SSOL: Radio TelescopeSSOL: Radio TelescopeIndustrial Review Panel Industrial Review Panel

PresentationPresentation

Team Ongo-02cTeam Ongo-02c

December 7December 7thth, 2005, 2005

Client: Iowa Space Grant ConsortiumClient: Iowa Space Grant Consortium

Advisor: Dr. BasartAdvisor: Dr. Basart

Team MembersTeam MembersSecond SemesterSecond Semester Students Students:: Temur Safdar (EE)Temur Safdar (EE) Eric Schares (EE) Eric Schares (EE) Nicholas Zeitler (CprE)Nicholas Zeitler (CprE)

First SemesterFirst Semester Students Students:: Matt Fischer (CprE)Matt Fischer (CprE) LaTasha Mabry (EE) LaTasha Mabry (EE) Ankur Tandon (CprE)Ankur Tandon (CprE)

Eng. 466 StudentsEng. 466 Students Parikshit Advani (CprE)Parikshit Advani (CprE) Ron Charles (ME)Ron Charles (ME) Matt Moore (ME)Matt Moore (ME)

Fick Observatory

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline DefinitionsDefinitions

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Problem StatementProblem Statement

Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment

Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses

End ProductEnd Product

Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Project ActivitiesProject Activities

Resource RequirementsResource Requirements

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

Closing SummaryClosing Summary Radio Telescope

List of DefinitionsList of Definitions

DAQ:DAQ: Data acquisition

LNA:LNA: Low noise amplifier Amplifies radio signal from the source to a level great enough to be used in processing

Azimuth:Azimuth: The measurement of the The measurement of the horizontal movement of horizontal movement of the dish.the dish.

Elevation:Elevation: The measurement of the The measurement of the vertical movement of thevertical movement of the dish.dish.

List of Definitions Cont…List of Definitions Cont…

Right ascension:Right ascension: The distance to a point on the celestial sphere, measured The distance to a point on the celestial sphere, measured eastward from the vernal equinox along the celestial equator to the hour circle eastward from the vernal equinox along the celestial equator to the hour circle of the point and expressed in hours, minutes and seconds (where one hour of of the point and expressed in hours, minutes and seconds (where one hour of right ascension corresponds to 15° of celestial longitude).right ascension corresponds to 15° of celestial longitude).

Declination:Declination: The angular distance to a point on a celestial sphere, measured The angular distance to a point on a celestial sphere, measured north or south from the celestial equator.north or south from the celestial equator.

Right Ascension Declination

AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments

Financial support:Financial support:• Iowa Space Grant Consortium• Professors John Lamont and Ralph Patterson III

Advising:Advising:• Dr. John P. Basart

Problem StatementProblem Statement

Conversion of satellite tracking equipment into a radio telescope at the Fick Observatory in Boone, IA

Major mechanical work completed

Majority of the electrical systems completed

Most of the software systems completed for full operation

Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment

Amplification system is to be placed outdoor where temperatures ranges from -20°F to 110°F with possibility of snow, ice and strong wind

Vulnerability to lightning which could lead to signal interference and equipment damage

Remaining part of the system will be held indoors at regular room temperature

Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and UsesIntended Users:

Faculty research in astronomy Astronomy students

Intended Uses:Intended Uses:

Radio mapping of the sky at frequency around 1420 Radio mapping of the sky at frequency around 1420 MHzMHz

Tracking celestial objectsTracking celestial objects Data collectionData collection Mapping celestial objectsMapping celestial objects

End Product Description End Product Description

408 MHz

1420 MHz

10e9 MHz

A radio telescope to be used by the ISU community that can A radio telescope to be used by the ISU community that can accurately track & record data from celestial objects withaccurately track & record data from celestial objects with remote operation capabilities.remote operation capabilities.

Ankur TandonAnkur Tandon DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Assumptions & LimitationsAssumptions & Limitations

Assumptions:Assumptions:

1420 MHz is an appropriate frequency for the 1420 MHz is an appropriate frequency for the radio telescope.radio telescope.

Dish will pick up relevant signalsDish will pick up relevant signals

Motors and gearboxes are capable of precise Motors and gearboxes are capable of precise movementmovement

Assumptions & LimitationsAssumptions & Limitations

Limitations:Limitations:

Dish unable to be positioned to true northDish unable to be positioned to true north

Positioning accuracy dependant on motors and gearsPositioning accuracy dependant on motors and gears

Radio sources less than 2.5 degrees apart appear as Radio sources less than 2.5 degrees apart appear as one source due to beam width of dishone source due to beam width of dish

Weather conditions limit the work that can be done Weather conditions limit the work that can be done on the exterior components of the dishon the exterior components of the dish

LaTasha MabryLaTasha Mabry DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Previous AccomplishmentsPrevious Accomplishments

Limit switches were installed to prevent the dish from Limit switches were installed to prevent the dish from exceeding its limitsexceeding its limits

The original dish was designed to operate at a different The original dish was designed to operate at a different frequency than 1420 MHz. A new waveguide and feed frequency than 1420 MHz. A new waveguide and feed horn was designed and assembled.horn was designed and assembled.

Back end receiver shipped to the manufacturer for Back end receiver shipped to the manufacturer for repairs and reinstalledrepairs and reinstalled

Remote access, which allows users to operate the dish Remote access, which allows users to operate the dish remotely remotely

Previous Accomplishments Cont..Previous Accomplishments Cont..

Motor control, tracking, and calibration software written Motor control, tracking, and calibration software written in LabVIEW.in LabVIEW.

Feedback system uses potentiometer to measure in Feedback system uses potentiometer to measure in each axis of motion.each axis of motion.

Data acquisition software written in LabVIEW.Data acquisition software written in LabVIEW.

50-pin connector installation to connect the rest of the 50-pin connector installation to connect the rest of the

system to the computer.system to the computer.

Present AccomplishmentsPresent Accomplishments

Anemometer/weather station installedAnemometer/weather station installed

Separate webcams installed to monitor dish and control Separate webcams installed to monitor dish and control panelpanel

Replaced LEDs in the motor control box front panelReplaced LEDs in the motor control box front panel

Receiver front end tested and repairedReceiver front end tested and repaired

Raster scan program completedRaster scan program completed

Present Accomplishment Cont…Present Accomplishment Cont…

Diagnosed elevation positioning sensorDiagnosed elevation positioning sensor

Analyzed pointing errors due to wind loadingAnalyzed pointing errors due to wind loading

Gearbox lubrication to prevent deteriorationGearbox lubrication to prevent deterioration

Exact blind spots of dish discoveredExact blind spots of dish discovered

Future Required ActivitiesFuture Required Activities

Design a power fault recovery system

Automate the motor control box power

Test new software with repaired receiver front and back ends

Combine all software into a web-based user interface

Upgrade to high-speed internet connection

Conduct complete system test

Eric ScharesEric Schares DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities

• ElectricalElectrical• MechanicalMechanical• SoftwareSoftware

Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Hardware ComponentsHardware ComponentsMotor Control BoxMotor Control Box Houses circuitry needed to run the positioning system Houses circuitry needed to run the positioning system

through control room computerthrough control room computer

Receiver systemReceiver system Receives data from celestial objectsReceives data from celestial objects In need of repair this semesterIn need of repair this semester

WebcamsWebcams Allows remote monitoring of the dish system and Allows remote monitoring of the dish system and

observatoryobservatory

Weather StationWeather Station Provides live weather conditions at observatoryProvides live weather conditions at observatory Temperature, wind speed, humidity, barometric pressureTemperature, wind speed, humidity, barometric pressure

Hardware ComponentsHardware ComponentsMotor Control Box Front PanelMotor Control Box Front Panel

Hardware ComponentsHardware ComponentsMotor Control BoxMotor Control Box

Hardware ComponentsHardware ComponentsElevation PotentiometerElevation Potentiometer

Located in upper junction box at the elevation axis of rotation.

Was not giving feed back for proper elevation positions.

Actions taken• Check the potentiometer for obvious mechanical

failure.• Check the potentiometer for proper varying resistance.• Check all wiring connections.

It was determined that all parts are working correctly and wiring connections are correct on the dish. The problem is in the wiring into the building.

Support ComponentsSupport ComponentsWeb CamerasWeb Cameras

DishDish

Allows remote monitoring of dishAllows remote monitoring of dish

and surroundingsand surroundings

Safety issues, including humanSafety issues, including human

occupation and possible obstructionsoccupation and possible obstructions

Logitech Fusion

Support ComponentsSupport ComponentsWeb CamerasWeb Cameras

Control PanelControl Panel

Allows remote Allows remote

monitoring of control panelmonitoring of control panel

Allows user to see state of LEDs Allows user to see state of LEDs

Allows user to see position of power switch Allows user to see position of power switch

Logitech Communicate STX

Support ComponentsSupport ComponentsWeather StationWeather Station

Allows to accurately monitor weather conditionsAllows to accurately monitor weather conditions

Displays current temperature, humidity, Displays current temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, and rainfallbarometric pressure, wind speed, and rainfall

Allows for proper use of the dishAllows for proper use of the dish

DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities

• ElectricalElectrical• MechanicalMechanical• SoftwareSoftware

Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Temur SafdarTemur Safdar

Repairs and RevisionsRepairs and RevisionsFront-endFront-end

Located on the tower, to receive 1420 MHz1420 MHz signals from the celestial objects.

Contains:•LNA (low noise amplifier)•Coaxial switch•Noise source•Directional coupler•1.42 GHz down-converter•Coaxial cable

Sends a converted signal of 70 MHz to the back- end of the receiver.

Every component was tested, to make sure the front-end is in a working condition.

A fault in the circuit of 1420 MHz1420 MHz down-converter was found, with two capacitors not connected together, which was fixed.

A 1420 MHz1420 MHz signal was input into the front-end of the receiver and a 70 MHz signal was received, which proved the proper functionality of all of the front-end components.

Repairs and RevisionsRepairs and RevisionsFront-end Cont…Front-end Cont…

Repairs and RevisionsRepairs and RevisionsBack-endBack-end

After successfully testing the front-end of the receiver system, the back-end of the receiver was tested.

The back-end of the receiver was brought back to the SSOL laboratory for testing and troubleshooting.

All the ICs in the backend were tested, which were in a working condition.

A 70 MHz70 MHz signal was input to the backend of the receiver and a signal was observed.

Work is still needed for the backend to properly respond to the commands sent by the computer.

Ron CharlesRon Charles DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities

• ElectricalElectrical• MechanicalMechanical• SoftwareSoftware

Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Mechanical Issues Mechanical Issues Wind-LoadingWind-Loading

ObjectivesObjectives Determine expected wind-loads and resulting pointing Determine expected wind-loads and resulting pointing

errorserrors

Compare with measured pointing errors for normal Compare with measured pointing errors for normal operation of the dishoperation of the dish

Use the model to predict the effects and errors under Use the model to predict the effects and errors under abnormal (high wind speed) conditionsabnormal (high wind speed) conditions

Mechanical Issues Mechanical Issues Wind-Loading Cont…Wind-Loading Cont…

Methods ConsideredMethods Considered Wind tunnel testing using scale model or full scale Wind tunnel testing using scale model or full scale

sectionsection

Mounting load sensors or strain gauges on the dish Mounting load sensors or strain gauges on the dish surfacesurface

Theoretical CalculationsTheoretical Calculations

Method UsedMethod Used Theoretical CalculationsTheoretical Calculations

Mechanical Issues Mechanical Issues Wind-Loading Cont…Wind-Loading Cont…

Types of wind-loading consideredTypes of wind-loading considered Static: Wind-loads applied while the dish is stationaryStatic: Wind-loads applied while the dish is stationary

Dynamic: Wind-loads applied when the dish is in motion, Dynamic: Wind-loads applied when the dish is in motion, as in when tracking a satelliteas in when tracking a satellite

Mechanical Issues Mechanical Issues Wind-Loading Cont…Wind-Loading Cont…

Completed TasksCompleted Tasks Determined wind-loading for a range of wind speeds and Determined wind-loading for a range of wind speeds and

angles incident on the dish surface and their associated angles incident on the dish surface and their associated pointing errorspointing errors

Tasks to be completedTasks to be completed Obtain actual pointing differences under normal Obtain actual pointing differences under normal

operating conditions for comparisonoperating conditions for comparison Create a model to determine the correction factors to be Create a model to determine the correction factors to be

applied under moderately abnormal conditionsapplied under moderately abnormal conditions

Problems encounteredProblems encountered Not yet able to collect dish position dataNot yet able to collect dish position data

Mechanical Issues Mechanical Issues MaintenanceMaintenance

Lubrication Applied

multi-purpose grease to gears

Mechanical Issues Mechanical Issues Maintenance Cont…Maintenance Cont…

Grease was applied to:Grease was applied to:

Elevation axis of rotationElevation axis of rotation Azimuth gear boxAzimuth gear box Azimuth driving gearAzimuth driving gear Elevation driving gear housingElevation driving gear housing

Parikshit AdvaniParikshit Advani DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities

• ElectricalElectrical• MechanicalMechanical• SoftwareSoftware

Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

Higher-level requirement

Raster scan program•Scan a 2D array of data points•Generate graphical results

SoftwareSoftwareRequirementsRequirements

SoftwareSoftwareRequirements Cont…Requirements Cont…

Move the dish to a desired location• Feedback voltages must be calibrated to yield actual

dish position (degrees)

Measure and record the signal intensity from the dish• Signal must be calibrated from intensity reading to W/m2

Perform dish position calibration• Measure feedback voltages at dish limits• Feedback voltage is linearly proportional to dish position

Convert celestial coordinates to absolute coordinates• Depends on time of day• Predict when a coordinate is visible

SoftwareSoftwareApproachApproach

Overall Module Diagram

Raster Scan

Celestial Coords to Elevation/Azimuth

Motor Control

Position Feedback

Receiver Communications

PCI-1200 DAQ Card

CalibrationSettings

Motor Drivers

Feedback Potentiometers

1420 MHz Receiver

Receiver Electronics

Serial Link

Software Systems Hardware Systems

Matt FischerMatt Fischer DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities

• ElectricalElectrical• MechanicalMechanical• SoftwareSoftware

Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

SoftwareSoftwareTechnologyTechnology

LabVIEW platform chosen Supports modular approach Integrated, real-time documentation Extensive libraries included Built-in support for remote access

Bottom-up approach Basic modules first (I/O) Build more complex programs by using several basic modules

Software TechnologySoftware Technology

Example Module: Motor ControllerExample Module: Motor Controller

Front panel (user interface)

Software Technology Cont…Software Technology Cont…

Software Technology Cont…Software Technology Cont…

Connection diagramConnection diagram(program interface)(program interface)

Example Module: Motor ControllerExample Module: Motor Controller

Software ImplementationSoftware Implementation

Interface Existing Modules Together

Celestial Coordinates Conversion Receiver serial communication

Write new software modules

Pointing Correction Mapping

Document work

Software TestingSoftware Testing

Component Testing

Master control panel, to directly control the raw dish voltages, view feedback from input devices, etc.

Use to diagnose electrical problems

Matt MooreMatt Moore

DefinitionsDefinitions AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements Problem StatementProblem Statement Operating EnvironmentOperating Environment Intended Users and UsesIntended Users and Uses End ProductEnd Product Assumptions and LimitationsAssumptions and Limitations AccomplishmentsAccomplishments Project ActivitiesProject Activities Resource RequirementsResource Requirements Lessons LearnedLessons Learned Closing SummaryClosing Summary

ScheduleSchedule

Personal EffortPersonal Effort

Team MemberTeam Member EstimatedEstimated To DateTo Date

Nicholas ZeitlerNicholas Zeitler 158158 101.5101.5

Eric ScharesEric Schares 124124 93.2593.25

Temur Safdar HussainTemur Safdar Hussain 123123 8686

LaTasha MabryLaTasha Mabry 112112 5050

Ankur TandonAnkur Tandon 9393 5353

Matt FischerMatt Fischer 117117 51.551.5

Matt MooreMatt Moore 7676 5252

Ron CharlesRon Charles 7979 5555

Parikshit AdvaniParikshit Advani 122122 99.599.5

TotalTotal 784784 641.75641.75

Financial BudgetFinancial Budget

EstimatedEstimated Actual costsActual costs

ScaffoldingScaffolding $150.00$150.00 N/AN/A

Grease/Grease gunGrease/Grease gun $75.00$75.00 $35.00$35.00

Weather StationWeather Station $280$280 $280$280

Web camerasWeb cameras $146.97$146.97 146.97146.97

USB hubUSB hub $15.00$15.00 $20.00$20.00

TotalTotal $671.97$671.97 $481.97$481.97

Analytical reporting on wind-loadingAnalytical reporting on wind-loading

Solve problem of water in motors and gearboxesSolve problem of water in motors and gearboxes

Perform maintenance on mechanical systems.Perform maintenance on mechanical systems.

Fall 2005 MilestonesFall 2005 MilestonesMechanicalMechanical

Convert last semester’s software to use new hardware Convert last semester’s software to use new hardware setupsetup

Add support for new hardware (anemometer & webcams)Add support for new hardware (anemometer & webcams)

Remote accessRemote access

Write/update modules to communicate with receiver via Write/update modules to communicate with receiver via serial, and testserial, and test

Write/update mapping and pointing modulesWrite/update mapping and pointing modules

User interface within the new websiteUser interface within the new website

Fall 2005 MilestonesFall 2005 MilestonesSoftwareSoftware

Solve problem with noise source and receiver powerSolve problem with noise source and receiver power

Additional Circuitry for remote operationAdditional Circuitry for remote operation

Repair the Receiver front-end/back-endRepair the Receiver front-end/back-end

Fall 2005 MilestonesFall 2005 MilestonesElectricalElectrical

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

The importance of team communication, project The importance of team communication, project contribution, and attendance allow for completion of contribution, and attendance allow for completion of this semesters tasksthis semesters tasks

Dealing with technical problems before they Dealing with technical problems before they complicate the overall systemcomplicate the overall system

Importance of clear and concise documentationImportance of clear and concise documentation

Closing SummaryClosing Summary

This semester’s accomplishments lead the way to a fully This semester’s accomplishments lead the way to a fully

operational radio telescope. Hardware is still in non-operational radio telescope. Hardware is still in non-

working order to begin receiving signals and the current working order to begin receiving signals and the current

software will allow for data collection, pointing software will allow for data collection, pointing

corrections, and mapping celestial objects to begin.corrections, and mapping celestial objects to begin.

Questions?Questions?

SSOL: Radio Telescope Team Ongo-02c