Standard Operating Procedure for Installing/Removing Radiotelescope Feedhorn

Standard Operating Procedure Feedhorn

School of Physics August 2004 Description The feedhorn converts the incoming radiofrequency signal to an electrical current. It is a delicate piece of equipment and requires careful handling. Rooftop access is needed to install it on the radiotelescope. Authorisation  The Academic Supervisor must approve use of the radiotelescope.  There must be at least two people operating the radiotelescope at all times, with at least one person who has undergone safety training and is authorised for rooftop access. Anyone who has not had safety training must take part in a briefing before commencing work.  All users must familiarise themselves with the operating and safety procedures manual.

Resources All equipment necessary is located in the receiver room. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) If work is to be carried out on the rooftop telescope site for more than ten minutes between 10am and 3pm, then the following is needed to be worn (located in the receiver room):  Sunscreen  Sunglasses Instructions This standard operating procedure inherits instructions from the Standard Operating Procedure – Radiotelescope. Environment. The procedure must not take place if an electrical storm or wind gusts greater than 50km/h are expected. 1. Sign in the logbook. 2. Before proceeding to the roof, inform the Academic Supervisor. 3. At least one person must accompany you to the roof. If you go to the roof and the receiver room is unoccupied, then the door must be locked and the “Gone to roof” sign displayed on the door. 4. Set the radiotelescope to an elevation of 45 degrees or lower. 5. Take the ladder, feed horn and intercom (if not already there) to the roof. 6. On the roof, close access door, push emergency stop button, connect the intercom system to the breakout box and display the radiotelescope in use sign. Use the intercom to communicate with the receiver room. 7. Extend and lock the ladder support arms. Put feedhorn on ladder tray. Before climbing the ladder make sure there is someone to support it. 8. Attach feedhorn to radiotelescope and tighten wing nuts. Connect coaxial supply cable. 9. When finished fold down ladder clear of radiotelescope, reset the emergency stop switch.

Key Hazards. Keep 1m from the perimeter wall, this will prevent you from falling. Falling objects. Wing-nuts or the feedhorn could fall while being installed/removed. When supporting the ladder make sure you will be clear of any falling objects (i.e. not standing under the feedhorn mounting ring). Emergency Procedure Ensure the area is safe to enter, press the stop button, administer first aid (first aid kit can be fetched from rooms 128, 134, 101 or 104), call emergency services and UNSW Security if needed, turn off power supplies in receiver room, inform the academic supervisor of the emergency, secure any equipment, enter the event into the logbook. EMERGENCY: call SECURITY x56666 or 9385-6666 (My Location is: Radio Telescope, Level 2 wing2 roof, Old Main Building)

David Kruss, Physics Students Society, School of Physics, UNSW 9823 8340