“ To support the project , we provided Series HGE and HEG Geared Cam Limit Switches . These limit the axial , elevation and polarisation movements of the telescopes and antenna . Devices offer two contact points at both the upper and lower ( or left and right ) limits , the first for initially slowing the movement and the second for a complete stop . We design each geared cam limit switch to offer a certain number of turns from the upper to the lower limit , which we tailor by modifying the gear ratio . We can offer a switching point repeatability to 1 / 1000th of the travel pass , which for 20 m of travel would equate to 20 mm accuracy of limit switch adjustment . This level of accuracy is highly beneficial for sensitive equipment collecting scientific data like a telescope or antenna ,” Marco says .
Stromag geared cam limit switches can be adjusted by almost anyone . By adjusting a worm gear , operators can set the limit as desired . The worm gear is self-locking , which ensures that once set , there will be no subsequent change in position . Encoder integration is also available to provide the information to the control systems regarding the current position in between the contacts . The contacts are responsible for the safe stopping of the antenna at the end of its travel range .
Galactic alliance “ Our proximity to CPI VERTEX ANTENNENTECHNIK GmbH means that , when possible , we can talk directly with their teams to ascertain specifications and requirements . For challenging applications such as antennas and telescopes , this is invaluable . We can take an active part in each project during initial design phase from a limit switch perspective , which helps us to deliver the best possible solution ,” Marco enthuses .
Construction of the Simons Observatory started on June 30th 2019 , so it will not be long until its 5-year journey of discovery into the CMB and our Universe begins3 . With astrophysicists at the observatory looking explore the physics of the early universe , dark energy , neutrinos and gravity4 – one of the few boundaries of its research will be movement limits set on its array of telescopes and antenna .
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