Instrument rotators. Performance using different electromechanical systems

Teodora A. Viera-Curbelo; Luis F. Rodríguez Ramos; A. Vega-Moreno; Haresh Chulani; John Murray; Begoña García Lorenzo

doi:10.1117/12.3018420

26 August 2024 Instrument rotators. Performance using different electromechanical systems

Teodora A. Viera-Curbelo, Luis F. Rodríguez Ramos, A. Vega-Moreno, Haresh Chulani, John Murray, Begoña García Lorenzo

Proceedings Volume 13100, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI; 1310016 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018420
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

Instrument rotators provide high accuracy instrument rotation at a commanded angle to ensure telescope pupil tracking. Structural support and mechanical interfaces must be provided and services (electrical and communications subsystems) routed from the stationary platform to the rotating platform for heavy instruments (which can exceed 1,500 kg). Cannot transmit vibrations to instruments. The experience gained over the years in working with several types of rotators is summarized in this paper. Not only experimental methods, but also mechanical and control models have allowed us to understand the system in depth. The paper focuses on rotators with two servomotors working together to counteract backlash and rotators with directly coupled motors. For the latter, balanced and unbalanced loads are studied. The mechanical model used to control the servo is explained and analyzed. During the development of the study, different rotator work schedules will be investigated. Tracking will be the focus of the study. The HARMONI rotator and the QUIJOTE telescopes (telescopes built by the Spanish company IDOM) in operation at the Teide Observatory (Tenerife) will therefore be the focus of our attention.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Teodora A. Viera-Curbelo, Luis F. Rodríguez Ramos, A. Vega-Moreno, Haresh Chulani, John Murray, and Begoña García Lorenzo "Instrument rotators. Performance using different electromechanical systems", Proc. SPIE 13100, Advances in Optical and Mechanical Technologies for Telescopes and Instrumentation VI, 1310016 (26 August 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018420

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