Equipment
CODAR utilizes a compact antenna system that consists of crossed loops and a whip for receiving and a whip for transmitting radio pulses. The system can be transported by vehicle and it is capable of being operated from a portable power supply (for modern instrumentation it is recommended a minimum capacity of 1050 Wat. CODAR is capable of operating in virtually all weather conditions (it is tolerable a temperature from 0°F (-18°C) to 90°F (32°C) and the relatively small dimensions of the antenna system consent CODAR deployment even in highly populated and rocky coastal areas. However, as the signal is rapidly attenuated by land, the antenna has to be mounted as close to the surface water as possible.
The Operating Frequency Range of modern equipments goes from 3 to 50 MHz and it can be programmed for unattended operation for periods of up to two weeks.
The main equipment is cabled to the electronic segment, that is housed near-by in a sheltered environment and contains the system hardware, where information is stored. A minicomputer controls the radar and processes the signals and the operator can communicate with the system through a portable keyboard terminal.
The raw spectral data can be processed on-line to obtain real-time outputs and the final data products can be displayed on a graphics terminal or outputted to a hardcopy plotter. Otherwise, off-line processing at a later date can be accomplished.
Read more about this topic: Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar
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