data is the goal, we decided to wait until a more opportune time to test these issues and have left the 449 alone for the time being. Similarly, we measured the amplifier output of the 915[MHz] profiler. Currently it appears to be running fantastic, outputting 56[dBm] or 400[watts] as expected.
Most importantly, the bagels provided by the Best Western hotel are of decent quality. Issues arose however, as they had diminished their cream-cheese resources by the time I had acquired one. This then required an impromptu field-repair in which peanut butter and jelly were utilized to salvage the breakfast sandwich into an improvised lunch device. Thankfully, this was a great success. Further testing may be required before data validation.
Photo: Tonopah local interested in weather science.
