Title:

Precise Positioning an Antenna Array for Lightning Imaging

Radio Interferometer for Thunderstorm Studies (RIFTS) is a method of imaging lightning that uses an array of 8 broadband radio antennae, which can be arranged in different configurations to optimize for capturing different frequencies. The resolution of the image is greatly affected by the precision with which the array is positioned. Typical consumer grade navigation GPS has a positional accuracy of about 5 meters, making them unsuited to the task. Trying to position the antennae by hand using geometry has the potential for the necessary precision, though it would take far too long. Making use of Real Time Kinematics (RTK), a type of differential GNSS, and computer calculations, it is possible to lower the positional error by 2 or more orders of magnitude from consumer GPS. These tools help us to create a consistent method for placing different array configurations with the necessary precision for high resolution images. This method is both effective and highly repeatable, making it well suited for repositioning the antenna array.

Name

Comment*

Comments are viewable only by submitter

Captcha*