[IGSSTATION-4350] BRMU meta data error without a simple solution

[Giovanni Sella]

Author: Giovanni Sella

Dear Colleagues,
  I have become aware of an error in the site log for station BRMU, but 
after quite a bit of research and consultation an obvious solution does 
not exist.

  The radome UNAV that was at the site is no longer there. We have 
pictures (geodesy.noaa.gov/CORS type in BRMU) taken in December 2006 
that indicate there is no radome on the antenna. We have been able to 
confirm with retired personnel that installed the equipment that they 
are quite sure that the antenna and radome were installed back 
2003-03-12. This is consistent with paper records within NGS and the IGS 
mail information. What is unknown is when the radome was removed, blown 
off between 2003 and December 2006. We do know that hurricane Florence 
hit Bermuda on 6 September 2006 and may have resulted in the radome 
being removed. There is no offset present in any NGS or other analysis 
groups time-series to pinpoint the data that the radome may have been lost.

  We have reprocessed selected data after 2003-03-12 using a PCV with 
and without the radome hoping to find an obvious cross-over point in the 
time-series, but that failed.

  In discussion with IGS ACC and IGS08 RF group I'm asking the community 
if they have any information or advice to give to identify the break. I 
will allow for 2 weeks i.e. Friday 29 April 2011 for anyone to give me 
feedback. If no solution is presented I will update the log to reflect a 
loss of the radome on 2006-09-06 the data of Hurricane Florence (i.e. 
adding a section 4.3).

  I apologize for this error and the inability to identify the problem 
sooner and when it might have occurred.

  I look forward to your comments/suggestions.

  Giovanni
-- 
Giovanni Sella, Ph.D.
CORS Program Manager,
NOAA-National Geodetic Survey  For EXISTING CORS:
SSMC3-8716, 1315 E-W Hwy.        ngs.corscollector @ noaa.gov
Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA   For PROPOSED CORS:
Tel 001-301-713-3198x126         ngs.proposed.cors @ noaa.gov

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/Establish_Operate_CORS.html