Design and manufacture of atmospheric radar systems

Adelaide University in South Australia has been involved in the development of MF, HF and VHF radar over many years. Direct involvement dates back to the early 1950's, when some of the first meteor observations were made in Adelaide. Commercial systems began to be produced from the mid-1980's onwards. This was first done by the Atmospheric Physics Group within the Physics Department of the University, and then by the University owned consultancy, Adelaide Radar Systems.

In 1995 an independent company, Atmospheric Radar Systems Pty Ltd (ATRAD) was formed to develop and manufacture commercial radar systems. Genesis Software Pty Ltd constructed Radar Data Acquisition Systems (RDAS's) for Adelaide University, for Adelaide Radar Systems and, later, for ATRAD on a sub-contract basis. Tomco Electronics Pty Ltd constructed various RF sub-systems for these same entities on the same basis. Both Genesis and Tomco were formed by technicians from the Physics Department of the University.

ATRAD holds an exclusive license from Adelaide University to use Intellectual Property (IP) and products developed by the Atmospheric Physics Group. Genesis Software and Tomco Electronics were shareholders in ATRAD from 1995 until 1997, and were so covered by the License Agreement during that time.

In 1997, ATRAD was restructured and Genesis and Tomco ceased to be shareholders. ATRAD embarked on a product development programme to replace and improve upon the data acquisition and RF sub-systems previously supplied by Genesis and Tomco. Genesis and Tomco continued as independent companies. They have no ongoing relationship with ATRAD and have lost access to the Adelaide University's intellectual property.

As a result of the 1997 restructure, ATRAD is able to provide a complete systems capability, ranging from the simplest turnkey radar system through to complex research radars. ATRAD is also able to design radar systems to meet specific research or operational requirements, supply and install complete radar systems or radar subsystems, provide maintenance contracts for new or existing radar installations and to provide scientific and data interpretation consulting services.