Rainfall events' correlation with S-band signal attenuation

In this work we present an accurate and cost-effective system for measuring S-band signal attenuation due to rainfall. The system is based on a pair of transmitter and receiver, operating at the lower limit of S-band, i.e. 2 GHz, separated at few meters distance and thus at any instant the rain's strength is uniform at this short path. The system is installed in two adjacent buildings inside University of Ioannina campus and at very close distance from the university's meteorological station. We present system's measurement modules as well as operating parameters. Finally, we present preliminary rain measurements for moderate, heavy, very heavy and extreme precipitation rates. Significant results, concerning correlation of the four precipitation rate cases with signal attenuation, are obtained.

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