Alidade

Abstract: Upgrading existing radiotelescopes to operate at higher frequencies requires not only a better reflecting surface accuracy, but also more precise pointing capability. To analyse the thermal behaviour of the 32 metre VLBI parabola at Medicina, we have installed accurate temperature sensors on the pedestal beams of the antenna and an inclinometer at the elevation axis. The thermal model presented here, starts from a structural Finite Elements Analysis of the radiotelescope and can closely predict the deformations measured by the inclinometer, even in the worst solar radiation conditions. This analysis allows also insights into future improvements.

Abstract: Here we present the hardware and software of the inclinometer chosen to be installed on the SRT alidade. This is a commercial device which basically uses two pendulum-like sensors to measure two angles from which the antenna pointing errors can be easily inferred. Such an inclinometer was installed on the plane of the SRT alidade close to the antenna elevation axis to measure the azimuth and elevation axis tilts due to the not-perfect flatness of the rail and to the temperature gradient effects on the alidade steel beams. Last summer some tests were carried out during night time, allowing first to check the inclinometer in a measurement set-up aboard on SRT, and then, to monitor the axis tilt due mainly to the rail roughness. Several measurements were recorded by the inclinometer, while the antenna was moving at constant speed in the azimuth direction for a 360-degrees rotation. The results showed a good agreement with those we got during the laboratory tests, and the rail turned out to be plan within the expected accuracy, which means a resulting pointing error of about ±2 arc-sec. Finally inclinometer measurements and astronomical observations have been performed all at once. The inclinometer measurements and the antenna pointing offsets due mainly to thermal effects have been recorded, while SRT was observing at 23 GHz toward a circumpolar calibrator source for many hours after the sunrise. A good agreement between the two set of measurement has been found as will be shown here following.

Abstract: Aimed at the alidade of TM65m antenna, the distributions of temperature field and effects of thermal deformations on pointing accuracy were analyzed based on thermometers and inclinometer. The alidade temperature and cross-elevation tilt were recorded for one year when the antenna was at different azimuth and elevation angles. And, the emphasis is on studying the data of sunny days in summer and winter during the antenna parked its home position (azimuth angle=155°, elevation angle=90°). The results show the maximum temperature difference between day and night is 14.6 °C in summer and is 27 °C in winter. In winter, the larger temperature difference, shorter sunshine time and later sunrise contribute to the temperature variation per unit time is larger. In addition, pointing offset was checked by scanning polestar for continuous 24 hours. From the results obtained so far, it seems that the elevation offset caused by the alidade temperature variation is more than 20 arcsec from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The research results provide a base for the enhancement of pointing accuracy.

Abstract: The Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) Metrology team is planning to install an initial group of devices on the new 64 meters radio-telescope. These devices will be devoted for the realization of the antenna deformation control system: an electronic inclinometer able to monitor the alidade deformations and a Position Sensing Device (PSD) able to map the antenna secondary mirror (M2) displacements and tilts. The inclinometer will be used to map the rail conditions, the azimuthal axis inclination and the thermal effects on the alidade structure. The PSD will be used to measure the secondary mirror displacements induced by the gravity and by the thermal deformations that produce shifts and tilts with respect to its ideal optical alignment. The PSD will be traced by diode laser installed on a mechanically stable position inside the elevation equipment room. The inclinometer has been tested in laboratory with the aim to compare its performances with a reference measurement system. The PSD and the laser have been characterized by a long-term tests to assess their stability and accuracy, thus simulating the open air conditions that will be experienced by the device during its operative life. M2 may move freely in space thanks to a six axis actuator system (hexapod). The PSD measurements are processed by a hexapod kinematic model (HKM) to evaluate the correct actuator elongations, thus closing the control loop. The sensors will be acquired and recorded by a dedicated PC installed in the Alidade equipment room and connected to the sensors via the Ethernet network.