Gypsumville, MB

1963 – Narrative Report – National Archives of Canada


Narrative Report
RCAF Station Gypsumville, Man.
1 Jun 63 to 31 Dec 63

3 Jun 63

Sage Annex air conditioning unit was primed and operated during the week prior to this date. Power was applied to the FST-2 equipment. Shift work started on FST-2.Power problems encountered at this time (Operations site on commercial power) were that full power load, plus the starting load of a compressor, would be large enough to blow the main fuses.
FPS-27 – Receivers and one transmitter were under test by the contractor.
FRT-29 – Equipment arrived for the GATR Site.

10 Jun 63

Sage Annex building was accepted. Leaks developed in the roofs of the FPS-27 and FPS-26 tower. Tar from the Radome sealing ring was leaking into the FPS-26 tower. Lack of spares was slowing the testing of the FPS-27. TELCO – PBX equipment was ready for hand-over.

11 Jun 63

The water supply pipe to the FPS-26 tower thawed this date, giving the FPS-26 personnel their first running water.

17 Jun 63

TELCO – installation complete, but not handed over to MTS.

1 Jul 63

Telco – PABX/PBX, Telco & CUG equipment taken over by MTS.

3 Jul 63

Mr. F Lincha arrived as Quality Control for GATR installation.

8 Jul 63

Landscaping contractor started work in the Operations compound. Trade advancement was started for personnel working on the FPS-26. FPS-27 – 80 hour was completed on this date.

11 Jul 63

AFTO88 was signed for the FPS-27. Pole installation was started at the GATR site.

16 Jul 63

CE Inspection – F/L Gloson and 3 Warrant Officers.

25 Jul 63

FST-2 – 40 hour shakedown test started.

28 Jul 63

48 hour test run on the FST-2 begun. Installation of GATR poles completed.

31 Jul 63

48 hour operational test completed on FST-2.

12 Aug 63

GATR Site – power has been applied to the GKA-5 equipment. First spares form the FPS-27 arrived.

19 Aug 63

Painting of the FPS-6 Geodetic Radome has been started, by United, Ltd. (USA and Ottawa, Can). CUG circuits and two operations lines (Telco) have been deferred for the re-configuration from Grand Forks to Duluth. GATR - #1 channel of the FRT-49 is under test.

22 Aug 63

The 80 hour shakedown test was started on the FPS-26.

26 Aug 63

FST-2 personnel are now on 16 hour coverage (two 8 hour shifts). 48 hour operational test was begun on the FPS-26. Flight trials, to check height accuracy, were held on 26, 27, 28 Aug.

29 and 30 Aug 63

The AFTO 88 was signed for the FPS-26 on 30 Aug 63.

30 Aug 63

CAE Van Cal 7, first Test Equipment Calibration for this unit, arrived on site.

10 Sep 63

The turbines are now being run and tested with an Orenda representative supervising. All GATR equipment is operating with the exception of the FRT-49. A two week pre-trade Examination TA course started this date for Radar and Comm. Techs. FPS-27 course number 2 was started. Turbine power was connected to the Operations site this date.

17 Sep 63

AOC’s Visit.

22 Sep 63

Operations site was placed on 24 hour duty. Power has been applied to the FPS-507.

30 Sep 63

The first Sage On Site coordination meeting was held. 80 hour shakedown test has been started on the FPS-507.

2 Oct 63

FPS-6 equipment was accepted from contractor (AFTO 88 signed). Van Cal departed, having processed 274 pieces of test equipment. Arrangements have been made between our supply and Station Winnipeg for customs clearance of items shipped to Station Gypsumville from USA.

12 Oct 63

Accounts Inspection S/L Steene.

21 Oct 63

Protestant Chapel dedicated.

28 Oct 63

All voice lines, and five data lines are in to Duluth, and working. GATR peaking is completed, FPS-27, FPS-26, and FPS-507 peaking is in progress.

4 Nov 63

A two day FPS-26 mechanical maintenance course was taught to all the Refrigeration and five Radar Techs by General Electric personnel. About 2/3 of the FPS-27 auto-log spares have been received.

6 Nov 63

Dedication of RC Chapel. Bishop Gallagher and party.

11 Nov 63

Westinghouse field team arrived to incorporate 95 modifications to the FPS-27 equipment. GATR voice channels have been flight tested. Sage testing has begun.

18 Nov 63

FPS-507 peaking is completed. Flight test on GATR site GKA-5 this date completes GATR peaking.

1 Dec 63

Fire Inspection WO1 McIvor.

2 Dec 62

Sage testing has commenced on the FPS-27.

3 Dec 63

Winnipeg Tribune published 2 part series on Station.

Dec 63

RC Mission F/L MacDonald.

Dec 63

Due to antenna unserviceability, FRT-49’s will be operated on low power only. Sage testing is 90% completed.