Conversion of a New Zealand 30-Metre Telecommunications Antenna into a Radio Telescope

The conversion of a former 100-foot (30-m) telecommunications antenna (Earth Station) in New Zealand into a radio telescope is described. A specification of the antenna and the priorities for its actual conversion are initially presented. In describing the actual conversion, particular emphasis is g...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inPublications of the Astronomical Society of Australia Vol. 32
Main Authors Woodburn, Lewis, Natusch, Tim, Weston, Stuart, Thomasson, Peter, Godwin, Mark, Granet, Christophe, Gulyaev, Sergei
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York, USA Cambridge University Press 05.05.2015
Subjects
telescopes – instrumentation: interferometers – masers – astrometry
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:The conversion of a former 100-foot (30-m) telecommunications antenna (Earth Station) in New Zealand into a radio telescope is described. A specification of the antenna and the priorities for its actual conversion are initially presented. In describing the actual conversion, particular emphasis is given to mechanical and electrical components, as well as to the design of the telescope control system, telescope networking for VLBI operations, and telescope maintenance. Plans for RF, front- and back-end developments based upon radio astronomical priorities are outlined.
ISSN:1323-3580
1448-6083
DOI:10.1017/pasa.2015.13