The RCP8 is the radar antenna control component and is located in the penthouse of Clifford Hall on the University of North Dakota Campus.

January 2003

Manufacturer: Sigmet (Vaisala)

Computer Component: Custom Built Rack Mounted Computer

Description: The RCP8 is the computer that controls the digital signal of the antenna pointing angle. It controls the movement of the antenna.

Location: Rack mounted in the penthouse of Clifford Hall along the east wall next to the Radar1 computer.

Install Date: April 2010

RDA Version: 8.12.5

OS Release: 2.6.18-8.el5

Fall 2009 - Replaced internal redundant power supply

Fall 2009 - Replaced HDD

August 2010 - Replaced superMicro motherboard with Tyan motherboard and appropriate CPU and RAM. Upgraded CPU and to 2 GB RAM.

June 2010 - The computer randomly freezes up. In these times, the light on the front of the CDROM is light up constantly. The only way to recover is by cutting power to the machine and reboot. The CDROM was disabled in the BIOS to try and prevent this from happening again. Installation of a new motherboard has been discussed.

Aug 2010 - The computer has not froze up since the disabling of the CDROM in the BIOS. However, a motherboard, CPU, and memory has been ordered and is anticipated to be installed this month.

Aug 2010 - Replace placed the motherboard on the computer due to freezing up issue previously described. In doing so, the CPU and RAM had to be upgraded to match the specs on the new motherboard. This computer now has much of the governing hardware replaced and should be allowed to be upgraded in OS and software from this point forward.