Radiometrics Corporation

Since its inception in 1986, Radiometrics has pioneered the development of ground-based microwave radiometry instruments and applications. More than 300 of Radiometrics’ radiometers are in operation worldwide. Proven, patented designs ensure optimum long-term, all-weather performance for research and operations.

The MP radiometer in the photo above was delivered to NOAA in 1989. It has been operating continuously since that time on the NOAA Research Vessel Ron Brown, demonstrating the long life of Radiometrics’ radiometers.

Outdoor electronic equipment providing accurate, reliable service for more than a quarter century is seldom found. Long-term accuracy, reliability, and customer support are hallmarks of Radiometrics’ radiometers.

Atmospheric Profilers
Because of the value of accurate, timely weather prediction to almost all human endeavors, Radiometrics has focused primarily on measuring and understanding thermodynamic phenomena in the Planetary Boundary Layer, where most weather events occur. The boundary layer, ranging from several hundred to thousands of feet in height, is where we reside, immersed in an atmospheric fluid (air). Better — both temporal and spatial — boundary layer temperature, humidity and thermodynamic data are needed to improve weather models, and local and high-impact weather prediction.

Radiometrics’ thermodynamic profiling radiometers provide continuous temperature and humidity soundings with accuracy equivalent to radiosondes, plus liquid profiles. Optional software packages simplify radiometer operation and calibration, providing traditional forecast indices and tools in familiar meteorological format. Radiometrics offers two product lines for atmospheric measurements:

• The MP Series radiometers include the 3000A water vapor, temperature and liquid water profiler, 2500A temperature profiler, and 1500A water vapor profiler. The MP series radiometer includes an internal elevation positioner, surface temperature and relative humidity measurements, control computer with operating software, and GPS-precision time stamp as standard; options include an infra-red thermometer (IRT) for measuring cloud base height and an azimuth postioner for additional observing angles. Instrument operation is straightforward using the easy-to-understand command set. Optional software tools simplify system operation and provide atmospheric profiles and forecast indices in familiar meteorological formats. The MP-Series complies with MIL-STD-461C. The software tools include industry standard skew-t (aka log-p, tephigram) plots.

• The PR Series radiometers deliver optimum performance in a highly portable, modular configuration. These single-band instruments are smaller and very ruggedized. For atmospheric measurements, two models are available: the PR-2230 (K-band, 22 to 30 GHz) and the PR-8900 (W-band, 89 GHz). The two instruments can be purchased with matched antenna beamwidths.

Boundary Layer Network

Radiometrics and Earth Networks have teamed to create the World’s largest “boundary layer” network of Radiometers. Customers may buy data, rather than radiometers, and never worry about maintenance or operational costs. Various data visualization and forecasts tools are also included.

Surface Remote Sensing Radiometers

The PR Series single-band, dual-polarization radiometers deliver optimum performance in a portable, modular configuration. Designed to meet the demands of research and operational applications, these radiometers are proven performers in the world’s more extreme environments and weather conditions. Down-looking applications include soil moisture, snow depth and snow-water equivalent measurements, sea ice age, and sea surface salinity.  Radiometrics offers dual-polarized PR radiometers at 1.4 GHz, 10.65 GHz, 19 GHz, 36.5 GHz, and 89 GHz.

Services

Radiometrics wants radiometers to provide value to customers. Excellent customer service is dear to us.

Applications

There are many weather challenges that radiometers can take on, from augmenting weather balloon soundings for data to feed into “data-hungry” weather models, to fog predictions, to air quality measurements and predictions, to utility load forecasting and wind farm management, to a variety of proprietary applications. The following is a small sample of weather challenges our radiometers address:

Air Quality
Decision Making
Forecasting
Nowcasting
Predicting Lightning
High-Impact Local Weather Alerts
Automated Weather Alerts
Weather Modification
High Wind Warning System
Radiometers are also useful for non-weather related applications, such as sensing characteristics of snow pack, vegetation, soil moisture, and chemical plumes.