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My
work at Mawson
(part 3 of 4)
Friday 14th January 2000
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continued
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Another
big task Nick & I have over the summer is to upgrade the Ionosonde
Antenna. This is a big task because it requires us to change
the antenna elements on two 22 metre high antennas. We have
been sent down all the materials so we have to cut the new
lengths of steel cable and make up the antenna elements and
then put them in place. Then it involves climbing the antenna
and lifting the elements up to the top. There are two masts
- so we started on the receiver mast first.
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Looking down the 22 metres of the
Ionosonde Mast. Note the essential safety equipment connecting
me to the mast! |
| On
a quiet day with little wind, I climbed the mast and with Nick's
help hoisted the elements up to the top of the mast. If the
wind picks up to any more than 20 knots (37kph) we cannot climb
the tower because it gets too cold and dangerous - so we have
to wait for a fine day and work as long as it takes to get the
job done or until the wind picks up. The almost total daylight
helps because we can start work early and work late into the
night - ie 11.30pm and not have to worry about failing light.
I really enjoyed climbing the antennas because it gave me an
excellent view of the station and the surrounds. |
Self portrait up the Ionosonde mast.
East bay is in the background. |
A
view of Mawson from the top of the Ionosonde mast. Aeronomy (my
workplace) is the white building to the top left - with the Red
shed (living quarters) in the center of the picture.
Email continues in part 4
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