Observatory Block Diagram

• Sky Brightness sensor (SBS) - Monitors sky for bad wather conditions. Primary use during daytime monitoring. Provides input to OTCC and FTCC for solar tracking. Also provides input to DSC to close/open dome shutter in poor weather conditions.
• Optical Tracking Control Computer (OTCC) - Primary (rough) tracking computer. Tracks sun using computed coordinates. Provides input to the OTP for mechanical positioning of the optical telescope.
• Fine Tracking Control Computer (FTCC) - Receives input from FQOT to provide tracking correction and centering of solar image.
• Four Quadrant Optical Tracker (FQOT) - Receives solar image (via beam splitter in telescope) and provides centering of solar disk image.
• Rain and Humidity Sensors (RHS) - Provides input to the DSC and closes dome shutter in the event of rain or very high humidity.
• Optics Over Temperature Sensors (OOTS) - Temperature sensors located in telescope to prevent damage the optics system in the event of telescope auto iris.
• Dome Drive (DD) - Receives control from DSC to drive motors and keep shutter centered on telescope position.
• Shutter Drive (SD) - Receives control from DSC to drive motors and close/open dome shutter.
• Dome and Shutter Control (DSC) - Provides control signals to start/stop dome and shutter motors.
• Optical Telescope Positioner (OTP) - Control motors that position telescope spar.
• Optical Telescope Drive Section (OTDS) - Drive motor system to position optical telescope.
• Beam Splitter - Provides routing of solar image to display and recording cameras.
• Flip Mirror - Selects image route to video or photographic camera.
• Radio Tracking Control Computer (RTCC) - Provides coordinate input data to RTP for radio telescope antenna positioning.
• Radio Telescope Positioner (RTP) - Controls radio telescope mount drive motors via RTDS.
• Radio Telescope Drive Section (RTDS) - Drive motor system to position radio telescope.
• Radio Telescope - "Front end" antenna section of radio telescope.
• RF and Detector Electronics (RFDE) - "Back end" of radio telescope. Provides amplification, detection and integration of radio signals.
• Analog Recorder (AR) - Chart recorder for recording output of RFDE.

Digital Conversion and Mass Storage (DCMS) - Provides digital form of signals for future study.
 
 

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Last update: 29 January 2004 Copyright RJA 1997 - 2004