Lampeter ROC Post, c.2007-8

[The Archivist]

Old photos I know, but I can't find any others online and thought this might be of interest to some. The post is securely locked now and seems to be used for some sort of telecommunications with a large parabolic dish antenna mounted on the ventilation pillar.

Opened in December 1959 this was a master post and also one of 6 seismograph stations used in conjunction with the nuclear test ban. Because of their important role these posts were not formally decommissioned until 1994. A high fence was installed in the early 1980s following anti-nuclear protests from students at the neighbouring University.

When we visited, the post was flooded with about 1½ -2' of water. We didn't stay long because of the high concentration of hydrogen sulphide (stinkdamp) which is highly toxic in anything but the smallest of doses.

Surface features

Hatch with unidentified box attached

Monitoring room - the purpose of the green cable is unknown but probably has something to do with whatever the post is now used for.

Instrument table, fixed survey meter and bomb power indicator mount with more mysterious green cable.

Instrument table and cupboard

Wiring and GPO Junction Boxes (apologies for blur)

BT WB 1401 Reciever Speech and WB 1400 Filter Unit

Thanks for reading,
A.

 

[Krypton]

Nice one, them green copper straps are earthings. They were installed in master posts because they had large external antennas that could be struck by lightening, so the whole of the post was earthed.

Its a shame about this one, is it the one thats next to a huge aircrraft hanger or am i thinking of another one?

 

[The Archivist]

Thanks. I had the sudden realisation about the earthings just after posting but was too tired to edit.

Nowhere near an aircraft hangar I'm afraid, this is on a hill above the University Campus. Hansard says this is still owned by the MOD and was reinstated as a seismic station in 2007, which would explain the new antenna and reinforced hatch added at around that time. [ame="http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=17158"]St. Breward[/ame] in Cornwall, another post with seismic equipment, has also been reinstated and has a similar antenna arrangement.

See here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2007-10-29c.159676.h