Bedford School Microwave Telescope
02/07/05 17:29
Braeside Communication Services have supplied their MoonSked software for controlling the tracking of the newly commissioned Bedford School Microwave Telescope.
BCS wrote the special driver software to control the dual Azimuth and Elevation ProSisTel antenna controllers via serial interfaces.
In the short time since 'first light' the telescope and electronics has survived two nights of serious electrical storms and some lightning strikes in the vicinity and the pupils have managed to observe the Moon and image the Sun in two dimensions.
The Telescope can also be remotely controlled via the Internet.
The Telescope
The 1.2 metre dish antenna on the roof of the school with feed horn, preamplifier and control cables. Prosistel elevation and azimuth drives.
The Microwave Telescope Control Room
The computer displaying CCTV picture of dish on roof, Moonsked and control software on screen. Az/El controllers on RHS. Also shown right of computer is a microwave signal generator for calibration purposes.
Not shown is the wideband receiver or the weather station which is used to monitor wind speed and direction for dish safety.
[Photos courtesy of Bedford School]
Further information about the Microwave Telescope may be sought from:
Bedford School Physics and Astronomy Department
Bedford School
De Parys Avenue
MK40 2TU.
BCS wrote the special driver software to control the dual Azimuth and Elevation ProSisTel antenna controllers via serial interfaces.
In the short time since 'first light' the telescope and electronics has survived two nights of serious electrical storms and some lightning strikes in the vicinity and the pupils have managed to observe the Moon and image the Sun in two dimensions.
The Telescope can also be remotely controlled via the Internet.
The Telescope
The 1.2 metre dish antenna on the roof of the school with feed horn, preamplifier and control cables. Prosistel elevation and azimuth drives.
The Microwave Telescope Control Room
The computer displaying CCTV picture of dish on roof, Moonsked and control software on screen. Az/El controllers on RHS. Also shown right of computer is a microwave signal generator for calibration purposes.
Not shown is the wideband receiver or the weather station which is used to monitor wind speed and direction for dish safety.
[Photos courtesy of Bedford School]
Further information about the Microwave Telescope may be sought from:
Bedford School Physics and Astronomy Department
Bedford School
De Parys Avenue
MK40 2TU.