UMaXX is the UMass eXperimental X-band Radar. It operates from a 20 m tall tower atop Orchard Hill on the UMass Amherst campus. The radar's operating frequency is 9.41 GHz (or 3.2 cm wavelength), with a maximum operating range of 60 km. The radar produces a 2-degree wide beam, and the antenna rotates at approximately 2 revolutions per minute.
UMaXX is a dual-polarization radar, meaning it transmits and receives electromagnetic waves with both horizontal and vertical polarizations. This is useful for determining properties such as raindrop size/shape or precipitation type (rain, snow, mix).
UMaXX is also a Doppler radar, meaning it measures the velocity (along the radar's beam direction). This is useful for measuring winds in the presence of precipitation.