© Lofar

The upgrade of SE607 started in April 20 with the decommissioning of LOFAR1 by the team at the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO), see https://www.astron.nl/dailyimage/main.php?date=20260501.

A first team from ASTRON: Steyn Hulshof and Xander Blaak, visited on April 28 to install the LOFAR2.0 station switches (data, network and control). The upgrade to the network connection from Onsala to Groningen to 10Gbs, was prepared in the months before.

On May 18, a second team from ASTRON: Henri Meulman, Sjouke Kuidersma, Ronald Schrik, and Scott Polotto, travelled to complete the station integration.

We were welcomed on the morning of Tuesday 19 by the Onsala colleagues. After and introductory meeting to get to know each other and discuss the plans for the week, and a well deserved coffee, we could start with the hard work. The LOFAR2.0 subracks and power supplies were installed and the installation of the coaxial cables began.

On Wednesday 20, the coaxial cables were finalized and floor panels were placed back into their position.

On Thursday 21, the station integration tests were completed and the installation finalized.

Constant support from the teams in Dwingeloo ensured the swift solution of any issues. Team Ruby, ICT, Observers, and Verification team worked well into the evenings to make sure the station was left in good condition by the end of the week.

Thanks to the good preparations done by the OSO team, the coordination between ASTRON and Onsala, the support from Dwingeloo, and the enthusiasm and commitment from the rollout team, the upgrade happened with no major problems.

Special thanks for the hospitality provided by Roger Hammargren, Henrik Olofsson and colleagues.

Overall, the upgrade of the first station was a good experience that gives further confidence to proceed. The Next station will be PL612.