Deploying the test tiles

Today the two test tiles were placed on the site. A snow-plough lorry with a loader crane was used to lift the tiles into position. For the tile that was put directly onto the ground, this was moderately straightforward. However, the raised frames made things somewhat more tricky.


Once the tiles were in place, the lids and covers could be applied. We'll no doubt explain this in more detail when we write about the actual placement of the final antennas. But for now, it will suffice to say that this means applying covers and securing the tiles to the ground.

As it turned out, we were just in time. As the second tile was placed and we started the covering and securing, the snow started to fall. Within 10 minutes, there was already a reasonable dusting of snow over the tiles, tools and equipment.

In the foreground of this image, the low tile can be seen while in the background the raised tile is still being secured.


With the work done, it was time to clear up. Safety markers were put up around the area and signs were erected to explain what on earth these strange things are!


The signs explain that these are antennas under test. They are written in four languages: Sami, Bokmål, Finnish and English.