Measuring rain intensity using radio equipment
Abstract
It is shown that radio wave attenuation in precipitation must be controlled during a comprehensive research of rain clouds using radio equipment. This enables to improve measurement accuracy of thermal radio radiation of cloud formations and to correlate liquid-water content in rain clouds and precipitation amount. The radio wave attenuation meter along the path is proposed to perform such measurement. The optimum path length is defined in view of antenna system parameters of radiothermal detection equipment and rain intensity in the area. The meter is a radio device based on short-range radar systems with passive response. It features the use of one microwave generator for a probing signal and a signal for the mixer. This is achieved by using linear frequency modulation of the microwave generator. The meter’s block diagram is presented with its operation description. Test results of the meter as part of a radiometeorological system are discussed.
