J. Nsor, T. Ansah-Narh, E. Proven-Adzri, J. Koranteng-Acquah, E.K. Mornoh
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The engineering face-lift of the 32m dish: technical upgrades of Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory (GRAO)
Ghana's 32-meter radio telescope, inaugurated in August 2017, was once a redundant
telecommunications dish that underwent conversion. Prior to this transformation, feasibility
studies were conducted to assess the dish's structural integrity, technical compatibility, and
economic viability. These studies aimed to determine if the conversion project could be
technically achieved given the available technology, expertise, and resources. This paper delves
into the engineering considerations surrounding structural, mechanical, software, control and
monitoring, radio frequency, and timing frequency reference requirements that distinguish the
operation of a radio telescope from its former role as a satellite earth station. Significant
components such as the azimuth bearing, sub-reflector support, cable wrap, and electrical motors
underwent replacement. Additionally, a new C-band receiver, radio frequency controller, active
hydrogen maser timing frequency, and software were developed. Testing protocols to meet science
requirements for both single-dish observations and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) are
also discussed. The conversion process proved to be lengthy and encountered numerous unforeseen
circumstances, yet it provided invaluable learning experiences for a developing country
like Ghana.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Instrumentation (JINST) covers major areas related to concepts and instrumentation in detector physics, accelerator science and associated experimental methods and techniques, theory, modelling and simulations. The main subject areas include.
-Accelerators: concepts, modelling, simulations and sources-
Instrumentation and hardware for accelerators: particles, synchrotron radiation, neutrons-
Detector physics: concepts, processes, methods, modelling and simulations-
Detectors, apparatus and methods for particle, astroparticle, nuclear, atomic, and molecular physics-
Instrumentation and methods for plasma research-
Methods and apparatus for astronomy and astrophysics-
Detectors, methods and apparatus for biomedical applications, life sciences and material research-
Instrumentation and techniques for medical imaging, diagnostics and therapy-
Instrumentation and techniques for dosimetry, monitoring and radiation damage-
Detectors, instrumentation and methods for non-destructive tests (NDT)-
Detector readout concepts, electronics and data acquisition methods-
Algorithms, software and data reduction methods-
Materials and associated technologies, etc.-
Engineering and technical issues.
JINST also includes a section dedicated to technical reports and instrumentation theses.