jNICHE: Prototype detectors of a non-imaging Cherenkov array at the TA site

The Non-Imaging CHErenkov Array (NICHE) is a low energy extension to Telescope Array and TALE using an array of closely spaced ($\sim$200 m) light collectors covering an area of $\sim$2 square km. It is being deployed in the field of view of TALE and will overlap it in the energy range above 4 PeV. Cosmic ray air showers with energies 1–100 PeV will be reconstructed using both the Cherenkov light Lateral Distribution and the Cherenkov time Width Lateral Distribution. These two methods will allow shower energy and $X_{\rm max}$ to be determined. A prototype of the array, called j-NICHE, is currently being built and deployed. The design and plans for the full array are presented along with a plan to deploy the first 15 counters to get a true Cherenkov hybrid air shower measurement. Performance of the detectors, calibration details and preliminary data are presented