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Latest
news regarding the AIRIS:
January 17th 2006:
AIRIS update: Noise source permanently switched off and AIRIS is receiving GOOD data.
January 16th 2006:
AIRIS update: AIRIS operational!!!
All provisional tests indicate that AIRIS has become a very good imaging riometer, and that it its performing better than expected!
January 11th 2006:
AIRIS
update: The final installation of AIRIS has started. This includes
installing receivers, beamforming circuitry (FPGA) and computer for
processing the data.
January 10th 2006:
AIRIS
update: Today we've had both GSM telecom companies housed in the
vincinity of the AIRIS array visiting our site to search for/eliminate
possible noisesources within their equipment racks. The investigation
revealed that the noise disturbing AIRIS came from a third radiosource
within the hut nextdoor to the AIRIS-array, and necessary steps has
been taken to eliminate this noise spreading from 29MHz to 40MHz at
-69dB in power.
The normal noise level at the site, wiothout this transmitter running is approx -94dB, so it's a huge problem.
December 12th 2005:
Array
update: All baluns (64) are now modified to minimize the probability of
misalignment during antenna tuning. All antennas tuned to 90 degr.
phaseshift between the crossed dipoles.
August
25th 2005:
Array update: All pre-amplifier boxes,
feedercables and balun patch leads are now in place. The AIRIS site
will now rest until the next stage of building the new Imaging Riometer
takes place later in September. Check the images
page for a look at the beautiful array from above!
August 22nd 2005:
Array update: The 64 feeder cables (about
3.5 km) and 64
masthead pre-amplifier boxes are now in place. The antenna baluns are
now all tuned up, but due to technical problems the 64 baluns will have
to be replaced before AIRIS can be operational. Eugene's left and Mark
is finishing up on Tuesday before departing back to Australia.
August 15th 2005:
Array update: Mark and Eugene from Genesis Software Pty
Ltd have finished the basic
AIRIS array. Next are balun tuning and feeder cables roll-out. Peter
Chapman from Lancaster
University (Dept. of
Comm. Systems) arrived yesterday and
will assist in the antenna tuning, as well as getting an overview of
the array that will be connected to their pre-amps and receivers later
in September.
We also identified a possible noise source at the site. At 37.8 MHz
(ARIS at 38.2 MHz) a piece of equipment located in the close vicinity
of the array is happily humming away, not knowing that it might create
problems for our dear AIRIS. Steps to remove the noise source has been
taken.
The AIRIS equipment hut will get power, network and heating later this
week.
August 11th 2005:
Array update: Mark and Eugene from Genesis Software Pty
Ltd are making good
progress with the AIRIS array, and they got good help from above today
since Andøya is showing off with a wonderful weather. 20
degr.
and sunshine!
August 8th 2005:
Array update: The process of mounting the 64
crossed dipoles
started today as planned. The work will last until the 19th,
and is carried out by Mark Hampton and Eugene Alexe from Genesis
Software Pltd. In Australia. Check to pictures
to see the work in progress.
June 15th 2005:
Array
update: The process of mounting the 64 crossed dipoles forming the
array will start on August 8th and end on August 20th. The work will be
carried out by the Australian company Genesis Software Pty
Ltd. The receivers,
pre-amplifiers and
processing electronics will be installed between August 15th and August
27th by staff from the Lancaster
University (Dept. of
Comm. Systems).
The
first operational test of AIRIS is set to be
performed at August 25th.
June
7th 2005:
Array
update: AIRIS gorund mesh is now in place.
May
25th 2005:
Array update: All support posts and anchors are now in place. The next
action will be to place out the 1500 sqm. ground mesh and gravel
topping. This work will commence on June 6th.
May
18th 2005:
Array update: The array groundworks has started at the AIRIS site.
Anchors are placed out and support posts are being erected.
May
9th 2005:
Array update: Some site adjustments are needed to ensure a final 0
degree North heading of the riometer array. Groundworks went just fine,
and the site is now ready for the next action.
April.
2005:
Riometer update: Shipment of array-related riometer parts has arrived
from Lancaster.
March
2005:
Array update: Shipment of ground mesh and array parts from Genesis
Software in Australia has arrived safely.
Jan.
2005:
Array update: Shipment of ground mesh and array parts from Genesis
Software in Australia is scheduled for Jan. 26th.
Riometer update: Production and testing of the riometer receivers and
beamshaping circuitry is on schedule in Lancaster, UK.
Dec.
2004:
The imaging riometer is scheduled to be finished in June 2005. The
initial ground preparations were
completed autum 2004. The site
will now be left to settle over the winter. The next step is to apply a
1500 sqm. ground mesh, erect 2 meter high support posts and make the
antenna anchors (concrete blocks). These works will be performed by a
local construction company due to the high accuracy needed by the
support posts forming the array structure.
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