VHF upgrade at SGO — Part 3

And finally, the new receiver is installed on the 32 m antenna.

The new prime-focus, VHF feed. (Photo: D. McKay-Bukowski)

VHF upgrade at SGO — Part 2

Today work started on replacing the sub-reflector with a VHF prime-focus feed.

The crane (right) prepares to suspend the old sub-reflector, while the mobile platform allows the workers to get in close. (Image: D. McKay-Bukowski)

VHF upgrade for the EISCAT antenna at SGO

Due to the encroachment of radio-frequency interference (RFI) it was decided to convert the two EISCAT remote stations to operate at VHF frequencies. This is great news for KAIRA as it gives us some long baselines at the common frequency. Of course we've mentioned Sodankylä before; this is where the host institute is located.

At SGO, there is a 32m antenna (which used to have a UHF receiver). This is now being converted to a VHF system. The new receiver and feed can be seen in the lower left of the photograph.

The final image shows a close-up shot of the new system. It will replace the sub-reflector addionally converting the dish to a primary feed. Here, it is still on the trailer as it was brought over from Kiruna, Sweden.

The conversion is due to take place on 23rd October 2012. (Images: D. McKay-Bukowski)