The Large Binocular Telescope mount control system architecture

David S. Ashby; Dan McKenna; Joar G. Brynnel; Tom Sargent; Dan Cox; John Little; Keith Powell; Gene Holmberg

doi:10.1117/12.671983

27 June 2006 The Large Binocular Telescope mount control system architecture

David S. Ashby, Dan McKenna, Joar G. Brynnel, Tom Sargent, Dan Cox, John Little, Keith Powell, Gene Holmberg

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6274, Advanced Software and Control for Astronomy; 627423 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.671983
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2006, Orlando, Florida , United States

Abstract

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) features dual 8.4 m diameter mirrors in a common elevation-over-azimuth mount. The LBT moves in elevation on two large crescent-shaped C-rings that are supported by radial hydrostatic bearing pads located near the four corners of the rectangular azimuth frame. The azimuth frame, in turn, is supported by four hydrostatic bearing pads and uses hydrodynamic roller bearings for centering. Each axis is gear driven by four large electric motors. In addition to precision optical motor encoders, each axis is equipped with Farrand Inductosyn strip encoders which yield 0.005 arcsecond resolution. The telescope weighs 580 metric tons and is designed to track with 0.03 arcsecond or better servo precision under wind speeds as high as 24 km/hr. Though the telescope is still under construction, the Mount Control System (MCS) has been routinely exercised to achieve First Light. The authors present a description of the unique, DSP-based synchronous architecture of the MCS and its capabilities.

Citation Download Citation

David S. Ashby, Dan McKenna, Joar G. Brynnel, Tom Sargent, Dan Cox, John Little, Keith Powell, and Gene Holmberg "The Large Binocular Telescope mount control system architecture", Proc. SPIE 6274, Advanced Software and Control for Astronomy, 627423 (27 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.671983

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