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Learn about the day-to-day maintenance, development projects, safety measures, and future challenges at the ATNF radioastronomy facilities in Parkes. Discover how the remote operation of the Parkes radiotelescope is facilitated through computer control and monitoring.
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Engineering Operations:Parkes Development Projects Erik Lensson, SMIEEE, mSMPTE Head, Engineering Operations 29 October 2009
Engineering Operations CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Engineering Operations – What we do • Day-to-day maintenance of ATNF radioastronomy facilities at Parkes, Narrabri, Coonabarabran and (in the future) the Boolardy WA Murchison Radio Observatory (MRO). • Preventative and corrective maintenance. • Planning for future operations. • Development Projects, facilitating the remote operation of the Parkes 64m radiotelescope, including planning, development and commissioning, with the support of the ATNF Technologies Theme staff. CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Remote Operations? ‘To enable computer control & monitoring of standard telescope systems’ • Health & Safety (HSE); • Reliability; • Rationalise legacy systems • Scheduling improvements • Science Operations Centre DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: • 115 - Parkes Drive Control • 117 - Parkes Control & Monitor • 118 - Parkes Receiver Fleet CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Health, Safety and the Environment SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT FOR REMOTE OPERATIONS! CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
115 - Parkes Drive Control • Objective:Computer control of the MCP (manual Control Panel): • Development platform hardware nearing completion • Documented software • Procedures for safe remote operation CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
117 - Parkes Equipment Control & Monitor Objective: Safe, reliable remote monitoring & control of critical telescope systems. • Focus Cabin • In practice a “remote site”. • Need monitoring and diagnostic access to the major subsystems (DC power, receiver & translator). • Improved connectivity, including video and audio monitoring. • Vibration monitoring CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
117 - Parkes Equipment Control & Monitor • Conversion system and signal distribution • Rationalisation of signal distribution, replacement of manual patch panels with a computer controlled switching. • RF/IF switching matrix • Calibration computer controllable (done!) • Multiband conversion system attenuators computer controllable (done!) CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Parkes Equipment Control & Monitor • Power systems • Diesel/UPS control • Remote monitoring, diagnostics • Synchroniser unit for the generator – reliability and remote control & monitoring. CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
118 - Parkes Receiver Fleet Rationalisation Objective: Establish a maintainable set of receivers consistent with expected science demand. Planning under way on: • S/X band – Modify MARS receiver package (widen X-band bandwidth, add S-band LNA’s, design/manufacture new dual-band S/X feedhorn) and add to the Parkes Conversion System ; • L band (H-OH) – Design & fit new improved feed system; • C-band – Convert existing K/Ku package with new LNA’s to cover at least 4.8-6.8 GHz (target 4 – 12 GHz); NOTE: Concurrent demands/competing priorities from other projects for the same ATNF Technologies staff resources → including ASKAP and Project 117 (RF/IF monitoring). CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Parkes Receiver Fleet CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Development Projects – Systematic Approach • Make things fit together, for safety & efficiency • Standard approaches and COTS solutions, where possible • Integrated power solutions • Minimise self-RFI (EMC), shutdown of non-essential systems • In addition to installation of hardware/software, need to review & update (maintenance/operational) handover processes, consistent with relevant AUS/NZ HSE Standards. • Set, update & review priorities, resource allocations & monitor costs. CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Future Challenges • Consolidating on the Development Projects to support the planned Science Operations Centre (SOC); • Transition to ASKAP Operations; and • Meeting user expectations under a limited budget. CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Questions? CSIRO.ATNF Engineering Operations: Parkes Development Projects
Contact Us Phone: 02 6861 1733 Email: erik.lensson@csiro.au Web: www.csiro.au Thank you