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Mark Bowen Acting Theme Leader – Technologies for Radio Astronomy

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.

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Mark Bowen Acting Theme Leader – Technologies for Radio Astronomy

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  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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-receivers-on-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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. CASS Engineering Development Program Commissioning Water Vapour radiometers Research Implementation CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science - Technologies for Radio Astronomy

  12. 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

  13. Thank you 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 Contact Us Phone: 61 2 9372 4100 Fax: 61 2 9372 4310 Email: atnf-enquiries@csiro.au Web: www.atnf.csiro.au

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