The PdBI and the 30-m participated under good conditions in the GMVA October session. The analysis at the MPIfR correlator in Bonn, Germany, has confirmed excellent fringes to the Plateau de Bure. Fringes to Pico Veleta have not been found by conventional means, but an extended search with the new MPIfR software correlator is under way. Short test observations are planned well in advance of the next Global session.
Some weeks after the Global VLBI session, the frequency standard on Pico Veleta underwent a maintenance operation. The active hydrogen EFOS-10 maser has been in operation since 1991, and was showing signs of aging in some important components. Thanks to the efforts of Juan PENALVER and Salvador SANCHEZ, the maser was stable and running smoothly during the Global VLBI session, but it was clear that the inner vacuum parts would need expert maintenance before the end of the year. This service was provided by the Neuchatel-based T4Science company.
EFOS-10's Palladium hydrogen filter was exchanged against the more recent Nickel technology, the dissociator was replaced, two new ion pumps were installed, and various optimizing adjustments were performed. The maser now enjoys a fresh start into (as we hope) many more years of operation.