NWS Pueblo Radar Bull Gear Replacement

NWS Doppler Radar at Pueblo, CO is being repaired...

The Pueblo National Weather Service radar recently experienced a major mechanical hardware failure. The failure of the azimuthal bull gear resulted from natural wear and tear from over 22 years of use.

Repair of this part can take up to 10 days, and began Monday, September 18th.

The bull gear is a primary component for rotating the doppler radar antenna. This is located in the radar pedestal. In order for the bull gear to be replaced, the entire antenna assembly has to be lifted to gain access to the bull gear. All equipment and parts (total weight around 15,000 pounds) will be lifted into the dome via a winch.

We will provide images of our radar repair, but in the meantime, here are some images of the NWS Binghamton, NY radar site, which experienced the same mechanical failure as NWS Pueblo's radar. Click on an image for a larger view.

Motors to lift the radar antenna and counter weights. The antenna and counter weights are just over 4000 pounds.	Separating and bull gear starting to become visible.
Just a little higher.	Damaged bull gear exposed.
Old bull gear.	New bull gear.
Radar's pedestal. Note the jacks on either side. Not shown are two winches above the pedestal.	This is an image showing where the separation will occur. The antenna was lifted and separated where the blue collar is shown.
Some of the equipment at the base of the radar.