The RT-32 radio telescope pointing system

Abstract

Quasar-KVO RT-32 radio telescopes of the radio interferometric complex of the Russian Academy of Sciences are equipped with unique 32-m-diameter antennas. The telescopes provide radio astronomy observations in the centimeter wavelength range within a network of radio telescopes, as well as in the single dish mode. The antenna system structure has a significant size and weight, thus determining the engineering difficulties in controlling the movement of the RT-32. The electrical drive of the antenna system must provide two different operating modes: on the one hand, a rapid change in the antenna angular position, and on the other, precise tracking of a cosmic signal source. The high operational load and requirements for the service of radio telescopes as parts of radio interferometry networks impose stringent reliability requirements on the electrical drive and control system. The pointing system consists of subsystems that include dc drives, power equipment for controlling these drives, position sensors based on rotary transformers, and other items. All subsystems are integrated using switching devices of control signals and coordinate-transforming devices. The system is operated by a working monitoring and control station, which is based on an industrial computer and specially developed software.