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Routine Cleaning of Weather Radar Radome

Basic, non-certified maintenance guidance for safely cleaning the weather radar radome exterior

Overview

This article describes how site personnel can carry out basic external cleaning of the weather radar radome on WR110 and WR2120 systems.

It covers only routine, low-risk cleaning tasks.
It does not include internal inspection, disassembly, repairs, alignment, or adjustments.

The radar must be fully shut down before anyone approaches the radome.
Radar transmission presents a radio frequency (RF) radiation hazard if the system is operating.

Who this is for

  • Site operators and facilities personnel

  • Maintenance staff performing visual inspection and external cleaning only

This article is not for:

  • Certified radar engineers

  • Internal radome access

  • Electrical, RF, or mechanical servicing

Prerequisites

  • You have site authorisation to access the radar area

  • You know how to stop and power down the radar system

  • Weather conditions are safe (no lightning, high winds, or ice)

  • Access equipment (ladder, platform) is safe and secure if required

Safety notes

  • Always stop radar transmission and power down the system before approaching the radome

  • RF radiation can cause serious injury if the radar is transmitting

  • Never open the radome

  • Do not climb, lean on, or strike the radome surface

  • Do not perform cleaning during thunderstorms or when lightning is forecast

  • If any damage is observed, stop and escalate to WISE Group or an authorised service provider

Model-specific shutdown notes (WR110 and WR2120)

This procedure applies to both WR110 and WR2120 weather radar models.
The required safety outcome is the same for both systems: radar transmission must be stopped and power removed before anyone approaches the radome.

Common requirements for both models

For WR110 and WR2120, all of the following must be true before approach:

  • Radar transmission is stopped using the operator interface

  • The radar is placed in STBY / Stop Radar state

  • Power to the Antenna Unit is switched OFF at the breaker

  • Antenna rotation has fully stopped

  • A short wait period is observed before approach

Important differences to be aware of

  • User interface and wording

    • WR110 and WR2120 use similar RainMap controls, but menu layout and wording may differ by software version.

    • Always confirm the radar is stopped, not just visually idle.

  • Transmission vs rotation

    • On both models, antenna rotation stopping does not guarantee that RF transmission is disabled.

    • Software stop and physical power isolation are required.

  • Power isolation

    • Final safety on both models is achieved only when power to the Antenna Unit is isolated at the breaker.

    • Software shutdown alone is not sufficient for safe access.

What site personnel must not do

  • Do not assume one model shuts down differently from the other

  • Do not rely on antenna movement, sound, or display updates as confirmation

  • Do not open the radome or access internal components

If there is any uncertainty about the radar state, do not approach the radome and escalate.

Step-by-step

1. Shut down the radar system

  1. From the Data Processing Unit (DPU), stop radar operation.

  2. Confirm the radar is no longer transmitting.

  3. Place the radar in STBY / Stop Radar state.

  4. Turn OFF the breaker supplying the Antenna Unit (and associated radar power).

  5. Visually confirm the antenna is not rotating.

  6. Wait at least 5 minutes before approaching the radar.

2. Prepare cleaning materials

Use only:

  • Clean water

  • Mild, non-abrasive detergent (if required)

  • Soft cloths or sponges

Do not use:

  • Abrasive pads or brushes

  • Solvents, alcohol, petrol, or strong chemicals

  • Pressure washers or high-pressure hoses

3. Inspect the radome

  1. Walk around the radome and perform a visual inspection.

  2. Look for:

    • Dirt, salt, bird droppings, or pollen buildup

    • Cracks, dents, or surface deformation

  3. If cracks, delamination, or structural damage are found:

    • Stop work

    • Record the issue

    • Escalate for certified inspection

4. Clean the radome exterior

  1. Wet the radome surface with clean water.

  2. Gently wipe using a soft cloth or sponge.

  3. Use mild detergent only if dirt cannot be removed with water.

  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

  5. Allow the radome to air dry naturally.

5. Final check

  1. Ensure no tools or materials are left near the radar.

  2. Confirm the radome surface is clean and undamaged.

  3. Clear the area before re-energising the system.

Validation / What “good” looks like

  • Radar was fully powered down during the task

  • Radome surface is visibly clean

  • No scratches, cracks, or impact marks are present

  • No alarms or faults are introduced after restart

Troubleshooting (symptom → cause → fix)

  • Radome still dirty after cleaning
    → Heavy contamination or staining
    → Repeat cleaning with mild detergent; do not increase force

  • Visible crack or deformation
    → Environmental damage or impact
    → Stop work and escalate for certified inspection

  • Radar alarms after restart
    → Unrelated system issue coincident with maintenance
    → Follow standard startup checks or escalate to WISE Group

FAQ (optional)

Can we clean the radome while the radar is running?
No. The radar must be stopped and powered down before anyone approaches the radome.

Can we open the radome to clean inside?
No. Internal access is for certified personnel only.

How often should the radome be cleaned?
As required based on local conditions (for example coastal salt, dust, or birds). Typical intervals are quarterly or biannually.