read_prg does not load vertical polarization data

[jabravoaranda]

read_rpg provides 'HSpec', linked to horizontal polarization but 'VSpec', linked to vertical polarization, is omitted. This variable is also specified in the RPG software documentation (https://www.radiometer-physics.de/download/PDF/Cloud%20Radar/RPG-FMCW-Operation%20and%20SW_Manual.pdf). Could you add this variable in the next version? It would be so helpful.

Documentation:

• VSpec_1[n] float 4 x SpecN full Doppler spectrum (incl. noise), vertical pol., linear Ze

[siiptuo]

There are many versions of the radar and file format and, unfortunately, the newer documentation is not publicly available. It seems that VSpec was changed to TotSpec in the file format version 3.5:

The total spectrum is identical to the vertical polarisation spectrum for single polarized or LDR-mode radars. In the case of dual polarized STSR-mode radars, this spectrum represents the combined spectrum given in equation (2.11.13).

There is some code in rpgpy related to the dual polarized STSR-mode radars.

[jabravoaranda]

Thanks for the update. I will try to use the code you mention.