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RFI measurments at SKA sites in SA 2005/07/28
An essential part of testing the proposed sites for elements of the SKA is measuring existing levels of man-made radio signals, known to astronomers as radio frequency interference (RFI).
HartRAO is the base at which the South African RFI measurement systems have been developed for this project. The project is managed by Gerhard Petrick, with software control and operations by Paul Manners and electronic integration by Japie Greef. Mechanical construction has been in the hands of Andre van der Merwe and Attie van Wyk in the mechanical workshop.
ASTRON in the Netherlands are carrying out the cross-calibration of the RFI systems in each of the four bidding countries (South Africa, China, Australia and Argentina). Bou Schipper and Rob Millenaar from ASTRON visited South Africa with their RFI system in 2005 April. The report on their visit is on the SKA website.
This photo essay provides an update on the SA SKA
RFI work. An earlier stage of the work was reported on 2004/10/20.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Gerhard Petrick (SA-SKA)
The base station en route through the Karoo to the SA SKA core site.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Gerhard Petrick (SA-SKA)
Offloading the base station at the SA SKA core site.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Gerhard Petrick (SA-SKA)
Paul Manners setting up the monitoring software in the base station.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Gerhard Petrick (SA-SKA)
Typical Karoo day with the base station in action.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Gerhard Petrick (SA-SKA)
Monitoring continues in the evening.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Gerhard Petrick (SA-SKA)
Mobile station construction became the priority at HartRAO once the base
station was operational. The HartRAO Visitors Centre was used as an
impromptu low-RFI testing station for self emissions from the test
equipment. Here Paul Manners is seen on the left with Keith Jones. On the
right are Rodney Urban and Wenrich Villiers from MESA Solutions.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Paul Manners (SA-SKA/HartRAO)
The RFI measurement systems for the peripheral sites are built on
specially constructed trailers. This system is seen under test outside the
workshops at HartRAO before deployment in the field.
Click on image for LARGE version.
Credit: Keith Jones (HartRAO)
A mobile system was tested for self emissions in the anechoic chamber
of Houwteq near Cape Town.
