Weather

Strong winds and electrical storms are potential threats to the array. Although there are software and hardware failsafes in place for strong winds, it is recommended that the observer know that winds greater than 40km/h are detrimental to effective operation of the array, in which case the array should be stowed. In summer, thunderstorms are frequent, especially in the late afternoon. If lightning strikes are frequent, the generators should be enabled, for further information see the specific conditions. Note that the lightning will cause interference at low frequencies.

Higher frequency (3cm and above) observations using the 6km antenna can experience serious phase errors due to atmospheric turbulence. The problem becomes less serious with longer wavelength and shorter baselines. Atmospheric conditions tend to be most favourable during winter and at night.