KELO-TV, the CBS affiliate in Sioux Falls, SD, has replaced one of its three Doppler radars with a new dual-polarization broadcast radar from Baron Services. The station will now be able to identify (at neighborhood-level) where and what type of precipitation is falling across its coverage area, and more accurately predict weather patterns.
The station operates three full-power Doppler radars that are used to bring advanced warning to its extended coverage area. The advanced Guardian technology will allow the station to reduce cut-ins and crawls, while tailoring its coverage to the most affected areas
Unlike conventional Doppler radar systems, which transmit solely a horizontal beam, the Guardian radar emits horizontal and vertical energy, making detection of specific precipitation types much easier. The megawatt Guardian radar features 256 color levels, high resolution and hydrometeor classification.
In 2004, Baron Services teamed up with the University of Alabama in Huntsville and WHNT-TV, resulting in one of the first broadcast dual-polarization radars in the world. Since then, six other major-market stations have turned to Baron Services for its polarimetric radars.
Baron Services and L-3 Communications won a five-year, $43 million contract from the National Weather Service to provide design, development and production services for an upgrade of NEXRAD radars to the new dual-polarization capability.
For more information, visit www.baronservices.com.
View Baron Weather Services' Tornado Index at NAB2008
