The ATNF Front End and Back End Groups Presented by Graeme Carrad Assistant Director – Engineering - May 2010 Australia Telescope Users Committee Technologies Report - May 2010

CSIRO The arrival of Douglas Bock in January 2010 means Graeme Carrad has ceased his role as acting Theme Leader for Operations Mark Bowen stepped in to Graeme’s Research Program Leader role in Engineering in an acting capacity for that period and his efforts were exemplary and much appreciated. Staff

A limited 1 MHz mode has been implemented and observations being taken now are highlighting bugs whose resolution will lead to a more robust system. Delays encountered were due to signal corruption caused by coupling of bus data to other signal lines. A 64 MHz mode is being worked on with current estimates that it will be functional before the end of the semester (Oct 1). After its implementation the course may be to pursue the other bandwidths or introduce more zoom bands per IF. Proposals may determine this direction. 16 MHz and 4 MHz operational before the end of the year. Miriad team acts when data is available. CSIRO CABB

CSIRO 20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade (1) Reminder- three steps: Step 1. Routing existing cm receiver signals into the CABB system. Complete OMT fin retro-fit. Fabrication continues through to mid 2010 with installation occurring when receivers are rotated off the array. Step 2. Broadbanding the 20/13cm receiver system Step 3. Broadbanding the 6/3cm receiver system.

CSIRO Step 2. Broadbanding the 20/13cm receiver system Status The proof of concept receiver, a spare Array receiver fitted with 1-3 GHz amplifiers, returned to Narrabri after testing at Marsfield for installation in November Initial tests indicate that the system noise temperature is 25% lower at L-Band and 30% lower at S-Band than the existing ATCA 20/13cm receivers. 20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade (2)

CSIRO Step 2. Broadbanding the 20/13cm receiver system 20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade (3)

CSIRO Step 2. Broadbanding the 20/13cm receiver system Production of all parts is underway with the next receiver due in the Marsfield labs now and returning to the Array for June installation. The complete suite of receivers will be completed late 2010 / early 2011 with spares fabrication following. 20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade (4)

CSIRO Step 3. Broadbanding the 6/3cm receiver system Was on hold but funding has been received via AAL to complete the project during the FY 2011/2012 and 2102/2013 ( mid 2011 to mid 2013 in CY). Thanks for the community input and support! Preliminary work to develop a 4 – 12 GHz amplifier is underway. 20/13 and 6/3 cm Upgrade (5)

CSIRO Two units have been installed and the data that has been taken is awaiting analysis prior to final sign off with the fabricator, Astrowave. Hardware to implement a calibration paddle is completed and ready for shipping to Narrabri. Water Vapour Radiometers

CSIRO Discussions have restarted about the possibility of using it on Effelsberg. Methanol Multibeam

CSIRO The plan was: Fabricate four of these amplifiers to enable two polarisations on the Parkes multiband receiver and have spares for Parkes and the Compact Array. In reality: The one amplifier of a new design was used in the Parkes multiband to satisfy the one observing program that was highly ranked and a VLBI run. The other amplifiers will be fabricated when possible. This interim solution will be in place till a 4-12 GHz amplifier is developed as part of the C/X upgrade. 4-7 GHz (C Band) amplifiers

CSIRO Building on the MOPS and CABB experience. An investigation to demonstrate a capability to satisfy the needs of the SKA to direct sample ~ GHz. ~ 0.5 FTE over a one year period. Components to build an evaluation system are on order. High speed digitisation

CSIRO A reminder they are in the Technologies Theme now. Parkes Drive Control Parkes Electronic Control and Monitor Parkes Receiver rationalisation – H-OH feed These will be covered very soon by Erik Lensson. Operations theme development projects

CSIRO. Timelines CABB 20/13 & 6/3 cm upgrade ASKAP Water Vapour Radiometers CA Upgrade to 115 GHz Mopra Multibeam FPA for Parkes L/SC/X CABB phase II Miriad Parkes Drive Control PECM Receiver Rationalisation High speed digitisation

CSIRO. Contact Us Phone: or Web: Thank you Australia Telescope National Facility Graeme Carrad Assistant Director - Engineering Phone: Web: