Upgrade and Re-Deployment of the Telescope Array RADAR (TARA) Cosmic Ray Observatory Remote Stations

Abstract

The Telescope Array RADAR experiment is a bi-static radar search for Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR). Here we describe an upgrade and re-deployment of two of our detectors, which, owing to their isolation from the main detector apparatus on Long Ridge, Millard County, UT, are called the Remote Stations (RS). The upgrade described here comprises a total overhaul of the trigger and timing systems, with improvements in signal-to-noise ratio sensitivity of approximately 30 dB. Our new firmware-based trigger method is sensitive to expected signals at SNR of -4 dB at high efficiency. Bench-top tests indicate that this new system is sensitive to a Radar Cross Section (RCS) of order one square meter. Deployment of the overhauled stations took place in February 2016, with a planned data-taking duration of 3-6 weeks.