Daily Image
11-06-2018
Experiential learning!
| Submitter: | Menno Norden |
| Description: | From May 14th to 25th, 2018 two young Latvian engineers from Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC), which is the scientific institute of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences visited ASTRON for training within the framework of project 'Building on Advanced Lofar Technology For Innovation, Collaboration and Sustainability' (No. 692257 - BALTICS). The main goal of the training was to provide VIRAC staff experience in work with LOFAR antenna array hardware which will be necessary for daily operation of the upcoming International Lofar Telescope (ILT) station at VIRACs radio telescope site in Irbene, Latvia. Training was carried in direct, hands-on fashion - apprentices had to troubleshoot, repair and test the three neglected LOFAR High Band Antenna (HBA) test tiles located in the backyard of ASTRON with help of recently developed V2 prototype of HBA-PC (HBA Portable Controller).This way apprentices not only gained valuable experience on LOFAR hardware maintenance in actual field conditions, but also contributed to HBA-PC development by introducing multiple improvements the most notable being the added functionality of single HBA tile satellite tracking. This demonstrates beamforming technology in a practical way, which could be used by ASTRON in future for introducing phased antenna arrays and beamforming to students. This training was further supplemented by actual maintenance visits at LOFAR core stations near Exloo and by spending a day at Westerbork radio telescope site which only further increased the competencies of VIRAC engineers. For more information see the staff exchange portfolio at link below: Portfolio_Staff_Exchange_at_ASTRON_May2018 |
| Copyright: | Astron |
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