CSU-CHILL is used to study atmospheric principles and precipitation on a small scale with the use of two frequencies. It has a transmitter consisting of both S and X-bands, both using a klystron. Each transmitter can individually transmit its respective frequency through its own feed horn onto the 9m offset parabolic antenna. This configuration also aids in the ability to gather samples from various polarizations. From these, the type of precipitation can be easily discerned.[5]
CSU-CHILL is protected by a pneumatic dome, and is close to its control buildings.[6] It is often positioned near Greeley, Colorado, but is semi-mobile, so that it is movable in separate pieces, and can be quickly assembled or disassembled to participate in a field study.[7]