Together with Hexagon, we had the opportunity to test the practical suitability of the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS 600 for surveying the Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA) in a real-world setting.
In several measurement runs, the 34-meter-wide main reflector and the sub-reflector were measured at various angles of inclination.
Our conclusion:
The measurement system is suitable for performing automated surface measurements on very large telescopes with sufficient accuracy. In particular, the fixed installation of the measurement system on the feed cone impressed us, as it allowed the antenna surface to be measured at various elevation angles in approximately 20 minutes per measurement run.
We would like to thank Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence for the excellent collaboration and for providing the measurement system for this special project!