CORAD.ORG

We built our first radar in 1977. It was an S band intensity only type with a CRT PPI display. It proved the value of the concept of live radar directed spotters for severe weather detection and tracking. In 1979 we received a grant from a local foundation to construct a new system with Doppler capability. We built this system on one acre of land owned by the Corsicana School District. It is housed in a 30 X 30 ft building, designed and built for the purpose. The transmitter is a FAA ASR-5 modified for weather radar use with all receiver components replaced. The dish antenna is 22 ft in diameter and is housed in a 28ft space frame radome atop an 80 ft tower. We process and display 150 meter range gates out to 250 miles. The intensity processor has 16 color levels and the Doppler processor (pulse pair type) has 14 levels and nominal zero. The useful Doppler range is about 125 miles. This system went on the air with intensity data in 1984 and Doppler data was available in 1985. It has stand-by power, police radio, ham radio, and microwave communications systems. We also communicate directly with the National Weather Service in Ft Worth via a special radio link. We furnish television radar display images to Northland Cable TV in Corsicana. In 1995 we procured the WSR-74C radar and tower from the NWS Waco, TX office when it was closed. We use this C band radar for general surveillance. Our organization is called Weather Radar Warning System Inc. and is a 501(c)3 non profit. We are all volunteers. We primarily serve Navarro, Hill, Ellis, Limestone and Freestone counties in North Central Texas. 

Lloyd Huffman, Project Director. 

Return to CORAD.ORG