Radar Operations Center

WSR-88D Hotline Links & Information

WSR-88D Tropical Cyclone Operations Plan (TCOP):

• 2024 Build 22.x WSR-88D Tropical Cyclone Operations Plan
• Build 22.x "Quick Check" List
• 2023 Build 21.x WSR-88D Tropical Cyclone Operations Plan
• Build 21.x "Quick Check" List
• The 2024 National Hurricane Operations Plan

ZDR Information:

• ZDR Shade Charts - Updated 05/01/2024
• Challenges of Resolving ZDR Bias Webinar (PDF) - Updated 05/2023
• How to Read Shade Charts - Build 20+ (PDF)
• Zittel et al. 2015 31st EIPT paper: GEOGRAPHICAL AND SEASONAL AVAILABILITY OF LIGHT RAIN, DRY SNOW, AND BRAGG SCATTER TO ESTIMATEWSR-88D ZDR SYSTEM BIAS (PDF)
• Zittel et al. 2014 8th ERAD extended abstract: Use of Hydrometeors, Bragg Scatter, and Sun Spikes to Determine System ZDR Biases in the WSR-88D Fleet (PDF)
• Ice et al. 2014 8th ERAD extended abstract: Challenges of Polarimetric Weather Radar Calibration (PDF)
• Cunningham et al. 2013 36th AMS Radar Conference: METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING SYSTEMATIC DIFFERENTIAL REFLECTIVITY (ZDR) BIASES ON THE OPERATIONAL WSR-88D NETWORK (PDF)
• Initial System Differential Phase Offset/Correction, ST22 (PDF)

VCP Information:

• VCP Comparison Table - Build 21 (PDF)
• VCP Information Sheet (PDF)
• VCP Charts: Precip Mode and Clear Air Mode

QPE Information - Click Here

AWIPS Information:

• Using RadarServer Config for Dedicated Backup Radars instead of OTRs/RMRs
• Instructions for Providing True Radar Backups
• Base Data Product Resolutions
• AWIPS RPS List Guidance
  • Related WDTD SOTM Presentation on VCP & RPS List Best Practices

Build 22 Information:

• Modification Note 231 for RDA Signal Processor (RSP) Refresh and RDA Build 22.0
• Modification Note 235 for RDA Calibration Laptop Refresh
• Software Note 180 for RPG Build 22.0
• Release Notes
• WDTD Build 22 Training
• MSCF/RPG Checklist (Sample MSCF/RPG shift checklists)
  • Also see the Shift Change Checklist product available once an hour on AWIPS via the AWIPS ID SCLxxx where xxx is the radar ID.

Build 21 Information:

• WDTD Build 21 Training
• Release Notes

Webinars:

• Available Webinars Provided by the Operations Branch

Updated ROC Recommended Transition Power Source (TPS) Operating Procedures (PDF). Click here.

Other Pages of Interest:

• A Guide to WSR-88D Data Quality Phenomena and Anomalies (PDF)
• New Radar Technologies
• Information on performing a QPE Assessment
• WSR-88D Clutter Suppression and Its Impact On Meteorological Data Interpretation by Chrisman, Rinderknecht, and Hamilton (PDF)
• Maintenance Manuals (Requires a NOAA login)
• Operations Manuals - including Guidance on Adaptable Parameter Handbooks

Papers of Interest:

• Evaluation of Clutter Residue Censoring on the WSR-88D Radar System
• The response of birds to abrupt natural hazards as observed using weather radar

Please Note: Hotline specialists will prioritize incoming assistance requests into two basic assistance request categories: Routine and Urgent

Urgent Priority: Requests for assistance in resolving conditions that may cause death, severe injury, major system damage, or prevent successful mission accomplishment. Hotline personnel will always give first priority to resolution of urgent requests.

Routine Priority: Requests for assistance in resolving conditions that do not meet urgent priority guidelines.

Contact the Hotline: The WSR-88D Hotline phone number can be found by clicking here. (Please note: You need to have a NOAA login to access this information)