Phone Conference Summary June 23 1998

Attending: Scott, Sutton, Shepherd, Wright, Mundy

   There was a short discussion of the memos by Shepherd and Mundy 
concerning 8-element arrays. There was general agreement that
8-element stars provided acceptable uv coverage compared to a T
or other simple arrays. Both memos restricted themselves to 
considering pad locations specified in the 16-element star memo of
July 1997. Unless there is an executive decision otherwise, we will
not spend effort optimizing pad locations for an 8-element array.

   There was a discussion about having the possibility of some number 
(M) of additional pads in the inner part of the star. These pads would 
be in addition to the pads specified for the B,C, and D star arrays. 
They are meant to give us flexibility to respond to future
scientific directions without submitting new EIS's. The idea is
to get permission to build up to "M" additional pads inside the
inner 50 to 100 meters of the center of the star, without specifying
the exact locations now. This would allow for future possibilities
like an "E" array (smaller than the D), reconsideration of inner
D-array pads to optimize coverage, or specialized arrays for some
yet-unknown scientific goal.

   Another EIS issue discussed was the need for a construction site for
the BIMA antennas. Mel and Lee estimated that an area of roughly
4 antenna diameters (20' x 80') was the minimum footprint needed to 
construct a single antenna. Given that more than one antenna might
be in construction at a time and allowing for movement of equipment, 
an area of 40' x 120' seems like a minimum. The possibility of
a construction building was also brought up. Steve planned to talk
to Dave Woody and Matt Flemming about these issues.

   Steve stressed that he needs exact locations for all pads. Debra and
Lee will work on a proposed absolute position for the star configuration.
Steve indicated that there would likely be interaction between the
star's absolute location and the optimal A-array pad locations. It was
agreed that the star configuration would be fairly highly constrained
by the topography of the main site.

   Modeling needs to be done to decide on the final the A-array pad
locations. Steve would like these ASAP. The constraints in considering
possible A-array pads include:(1) minimizing the number of new roads
by utilizing existing roads, (2) limiting the grade for movements to
pad to < 15 degrees, and (3) minimizing the cutting of trees. Lee and
Debra will look into pad locations.

   Considerations for possible operation as dual arrays were discussed.
The problem is that the two arrays might be co-located on UHF for
a year or two, but operating as separate arrays. In that case,
antennas may need to routinely pass by each other and there may be
the need to have both arrays in "D" configurations at the same time,
for example during the late spring or early fall. The present plan 
stated by Steve was to connect the pad with dirt roads which bypass 
the antenna pads, allowing antennas can move by each other. If 
the dual "D" array issue arises, the 2-3 extra pads might be built 
from the proposed "M" pad reserve.

Action Items:
=============
1. Debra and Lee will look into the best absolute location for the
   star configuration. They will talk with Steve on Friday June 26
   to report their progress.

2. Lee and Debra will look into A-array pad locations. Are there
   better locations given the various constraints?

3. Debra and Lee will look into how many "reserve" pads are reasonable
   and what area might be marked out for "reserve" pads.

NEXT MEETING: July 13, Monday, 11 am PST