Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory 151MHz Project

I would like to update everybody on the status of the 151MHz project at the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory.

At the present time the project has been stopped, due to illness with members of our development team, problems of access to the site following a serious security breach and changes to the management of the MRAO site.

Despite these difficulties, Peter King had put in a tremendous effort during the early part of the summer to once again bring a significant portion of the telescope into operation. In addition we had virtually completed testing of the data delivery path, transporting data files from the telescope to Martyn Kinder's server, ready for import into the
Starbase database. The last report from Peter, when we had access to the site, indicated that five of the seven aerials appeared to work fully, with both RA and declination control and working receivers. One aerial was not responding to control and one has problems with the received signal, probably due to cable/feed faults.

The project is now hanging in the balance. If we are to proceed, we need to be able to put forward a project plan to the MRAO, including details of the development team, objectives, timescales and an assessment of the MRAO resources required to complete and support the work.

The current team has been depleted by illness and new working practice on site prohibit a person working alone. So this is a call for help. We need new people to continue this work if our proposal is accepted.

Specifically we have a need for, two or three people ideally in the Cambridge area, who are reasonably skilled in electronics and radio engineering, are practical and most importantly can put in a significant commitment to time over the next three months.

We have estimated at least half a day per week for three months and the ability to coordinate this with the other core on-site team. This almost inevitably mean working over the weekend. It is possible that we may get the telescope running and an observation program started.quickly, which
could reduce the demand on time. However there will still be an ongoing support requirement after that.

Please think carefully before volunteering, we fully understand that we all have lives outside astronomy and this is a hobby, not a job for us. Unlike most of the other projects that the RAG will be involved with, where we have the luxury of setting the pace and scope of the work, the 151 project has these influences largely set by elements beyond our immediate control. The best we can hope for is to manage the expectations to match our abilities to copy with them.

Finally, we have to be realistic and make a decision as to whether or not we can go with the project. We will need to submit a note of our intent by the end of the week, so if anyone can help could you please contact us by Thursday morning to give us time to draft our response.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Trevor Sutton

Email: trevor at opecsystem.com
Managing Director
OpecSystem Limited

British Astronomical Association Radio Astronomy Group (BAA RAG)
http://www.britastro.org/radio/

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