The prototype string for the km3-scale Baikal neutrino telescope

A prototype string for the future km3-scale Baikal neutrino telescope has been deployed in April, 2008, and is fully integrated into the NT200+ telescope. All basic string elements–optical modules (with 12″/13″ hemispherical photomultipliers), 200 MHz FADC readout and calibration system–have been redesigned following experience with NT200+. First results of in-situ operation of this prototype string are presented.