The K-band Mexican radio telescope

E. Colorado; F. Diaz; S. Kurtz; D. Hiriart; T. Calvario; H. Serrano; D. Gale

doi:10.1117/12.3018574

11 September 2024 The K-band Mexican radio telescope

E. Colorado, F. Diaz, S. Kurtz, D. Hiriart, T. Calvario, H. Serrano, D. Gale

Proceedings Volume 13094, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes X; 1309440 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018574
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Conference Poster

Abstract

This paper outlines the transformation of a decommissioned 32-meter communication antenna in Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico, into the K-Band capable Tulancingo-I radio telescope. We summarize the evaluation of the antenna, originally designed for C-band frequencies, for its potential use in the K-band after a decade of disuse. Our assessment includes the refurbishment steps required to operationalize the antenna, such as lubrication system renewal, pump overhauls, and the installation of modern motion encoders and controllers. We detail the precision measurements conducted by the Large Millimeter Telescope's metrology group, utilizing laser tracking and photogrammetry to ascertain the antenna's suitability for K-band applications. Additionally, we discuss the implementation of a new control system using state-of-the-art PLC and encoder technology, enabling fully remote operations through a web-based user interface developed in Angular and a Python backend for telescope control. This project showcases the feasibility of repurposing legacy communication infrastructure for cutting-edge astronomical research.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

E. Colorado, F. Diaz, S. Kurtz, D. Hiriart, T. Calvario, H. Serrano, and D. Gale "The K-band Mexican radio telescope", Proc. SPIE 13094, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes X, 1309440 (11 September 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018574

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