E-Systems Telescopes Frequency Flexibility

E-Systems Carousel Multi-Receiver system
Photo by Ian Morison

The three E-systems, 25m, Radio Telescopes have been equipped with "Carousels" to allow the MERLIN array to make rapid changes in frequency. This has required a major rebuild of the Vertex Cabin which now has a strengthened floor to support the Carousel and a cone shaped extension into the dish to allow room for the receivers and their feed systems.

The Carousel is mounted off the axis of the telescope so that when it is rotated the receiver systems mounted within it can each be brought to the focal point of the telescope, thus allowing rapid changes in frequency.

22Ghz Receiver mounted on Carousel.
Photo by Ian Morison

Current Status

The systems are operational and are being used for 5 and 22 Ghz receiver systems. In order for the carousel to be used at L-Band which at present has it receiver and feed mounted at the prime focus, a lens system is needed to produce a sufficiently compact feed system. 22 Ghz models of this feed system have been built and tested and development continues. A grant has been applied for to allow the building of the full size systems and their installation into the E-System's Carousels.

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