BOM YPAD RADAR Replacement

Q: Why is the old unit being replaced?

A: Due to its age and components plus a spectrum change is required. New technology also allows training in much shorter times than the old unit. Training on the old 44 took about 16 weeks. The new unit only requires 3 weeks of fault finding training and another 3 weeks for operation.

Q: Will the new unit be similar in design?

A: No, the new unit is under a fibreglass dome and therefore protected against the elements. It will not need to drive the dish against the wind. The drive motors will not need to be anywhere near the size of the old unit. For instance the old azimuth drive motor was around 35kgs whilst the new one you can lift easily with one hand.

Q: How heavy was the old 44 unit?

A: Approximately 3 tonnes.

Q: How heavy is the new unit?

A: TBA

Q: What does this RADAR do exactly?

A: Prior to 2005 the radar was used to track weather balloons and create the usual radar sweep of precipitation that we see from current radars. After 2005, when Buckland Park came on line the airport unit was only used to track weather balloons.

Q: Why is the operating frequency being changed?

A: This is at the request of the ACA to accommodate latest spectrum usage requirements.

As 5DME gather information and footage regarding this upgrade we will add the information to the web site. Once complete a page will be dedicated to the change-over.