Report #2

Dear all,

we arrived on 21/Nov in the morning at Concordia station (UTC+8). The flight was shorter than the time shift, so Thursday was our first day for acclimatization to the altitude. Just after arrival we were asked into the station and the unloading of our equipment was done by the station's team. The only duty that day was a safety station tour by the station leader.

On Friday we got all our equipment into a work shelter and started on Saturday to check all rack components visually before testing the digital part of the VHF system. The field server, on which the data will be processed, was also tested successfully.
We also inspected the new PB100 and discussed with the vehicle technicians the options for routing the antenna cables into the cabin and where the two generators could be installed.  The cables will be guided inside through vent opening in the upper right side of the cabin. For the two generators the stations' technicians will build a structure attaching to the jerry can fittings on both sides of the cabin.  

Unfortunately, we cranked down the oven in the work shelter too much, so we had a cold and slow start. Having everything heated up again, we continued testing, this time focussing on the analog HF components.

Parallel to the tests of the radar, the navigation system was tested static in the shelter.

Once the antenna panels arrive at Dome C, we will perform a static test including the antennas in front of the work shelter before taking everything to the camp at LDC. However, the complete set-up of the VHF radar, including the antenna sledge, will be done at LDC. Thus we hope for a first new data collected along some Dolores lines at the end of the forthcoming week.

 

Concordia, 24/Nov

Report #1

Dear all,

on 13/Nov we arrived exactly one week later than originally scheduled and on 14/Nov a first piece of our equipment has arrived at McMurdo, too. We are now patiently waiting for the remaining equipment to arrive.

Today, two LC-130 flights have made in late afternoon/early evening to McMurdo. In case our gear is on board, the earliest date for the Basler flight to Dome C might be Wednesday, however, Thursday (21/Nov) is more likely.
We have talked to the supporting people on site and they are aware of our tense schedule for the measurements.

McMurdo, 17/Nov