On 1 September 1998 the 30m telescope was stopped for astronomical observations for nearly two months to carry out the largest technical work since the telescope was built. The receiver cabin is in the process of being completely refurbished with new receivers, IF and LO systems, optics, calibration system, mechanical supports, electrical installation, new floor etc. This large and coordinated effort involves many groups both from Granada and Grenoble (such as the receiver, workshop, computer, logistic and astronomy groups).
The receiver cabin is now prepared to accomodate a total of 8 receivers (4 dual channel dewars) covering the 3mm, 2mm and 1.3mm (low and high) atmospheric windows. The cabin is also ready for the future installation of the 9 pixel (later 18 pixel) 1.3mm imaging receiver (under construction in Grenoble).
Two dual channel dewars with two 3mm and two 1.3mm receivers are being installed (see Sec. 1 above) and the "old" 2mm receiver will added to the new system. They should be available during the coming winter (1998/99). In a second step (probably in summer 1999), the receiver cabin will be equipped with two more dual channel receivers covering the 2mm and 1.3mm (high) windows. In the final setup, 4 receivers out of 8 can be used simultaneously.
In parallel to the work in the receiver cabin, a number of other activities are carried out during September/October making use of the night time and access to the telescope (which is usually not easy due to the high demand for observing time). During September, the 40 GHz holography receiver was installed in the prime focus and used to investigate the main reflector surface quality and thermal deformations. A new wobbler control system under VME could be thoroughly tested and improved. Other maintenance and repair activities (such as repairing a whole in the antenna cladding caused by a lightning) are also performed during this period.