Australia Telescope Users Committee
Technologies Report – October 2010
Mark Bowen
Acting Theme Leader – Technologies for Radio Astronomy
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
14 October 2010
Staff
Graeme Carrad has taken on the role of Deputy Director while a
replacement for Lewis Ball is recruited.
Mark Bowen has stepped in to Graeme’s roles as Theme Leader
and Research Program Leader in an acting capacity for the same
period.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Compact Array Broadband Backend
Status
• Initial test observations using 64MHz zoom modes are currently
underway.
• 1MHz zoom mode will be revisited to rectify known baseline
problems.
• Anticipated that 4MHz and 16MHz modes will follow in that order.
• Phil Edwards will describe progress in greater detail.
Challenges
The imminent retirement of Warwick Wilson means we are
canvassing of options for continuing his CABB work.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project
1 – 3GHz Receiver Progress
• OMT replacement complete. (Aug 2010)
• Dewar and RF signal path upgrade
completed on 4 antennas. (Aug 2010)
• CA05 will be the next antenna to be
outfitted in October 2010.
• CA05 installation will include prototype
receiver electronics.
• ATCA outfitting scheduled to be
completed in December 2010.
• Spare receiver and remaining work to be
completed in early 2011.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project
1 – 3GHz Receiver Performance
Jamie Stevens has completed beam pattern measurements. Available at:
http://jamiestevens-atca.wikidot.com/beamshape-measurements-of-new-l-s-receiverson-2010-08-26
Primary beams are symmetrical within 6%, independent of frequency (1.1 - 3.1 GHz).
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade Project
4 – 12GHz Receiver Upgrade
• Australian Astronomy Limited (AAL) funding secured for upgrade.
• Funding commences in July 2011.
• Scheduled for completion in June 2013.
• Prototype 4 – 12GHz LNA development is currently underway.
Initial prototype LNA under test in early 2011.
• Prototype receiver under test in laboratory mid 2011.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Parkes Development Projects
Parkes Equipment Control and Monitor
• Switch matrix installation underway
during current maintenance shutdown.
• Software controlled switching between
Parkes conversion system and standard
backends. (20 Oct 2010)
• Interface via a simple GUI.
• Integration with Telescope Control
System (TCS) ongoing.
• Power room monitoring and generator
work also occurring during shutdown.
• Remaining elements of project
scheduled for completion during 2011.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Parkes Development Projects
Parkes Drive Control
• Critical Design Review scheduled for November 2010.
• New MCP scheduled for installation during major maintenance
shutdown in March 2011.
• Full commissioning scheduled for mid 2011.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Parkes Development Projects
Parkes Receiver Rationalisation
• H-OH feed designed and manufactured under contract
by BAE Australia. (July 2010)
• H-OH feed tested on ICT Centre range. (Sep 2010)
• H-OH feed commissioning
scheduled for March 2011.
• Remaining elements of project:
• S/X Dual banding (MARS Rx)
• C-Band receiver replacement
On hold due to availability of
manpower and budget.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Operations Projects
Water Vapour Radiometer
• 6 WVR systems delivered.
• Spare system returned to Astrowave for
modification (filter replacement).
• 5 systems installed on the ATCA.
• Sample calibrated data collected with
CA03 and CA04.
• Preliminary measurements indicate data
tracks water vapour phase.
• Remaining systems to installed and
calibrated during late 2010.
• Software development and integration
into MIRIAD required. (March 2011)
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
CASS Engineering Development Program
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
CABB Phase II
ATCA L/S Receiver Upgrade
ATCA C/X Receiver Upgrade
ASKAP
Commissioning
PrepSKA and PAFSKA
Parkes Operations Projects
Water Vapour radiometers
Future Development Projects
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Research
Implementation
Engineering Development – The Future
What is the future of the CASS engineering
development program?
Engineering development day (including CDSCC) held during
September 2010.
A range of ideas for the future projects were canvassed.
Ongoing discussions with astronomers regarding possible
future projects.
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy
CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
Mark Bowen
Acting Theme Leader – Technologies for Radio Astronomy
Phone: 61 2 9372 4356
Email: Mark.Bowen@csiro.au
Web: www.atnf.csiro.au
Thank you
Contact Us
Phone: 61 2 9372 4100 Fax: 61 2 9372 4310
Email: atnf-enquiries@csiro.au Web: www.atnf.csiro.au