National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

The Lincoln Doppler radar dome was removed on the evening of October 30th, in order to replace the pedestal. The pedestal is responsible for controlling the movement of the receiving antenna. With the pedestal past its end of life, it was replaced with a factory refurbishment in order to keep the radar running into the 2030s. This was the first time the radar dome was removed since the radar was originally installed in 1995. 

The work was done at night because of breezy conditions that had been persisting for several days. 

Here's a look at the process. Besides the images below, we have a few short videos on our YouTube page. 

 

  • Before the dome is removed, straps are placed around it in order to attach it to the crane.
  • A close-up view of the lifting straps being attached to the radome.
  • Preparing to set the dome on the ground.
  • The dome sits on the ground. (Note the size of it compared to the person on the right.)
  • The old pedestal is removed from the tower.
  • A closeup on the pedestal that was removed.
  • The new pedestal is lifted onto the tower.
  • Finally, the dome is placed back on the tower.