View source

At last the site preparations are nearly complete and the pedestal was also ready to be fitted with the new antenna.  Kyle Hollwarth, the mechanical designer of the antenna, and a two-man crew came to conduct the preparatory steps prior  to antenna installation.  The original sidearm/counterweight assemblies were modified to accept the additional counterweight required for the heavier antenna. 
<gallery>
Image:mounting-plate.jpg|The original sidearm mounting plate was used as a template to transfer the hole pattern to the sidearm extensions.
Image:hole-transfer.jpg|Holes were drilled with magnetic anchored drills.
Image:sidearm-mod.jpg|New sidearm extensions were bolted to the sidearms.
Image:finished-counterweight.jpg|After the sidearms were bolted to the pedestal, a cross-member I-beam was fitted across the top of the two sidearms.
</gallery> 
The cross-member resists the possiblity of differential torque between the sidearms stressing the antenna structure.  It also limits the upward elevation movement to 96 degrees or less.  This is required due to the fact that the center of the dish is now offset some 5 or 6 feet above the elevation axis.

In spite of a cold spell at the Greeley site, and several snowfalls, these steps were completed.  The pedestal was rebuilt on the new pad, the antenna was put together on the ground, and finally hoisted into position on the new sidearms.  All that remains at this point is to mount the sub reflector and feedhorn, and finally to check the surface accuracy and antenna geometry by using photogrammetry.  These steps are expected to commence on January 7th, 2008.
<gallery>
Image:moving-boom.jpg|The four main antenna pieces were removed from the semi-trailer travelling frames.
Image:assembly-overview1.jpg|The antenna pieces are set on the ground.
Image:assemble-pieces2.jpg|The two side 'ears' were fastened to the center section of the dish.
Image:install-boom.jpg|The feed-boom was lifted and bolted into place.
Image:replace-panels2.jpg|The panels which had be removed for transport were re-installed.
Image:replace-panels.jpg|The panels are bolted into place from behind.
Image:dish-install1.jpg|The nearly complete antenna is lifted to the pedestal.
Image:dish-install2.jpg|The dish is bolted to the sidearm-counterweights.
Image:step1-complete.jpg|The antenna (less sub-reflector and feedhorn) is installed.
Image:step1-complete2.jpg|The antenna in a near zero degree elevation angle pose.
</gallery>

[[Category:Current Events|20071220]]