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1. Direct Observer Support:

• Still working to mitigate apparent NRQZ violations on the frequencies 451.45, 461.4, 464.900 and 464.925 MHz. Have been concentrating on getting the RFI truck equipped before doing site inspections. Initial contact has been made and everyone seems willing to cooperate.
• Working to achieve voluntary cooperation from a transmitter outside the NRQZ on 858.2875 MHz.
• Investigated interference report at 1417 MHz.

2. NRQZ (Zone 5) Administration:

• ERPd Restriction values amended PW 28MAR08

• Other:
  • Continue working with Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) and Virgina Tech (VT) on propagation model verification project.
  • Attended All Hands Meetings
  • Attended Electronics Division Planning Process Workshop
  • Provided two site tours
  • Participated in three site inspections
  • Participated in Observatory Spectrum Teleconference with NSF
  • Participated in RFI/EPO Meetings
  • Attended RFI Strategic Planning Meeting

3. WVRAZ:

• Have identified need to revisit the notion that NRQZ limits can be used in this zone. Will continue to work on limit comparison method and evaluation method for equipment in the WVRAZ.
• Continued monitoring for power line and cable TV RFI.
• At Frontier's request, crafted a letter for public consumption to be delivered by Frontier Communicatons in conjunction with their replacement of wireless modems in the 10 mile radius. The letter explains the necessity for this change. Am working with Frontier area manager on distribution.
• Met with business and EPO groups on 2/23/07 to discuss observatory actions in the WVRAZ.
• Became aware of possible lack of WVRAZ compliance at Soaring Eagle Lodge at Snowshoe. Any further action must be preceded by a revisitation of our evaluation methods under the WVRAZA, so this is on hold until we refine our methods.

4. On-Site RFI Mitigation (Zones 1-2):

• Provided interview material for Amy Henry's RFI video.
• Actuator Controller Cover installation completed.
• Anechoic Chamber testing:
  • 4/19/07 Focus and Rotation Drives for the 45 ft. telescope
• Time-O-Matic sign windows installed.
• Bulkhead installed for 1 of 3 shielded racks in the Education Center. Spoke with business management about removing telephone patch boxes from rack and with computer division about disconnecting and reconnecting fiber optic cables in rack. The rack in the auditorium will be worked on after the Summer tour season 07.
• Reviewed and edited RFI policy in connection with the Starquest event.

5. RFI Policy, Instrumentation, Reporting Mechanism, etc:

• GBT Monitoring Station
  • Gimbal installation re-scheduled through project planning process; Requested official "project" status after installation date was bumped.
• Requested official "project" status for RFI database. Amy took over the design of web based forms for data entry. Collaborated with Amy to coordinate prerequisites for getting this to a stage where Danielle Holstine, our Summer student, can work on the IDL display tool.
• RFI Monitoring Station at 40'
  • Replaced a .1-2.0 GHz amplifier that got killed by lightning with a 0.1-4.0 GHz amplifier provided by NSWC in conjunction with the propagation verification program.
  • Requested that the Sugar Grove Research Station provide a new communications receiver under the terms of the MOU and they have agreed to purchase an ICOM R9500-06 receiver that covers 0.005 to 3335 MHz. GSA price with options is approximately $13,000.00.
• RFI Truck
  • Finished installation of equipment rack, power inverter and 12 VDC power outlet strip. Also worked on equipment storage. Truck is functional but still needs work on amplifier and antenna installation. Met with Rick Fisher about the possible use of the RFI truck to do line of sight field strength measurements of a transmitter in connection with his RFI cancellation project.

6. Outreach:

• Installed the Faraday Cage, amplifier and spectrum analyzer in the tour center for use in the tour program. Still need for the computer division to install software to allow projection of the spectrum analyzer screen.

7. Other:

• Participated in Green Bank Strategic Planning Initiative meetings 3/21/07 and 3/22/07.
• Held RFI Group Stategic Planning Meeting on 3/27/07 to assess priorities
• Visited potential transmitter sites for propagation model verification feasibility study with representatives from VT and NSWC.