Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory (KPGO) Blog

This blog follows the implementation of the Space Geodesy Project’s new 12-meter broadband Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station at NASA’s Kōkeʻe Park Geophysical Observatory (KPGO) on Kauai, Hawaii.  The new station is a joint effort by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the United States Naval Observatory, and will become part of the VLBI2010 Global Observing System (VGOS).  The station design is based on the successful prototype VLBI2010 station at NASA’s Goddard's Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory (GGAO) in Greenbelt, MD.  The new KPGO antenna was developed by Intertronics Solutions, Inc. (ISI), and the MIT Haystack Observatory is responsible for the development of the broadband signal chain.

New antenna preparing for graduation and entering the VLBI workforce
May 13, 2016

It is graduation season, and the new VGOS 12-m antenna at KPGO is nearly ready to transition to operations!

The freshman antenna arrived in September 2015, understandably anxious about that first semester. With a solid foundation and pedestal to stand on, she spread an intricate web of beams and struts, and topped her top with a sea of reflecting panels. Under the long-shadow of the 20-meter, the next generation antenna continued to blossom and grow.

The VGOS signal chain installed in January 2016 opened her eyes to new sights and possibilities. She quickly learned to collaborate with her older siblings across the ocean at Westford and GGAO. The three antennas can now routinely observe in broadband continuously for 24 hours!

With the senior 20-meter antenna about to have open heart surgery on its main bearing, it was important to pass the geodetic knowledge to the new generation as quickly as possible. A series of observing sessions provided the link at the millimeter-level between the two KPGO antennas. The KPGO handoff was successful and the 20-meter antenna is now getting much needed repairs.

The new antenna is now ready to reach out to the rest of the world and has started learning new languages. A series of compatibility test were performed with several European stations that are also anxious to join the VGOS network.

With just a few more tweaks and tests, our young antenna is ready to graduate and join the greater VLBI workforce. We expect to hold an Operational Readiness Review within the next two months. With the intensive commissioning activities coming to an end, this will be the final entry to this blog. Please continue to visit the SGP website for news and updates. Its been fun sharing our progress with you.

-- Larry Hilliard, Pedro Elosegui, Stephen Merkowitz, and the rest of the SGP team.


Historic handoff at KPGO from a metaphorical 12-m antenna standing guard and seeking out quasars sky-wide while legacy 20-m antenna gets needed repairs to her azimuth bearing, to play a reduced role during her extended life, and making way for a new generation.

Connecting the old with the new
February 29, 2016

The legacy 20m VLBI antenna at KPGO will undergo a major refurbishment later this year. The procedure involves lifting the main reflector off its bearing. The time lapsed video below shows what was involved in lifting the much smaller 12 meter reflector back in October 2015. In the next few months, the 20 meter reflector will be lifted as well using mechanisms to enable a life extending bearing replacement.

The bearing replacement will change the antenna "reference" location that has been established by VLBI over the past decade. It is vital that we do not lose continuity at the site, so in addition to the precise ground survey that was performed earlier this year, we are making a series of "short-baseline" VLBI observations using both the old and the new antennas at KPGO to establish the tie between these two antennas. These observations will also be an excellent test of the "mixed mode" technique that makes the broadband and the legacy S/X networks compatible. The continuity of geodetic legacy and broadband network locations at KPGO can then be re-established after the bearing replacement with verifiable before and after tests.

A geodetic tie can be made between the old and new antennas at KPGO by making a series of short-baseline VLBI observations using the mixed mode technique.  Seen here are the two antennas simultaneously observing source 0235+164 on February 12.

A geodetic tie can be made between the old and new antennas at KPGO by making a series of short-baseline VLBI observations using the mixed mode technique. Seen here are the two antennas simultaneously observing source 0235+164 on February 12.

Connecting to the Past – Present Network, Transitioning to the Future
February 19, 2016

The first fringes recently obtained with the 12-meter antenna marked the dawn of the VGOS broadband era. But there is also an important linkage to the existing “legacy S/X” VLBI network that is right next door and connected around the world. Indeed, the 20-meter antenna at KPGO, which is currently configured to observe with the legacy S-band and X-band receivers that are operational at VLBI geodetic sites worldwide, can also form baselines with the new broadband systems under a “mixed-mode” configuration that makes the broadband and the legacy S/X networks compatible.

On February 12, the KPGO operational team run a mixed-mode fringe test with the KPGO 12-meter and 20-meter antennas configured in broadband and legacy S/X modes, respectively. The mixed mode produced the first fringes thus establishing a short baseline that ties over 20 years of operation with the legacy VLBI network to the broadband VGOS network of the future.

An intra-KPGO short-baseline tie can be realized by configuring (left) the 20-meter antenna as a legacy S/X VLBI system and (right) the 12-meter antenna as a broadband VGOS system using common observing frequencies and a mixed-mode correlation method.

An intra-KPGO short-baseline tie can be realized by configuring (left) the 20-meter antenna as a legacy S/X VLBI system and (right) the 12-meter antenna as a broadband VGOS system using common observing frequencies and a mixed-mode correlation method.

First Light!
February 17, 2016

Having completed the installation of the signal chain, the team turned the antenna toward the sky on February 1 and observed peaks on Taurus A, Orion and 3C84! On February 5, we ran two coordinated sessions observing several strong radio sources using the new KPGO antenna and the antennas at Westford in Massachusetts and at the Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory (GGAO) in Maryland. Each session used a different pointing model for KPGO to maximize the chance of success. Once completed, the data from a selected scan (1749+096) from all three sites were transferred over the Internet to the correlator at MIT Haystack for cross-correlation and fringe search. Fringes for the Westford-GGAO baseline were found quickly, as one would expect, given the practice and experience gained with this VGOS-prototype baseline over the last year. Despite the long baselines to KPGO, the search to KPGO was not overly taxing either because the KPGO site position and maser behavior of KPGO (both derived from the KPGO 20m model) that are required as a priori model in the correlator were accurate enough to help narrow the fringe search to a relatively small window, hence expediting the process.

This represents a major milestone for the Space Geodesy Project and is the world's first 3-way broadband VLBI measurement. It was also the first long baseline broadband VLBI measurement, demonstrating the viability of the next-generation antenna for improving determination the Terrestrial Reference Frame and Earth Orientation Parameters.

The transoceanic baselines demonstrate the viability of broadband VLBI that will contribute to the accuracy improvement of the Terrestrial Reference Frame and Earth Orientation Parameters, the building blocks of all space missions and geophysical applications.

The transoceanic baselines demonstrate the viability of broadband VLBI that will contribute to the accuracy improvement of the Terrestrial Reference Frame and Earth Orientation Parameters, the building blocks of all space missions and geophysical applications.

Broadband VLBI "fringes" were obtained on the extragalactic radio source quasar 1749+096.  Shown here are the fringes for the long transoceanic baseline between Hawaii and Maryland.

Broadband VLBI "fringes" were obtained on the extragalactic radio source quasar 1749+096. Shown here are the fringes for the long transoceanic baseline between Hawaii and Maryland.

Installation and Integration of Signal Chain Frontend Components at KPGO
February 01, 2016

The KPGO Signal Chain integration team arrived at KPGO on January 18 and immediately inspected the frontend hardware and tools, as well as the personal protection equipment necessary for operating safely in the antenna frontend environment. The team then proceeded to installation, integration, and verification of the frontend subsystem. The visuals below illustrate some of the subsystems of the assembled frontend such as the positioner, payload, hub electronics, vacuum pump, uninterrupted power supply, compressor, post-dewar electronics sled, and the monitor and control infrastructure.

Feedcone interface ringTrolley for FEPFEP cylinder entering the hubMiddle FEP subassemble attachment
Use of trolley installing FEPTrolley mission accomplished. Four tierods in place.Attaching FEP to ring

The frontend installation began with the attachment of the signal chain/feed cone interface ring, then an installation of the hoist trolley to enable the insertion of the frontend positioner (FEP) middle subassembly, until four tie rods could secure the hub end, and the signal chain/feed cone interface ring at the other end.

frontend payload manlift in caddyfrontend inside hub

The frontend payload was put on the rail extensions using the caddy designed to mate with the frontend positioner system.

Compressor nearing pedestaltightening down with manlift

Two lifting vehicles were used in order to install the Helium compressor. The man-lift brought team members up to the hub above the mounting platform, then the forklift lifted the compressor with tag lines well away from the suspended load, finally the manlift was used again to help the team fasten the compressor to the platform after it was lifted in place.

full view working at HEBclose-up view working at HEB

The full view of the antenna from behind the reflector shows the access to the hub electronics box and a closeup view shows the working light inside the hub electronics box (HEB). This short movie shows the frontend payload minus the post dewar electronics headed up to the focused position for a mechanical test that can be controlled from the HEB or from inside the KPGO operations room.

frontend inside hub cabling He linesfrontend inside cone

This 180 degree panoramic shot of the frontend equipment inside the hub was taken after full cabling and He lines attached. The post dewar electronics sled is now attached. In the photo on the right the frontend payload has moved down the feed cone to the focused position and the hub electronics box is open for access to the MCI hub computer.


KPGO cool down

The access plate provided a way to install the locking collar before the payload was moved to a zenith pointing position. In that configuration, a dynamic inspection of the elevation cable tray was made from the manlift up to the zenith position and back down to a horizontal position. Finally, the cooling system was supplied with Helium, and the antenna was stowed. The 20K cooling requirement was met in 3-4 hours, and the temperature held stably throughout the weekend.

Arrival, Installation and Integration of the Signal Chain Backend Components at KPGO
January 21, 2016

All the Signal Chain equipment arrived safely at KPGO! The Signal Chain integration team travelled to Hawaii and began equipment checkout on January 8. They verified that nothing got damaged during shipping and proceeded with the backend installation, integration, and verification. Shown below are the configuration and pictures of the assembled backend.

The left rack of the backend contains: 4 up-down converters (UDC) that down-convert the desired sky frequencies, 4 ROACH Digital Backend (RDBE) boxes, the RF Distribution box, the 10 MHz frequency distributor, and 2 time distribution amplifiers that provide references around the system. The right rack contains: the Mark6 recorders, the cable delay measurement system (CDMS) computer, the backend computer, and the switch on the top rails that allows sharing of the keyboard, video display, and mouse and network switches installed in the back of the rack.

The left rack of the backend contains: 4 up-down converters (UDC) that down-convert the desired sky frequencies, 4 ROACH Digital Backend (RDBE) boxes, the RF Distribution box, the 10 MHz frequency distributor, and 2 time distribution amplifiers that provide references around the system. The right rack contains: the Mark6 recorders, the cable delay measurement system (CDMS) computer, the backend computer, and the switch on the top rails that allows sharing of the keyboard, video display, and mouse and network switches installed in the back of the rack.

Time lapsed video of the integration process.

This January 15th photo shows an installed CDMS ground Unit, which arrived after the above video was made.  The unit arrived later because it was completing antenna and ground unit testing at Westford alongside the Legacy Cable Calibration system when the rest of the equipment was shipped.

This January 15th photo shows an installed CDMS ground Unit, which arrived after the above video was made. The unit arrived later because it was completing antenna and ground unit testing at Westford alongside the Legacy Cable Calibration system when the rest of the equipment was shipped.

This photo shows the cabling and labeling behind the backend rack now that it is fully integrated for subsystem tests.

This photo shows the cabling and labeling behind the backend rack now that it is fully integrated for subsystem tests.

KPGO Signal Chain System Integration/Pre-Shipment Reviews
January 05, 2016

The signal chain development team at MIT Haystack Observatory hosted and passed system integration and pre-shipment reviews in Westford, Massachusetts, on December 15th and 16th. Integration and testing of all signal chain subsystems were reviewed including the recently completed system noise temperature tests on the frontend components, the zero-baseline tests between the KPGO backend temporarily located at the Westford site and the complete Westford system, and the plans for continuing testing the cable delay measurement system at Westford after the frontend and backend are shipped to KPGO.

Reviewing also included the horizontal installation of the frontend positioner (FEP) hardware into the 12-meter antenna feed cone. This procedure was re-engineered (described in the December 10 post) because of differences in the antenna hub from the prototype 12-meter antenna and FEP at GGAO. The end result, which is a much safer procedure, uses a trolley that minimizes the confined space and fall hazards with the VGOS stations, and makes the hub a more comfortable working environment.

The removable support hardware sled with post-dewar electronics is in the foreground of this photo taken of the complete frontend payload. Cryogenic coolant cables and components are accessed from the other side.

The removable support hardware sled with post-dewar electronics is in the foreground of this photo taken of the complete frontend payload. Cryogenic coolant cables and components are accessed from the other side.

The two movies illustrate and demonstrate (in CAD design animation) the access to the hub electronics box in the hub of the antenna. Chris Eckert, lead mechanical engineer of the signal chain, explains the movements of components in the hub.

Backend configuration at the Westford station. The two black racks are the completed KPGO backend and blue racks in the background are the operating broadband backend for the Westford antenna.

Backend configuration at the Westford station. The two black racks are the completed KPGO backend and blue racks in the background are the operating broadband backend for the Westford antenna.

The KPGO backend computer with the split of the incoming RF signal occurring after the Westford RF-distributor. Chester Ruszczyk, KPGO Signal Chain Project Manager and Systems Engineer, demonstrates the interrogation of the system configuration from the backend computer.

The KPGO backend computer with the split of the incoming RF signal occurring after the Westford RF-distributor. Chester Ruszczyk, KPGO Signal Chain Project Manager and Systems Engineer, demonstrates the interrogation of the system configuration from the backend computer.

KPGO Signal Chain Accessibility
December 10, 2015

Early in the development process of the KPGO station, the team identified several accessibility and safety issues associated with the planned installation of the front end positioner. The primary issue related to the confined space in the hub and lessons learned from the vertical installation of the GGAO front end positioner. The team came up with a great solution for installing the positioner in a horizontal position that is much safer for the personnel than the originally planed vertical installation.

The payload drive system (in blue) can be serviced in the hub maintenance position

The payload drive system (in blue) can be serviced in the hub maintenance position

The primary service panel allows access to payload interface and the secondary vacuum port and the LNA bias supplies, electronics tray and calibrator that are accessible and removable

The primary service panel allows access to payload interface and the secondary vacuum port and the LNA bias supplies, electronics tray and calibrator that are accessible and removable

In the secondary service panel the turbo pump, vacuum valve, vacuum gauge and the DAQ cards are removable, the calibrator and payload interface are accessible

In the secondary service panel the turbo pump, vacuum valve, vacuum gauge and the DAQ cards are removable, the calibrator and payload interface are accessible

Goddard review team members get an explanation of the serviceability of the hub electronics box at Haystack Observatory in July 2015.

Goddard review team members get an explanation of the serviceability of the hub electronics box at Haystack Observatory in July 2015.

Model based description of installing the signal chain rails inside the hub for the frontend payload positioning system

Model based description of installing the signal chain rails inside the hub for the frontend payload positioning system

KPGO Signal Chain Frontend Integration and Outdoor Testing
November 23, 2015

The signal chain frontend is a delicate piece of radio-frequency engineering. Heretofore, components development, characterization, and testing have been done in controlled indoor environments such as the shield room at the MIT Haystack Observatory and the anechoic chamber at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Recently, the completed KPGO frontend was taken outdoors for comprehensive radio testing under realistic open-sky conditions. The frontend tests exercised all subsystem components but the horizontal positioner, which largely provides mechanical coupling to the antenna. The tests confirmed high-quality measurements in the high-frequency band. Despite the radio-quiet time enforced during the tests at Haystack, radio signals from mobiles and other wireless devices are ubiquitous in the low-frequency band. Suitably, signal interference is known to be less of an issue at the KPGO site.

The completed KPGO frontend, minus the positioner, looking straight up towards the sky during early morning testing on the grounds of the MIT Haystack Observatory. The test involved the entire frontend signal path, from the feed, through the cooled receiver and high-low bands, along the antenna cables, to the radio-frequency distributor. At KPGO, the latter is already part of the backend rack.
The completed KPGO frontend, minus the positioner, looking straight up towards the sky during early morning testing on the grounds of the MIT Haystack Observatory. The test involved the entire frontend signal path, from the feed, through the cooled receiver and high-low bands, along the antenna cables, to the radio-frequency distributor. At KPGO, the latter is already part of the backend rack.

The completed KPGO frontend, minus the positioner, looking straight up towards the sky during early morning testing on the grounds of the MIT Haystack Observatory. The test involved the entire frontend signal path, from the feed, through the cooled receiver and high-low bands, along the antenna cables, to the radio-frequency distributor. At KPGO, the latter is already part of the backend rack.

KPGO Signal Chain Backend Development
November 02, 2015

The signal chain development team at MIT Haystack Observatory has passed a key milestone in completing the full backend integration in their electronics laboratory. The backend subsystem involved the RF distributor, up-down converters, digitizers, and recorders. The completed backend subsystem has now been transported to and integrated at the Westford station, where a comprehensive series of KPGO-like observing and validation tests will be conducted, including zero-baseline tests side-by-side with the existing Westford broadband geodetic system.

Detail of the four digitizers (a.k.a. RBDE-G), which sample and quantize the down-converted broadband analog signals into 8 digital streams (2 polarizations each) recorded by the Mark 6 recorder.

Detail of the four digitizers (a.k.a. RBDE-G), which sample and quantize the down-converted broadband analog signals into 8 digital streams (2 polarizations each) recorded by the Mark 6 recorder.

The completed (black rack) KPGO backend standing next to the (blue rack) Westford broadband backend. Shown from top to bottom are (left) the frequency and time reference distribution amplifiers, radio-frequency distributor, up-down converters, digitizers, server, and (right) two Mark6 recorders.

The completed (black rack) KPGO backend standing next to the (blue rack) Westford broadband backend. Shown from top to bottom are (left) the frequency and time reference distribution amplifiers, radio-frequency distributor, up-down converters, digitizers, server, and (right) two Mark6 recorders.

KPGO Antenna System Acceptance Tests
October 12, 2015

The KPGO Antenna passed all the System Acceptance Tests on October 11, 2015! Congratulations to the Intertronics Systems, Inc. team and the KPGO staff for completing the installation! The keys to the antenna were handed over to the KPGO staff and the antenna is now under Field System control.

Intertronics Solutions, Inc. performs one of the system acceptance tests by successfully pointing at the Sun. The shadows indicate that this was a successful test

Intertronics Solutions, Inc. performs one of the system acceptance tests by successfully pointing at the Sun. The shadows indicate that this was a successful test.

Peter and Stephen Shield from Intertronics Solutions, Inc. demonstrate the antenna control to Brian Luzum from USNO and Darryl Lakins from NASA/GSFC.

Peter and Stephen Shield from Intertronics Solutions, Inc. demonstrate the antenna control to Brian Luzum from USNO and Darryl Lakins from NASA/GSFC.

Videos from Antenna and Signal Chain development
October 08, 2015

Back in June 2015, the KPGO Antenna development team conducted a series of tests at their factory in Quebec. After those tests, a video of the operating antenna was made by the KPGO Signal Chain development team who were visiting to plan the installation of the front end positioner in the hub. A video of the front end traveling from the maintenance position to the observation position in the feed cone will bring the KPGO antenna to life in 2016 when these subsystems are integrated and tested.

Video of Haystack Observatory operation of the front end positioner from the payload in its maintenance position in the hub to its observation position in the lab.

Video of Intertronics Solutions, Inc. operation of the 12 meter antenna after the Factory Acceptance Test in Quebec in June 2015.

Sub reflector and Feedcone Photogrammetry and Preparation for the Antenna System Acceptance Tests
October 08, 2015

This week at KPGO the final preparations were underway for the Antenna System Acceptance Test (SAT) which repeat many of the factory acceptance tests done in Quebec. One capability that will be available for the SAT that is new since the FAT, is the use of the hexapod to make fine adjustments to the subreflector position. The installation and operation of the hexapod will further automate the fine adjustment procedure to be done with the signal chain in January. Photogrammetry was repeated this week with the hexapod fine tuning the subreflector position at several elevation angles and measurements of the feed cone position sag. The SAT will be conducted with a single hexapod adjustment that works best over all elevation angles from horizon to zenith.

An after-dark closeup of the main reflector shows the targets used for photogrammetry.

An after-dark closeup of the main reflector shows the targets used for photogrammetry.

Antenna team verifying hexapod movement directions

Antenna team verifying hexapod movement directions.

Photogrammetry at zenith after subreflector adjustments using hexapod

Photogrammetry at zenith after subreflector adjustments using hexapod.

Photogrammetry at the horizon after subreflector adjustments using hexapod

Photogrammetry at the horizon after subreflector adjustments using hexapod.

Feed cone access panels being installed for signal chain front end positioner to come in January 2016

Feed cone access panels being installed for signal chain front end positioner to come in January 2016.

Feed cone targets removed after completion of photogrammetry sessions at various elevations from horizon to zenith

Feed cone targets removed after completion of photogrammetry sessions at various elevations from horizon to zenith.

Reflector Lift
October 02, 2015

For the last two weeks the Kokee Park Geophysical Observatory (KPGO) has been a two-shift operation where the ISI 12m antenna installation team has been working with the Harris operations team to shoot distributed reflectors from various angles in the near field of the main reflector. The reflector surface accuracy error RMS was .005" after the ninth iteration of photogrammetry shots. On October 1st, the 12 meter reflector was lifted by crane to its position on the antenna pedestal and retained the RMS surface accuracy achieved in the tests taken and adjustments made on the ground. Photogrammetry continues and the surface accuracy will be measured from various elevation angles.

At Haystack Observatory, final plans are being practiced for the installation as well as maintenance procedures of the front end positioner inside the feed cone of the antenna. The analysis of quad ridge flared horn (QRFH) feedhorn antenna patterns taken at MIT - Lincoln Laboratory are also nearly ready for release.

First Photogrammetry session on the assembled reflector (9/18/2015)

First Photogrammetry session on the assembled reflector (9/18/2015)

Installing the crane rigging for the reflector (10/1/2015)

Installing the crane rigging for the reflector (10/1/2015)

Controlled lift of the reflector begins

Controlled lift of the reflector begins

Reflector placed on the turning head and elevation arms

Reflector placed on the turning head and elevation arms

The feed cone is lifted into place with the crane and attached with the manlift providing access

The feed cone is lifted into place with the crane and attached with the manlift providing access

The subreflector is attached to the hexapod interface across from the feed cone

The subreflector is attached to the hexapod interface across from the feed cone

Photogrammetry resumes with antenna in the zenith position. The reflector surface accuracy error RMS was verified still to be .005 inches (10/1/2015).

Photogrammetry resumes with antenna in the zenith position. The reflector surface accuracy error RMS was verified still to be .005 inches (10/1/2015).

Signal Chain Front-end Integration at MIT Haystack Observatory
October 02, 2015

The VGOS signal chain front end includes a number of mechanical and electrical elements such as the antenna feed, receiver payload, receiver cryogenics and vacuum, and calibration and monitoring systems, all housed inside a mechanical positioner that fits inside the KPGO feed cone. Fabrication of the signal chain front end has been completed, and the system is currently going through integration and testing in preparation for shipping to Hawaii.

Front-end positioner during electromechanical tests conducted at the MIT Haystack Observatory facilities.

Front-end positioner during electromechanical tests conducted at the MIT Haystack Observatory facilities. The receiver payload (cylinder and electronic trays on the right end of the positioner) can travel along the positioner for service and safety, and is shown here in "observation" location.

When mounted on the KPGO antenna, the front-end positioner will fit inside the antenna feed cone.

When mounted on the KPGO antenna, the front-end positioner will fit inside the antenna feed cone.

The front-end subsystem test team used the Anechoic Test Range at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory to characterize the antenna feed patterns.

The front-end subsystem test team used the Anechoic Test Range at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory to characterize the antenna feed patterns.

Signal Chain Introduction
September 25, 2015

MIT Haystack Observatory has been at the forefront of VLBI technology development since the birth of the technique many decades ago. The broadband signal chain of the new KPGO radio telescope is a major contribution that results from this development. The KPGO signal chain builds on the successful designs already implemented at the GGAO 12-m and the Westford 18-m telescopes. This two-element prototype of a VGOS baseline is the only fully functional broadband VGOS system completed to date.

The signal chain encompasses a series of novel VGOS components along which the incoming radio signal propagates once it enters the telescope, from the delicate cryogenically-cooled feed and receiver up in the antenna front end, through sensitive coaxial and fiber optic cables that connect the front and back ends, to advanced sampling and recording subsystems down in the back end. If the fully-steerable VGOS antenna structure can be viewed as a mechanical "listening ear," the signal chain is its electronics "beating heart."

The VGOS signal is broadband because it spans a bandwidth of over 10 GHz, with microwave frequencies ranging between approximately 2 GHz (15-cm wavelength) and 14 GHz (2-cm wavelength). The signal, which is analog in the front end, is transmitted via cables to the back end, where carefully selected sections of the entire broadband are digitized. To meet the stringent accuracy requirements of VGOS, the signal chain also incorporates a highly sophisticated calibration system that tracks the various delays introduced by each component along the entire broadband signal path. Interferometry is ultimately realized when the signals recorded at KPGO and other broadband VGOS-compliant systems, independently but simultaneously, are brought together for complex correlation and post-processing, and geodetic analysis and beyond.

Antenna Team Attaches Reflector Panels
September 18, 2015

Throughout the week at Kokee Park, the antenna team turned their attention to re-installing reflector panels that were carefully handled after the factory acceptance test (FAT) in Montreal. All of the adjustments were recorded after the photogrammetry measurements so that the re-test in Hawaii will be faster than the initial adjustments.

First Inner panel installed on reflector dish

First Inner panel installed on reflector dish

Mid-panel installation in progress.

Mid-panel installation in progress

Installing mounting hardware for the outer panel.

Installing mounting hardware for the outer panels

Outer panel installation complete.

Outer panel installation complete

Antenna Team begins reflector assembly
September 11, 2015

Intertronics Solutions, Inc. (ISI) worked together with the KPGO operations team on the installation of the 12-meter antenna. The elevation counterweights were attached, and the encoder and limit switches were tested. A lot of progress was made in assembling the reflector dish. The data lines were also connected to the antenna and the operations table.

Installation of the counterweights.

Installation of the counterweights.

The antenna movement was tested after the elevation encoder and limit switch installation.

The antenna movement was tested after the elevation encoder and limit switch installation.

Installing the main rib diagonal supports of the antenna reflector dish.

Installing the main rib diagonal supports of the antenna reflector dish.

View from 20m of 12m installation layout

View from the 20 meter KPGO antenna.

Positioning ribs using theodolite

Positioning the reflector dish ribs using a theodolite.

Start of Antenna Installation
September 04, 2015

The installation of the 12-meter Intertronics Solutions, Inc. (ISI) antenna at KPGO began on September 1, 2015. The antenna passed its Factory Acceptance Test in June 2015 and was disassembled and shipped from ISI’s facility in Canada to Hawaii. Shown below is the removal of the antenna pedestal from its shipping container and its vertical installation on the concrete pad. ISI will continue to assemble the antenna over the next few weeks and perform a Site Acceptance Test of the antenna in October.

Antenna pedestal after removal from its shipping container

Antenna pedestal after removal from its shipping container.

Lifting the pedestal

Lifting the pedestal

Positioning the pedestal

Positioning the pedestal

Pedestal installed on the concrete pad

Pedestal installed on the concrete pad