Hartebeesthoek (Hh) Station Report - TOG Meeting - April 2009 Following the failure of the main polar shaft bearing on 3 October 2008, the 26m has been locked into a meridian transit position, which precludes us from recording useful VLBI data. As yet there are no viable propositions for repair of the 26m. Quotations for a replacement 25m class telescope are being sought (and alternative siting possibilities evaluated.) In the interim we are tooling up to use the 15m KAT prototype antenna with a cooled dual S/X prime-focus receiver for geodetic VLBI operations. Session III - October/November 2008: No participation due to 26m telescope bearing failure. Session I - February/March 2009: No participation due to 26m telescope bearing failure. Mark5A Recorder: Although we have procured all the components necessary for the conversion of the recorder into a Mark5B, we will postpone making such a change until after we are able to produce VLBI data again. We have, however, upgraded to the new 'Etch' based operating system in the interim. Mark 4 Terminal: Similarly components necessary for the conversion of the Mark4 formatter into a VSI sampler suitable for use with a Mark5B recorder have been purchased but not installed, pending the conversion of the Mark 5 recorder itself. No significant repairs/upgrades were done to the terminal over this period. Frequency Standards: HartRAO continues to operate on our new EFOS-C maser (EFOS-28) which has performed flawlessly since its installation over five years ago. Our old EFOS-A maser (EFOS-6) is still non-functional, with the replacement of the internal vacion pump still pending. Telescope Surface: There has been no further progress on this issue since the last TOG meeting, holographic mapping of the remaining surface errors has obviously stalled for the moment. Receivers: There have been no changes to our receivers since the last TOG meeting, and the L-band receiver is still awaiting re-installation following the replacement of both of the cryogenice LNAs (after the failure of the RCP HEMT amplifier.) Other Hardware/Software: Field System: FS9.10.2 running on FS Linux 7 (Debian "etch") kernel 2.6.18-6 Mark5A version: 2007y222d02h running on Debian "etch" kernel 2.6.18-6 Computer (and hence FS) control of the secondary reflector position to enable fast switching between all the available receivers is now operational, but the proposed upgrade to a physical linear position encoder has been postponed. J.F.H. Quick 15 April 2009