Jump to content

S-Band Radar


TennTV1983

Recommended Posts

A few days ago, WREG in Memphis began using a new radar system known as S-band doppler (dubbing theirs as Storm Tracker 3S), which is supposed to be more accurate and precise than other radar systems currently being used by other television stations. One of the meteorologists explained it as a system that until now was only being used by the military and the National Weather Service.

 

I guess the only two questions I have to ask are these:

  • Have other stations started using this system or are in the process of doing so?
  • Is S-band really worth the investment for TV stations?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In terms of other stations, KXAS is, but they seem to have been alone until this week. At the time that launched, it was just the third S-band radar to be running in the US by a broadcaster. The others were apparently WLS and WHO, with the latter being first.

 

KXAS concurs on the recent availability of S-band for broadcast radar and notes that the signal is less affected by rain.

 

It's probably only a worthwhile investment at this time for stations in areas known to have severe weather, particularly of the thunderstorm and tornado type.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

WFLA has an S-Band Radar. S-Band operates at a longer wavelength than C-Band radar, which most commercial entities utilize. S-Band reduces attenuation, the degrading of the radar signal as it moves away from the radar. It's like a near-sighted person putting on glasses. You can see farther with greater clarity.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using TVNewsTalk you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.