15 Sep 03

Monday 15 September 2003 - The Aquatic Hillcrest Radome

After breakfast at Gersfelder Hof, we stopped on the way to the radome for office supplies and miscellaneous necessities. We arrived at the site about 0830 and were allowed in with no problems. Sgt. Demel and Sgt. Beitz met us and we had a small talk. We toured the radome, found some things that we were unsure of (test equipment and spare parts) and got to work. Ron and Bill unpacked and inventoried the repaired parts shipment, everything was present and accounted for. I lugged the parts up the 59 steps to the array while they installed parts. The COTS shipment seems to be lost. It was delivered by DHL and signed for by someone that no one has ever heard of. We called Syracuse to try to track that down.

After lunch we installed more parts. We took the GFCI apart that had shorted out in the morning, and I looked around for a spare with no luck. Captain Haan arrived and we had a brief meeting. He would like a briefing every Tuesday at 1530, which is no problem. The Sgts. made arrangements for us to have access all the hours we need and gave us the necessary information to get in and out.

Sgt. Demel asked that we leave the radar off Sunday morning 1000-1200 if possible so that he can give a tour to some retired GAF officers. I will arrange that.

At 1700 we stopped to telecon with Syracuse and San Diego. We left the radome about 1830 hours and drove 45 minutes to Fulda to purchase some work equipment - trouble lights, extension cords, bulbs, converters, adapters, tie wraps, etc. Then 45 minutes back to Gersfeld. Here are today's photos:

This is the drive motor where the oil is leaking. There is oil leaking from the upper unit as well.

Bill installing the repaired parts from the frequency synthesizer. Notice the NYS licensed outdoor guide brought a head lamp to assist in working in the dark conditions.

Ron climbing down from the array service lift after a long day of installing transmitters and row receivers.

A few pictures from the catwalk around the outside of the radome. Above, the shadow of the radome as I look to the West.

The communications antennae on the left, and lots of gliders on the right.

Your humble correspondent is despondent after a long day climbing the 59 steps to the array with the equipment.