Abstract Details

Name: Kumar TS
Affiliation: ARIES
Conference ID: ASI2020_359
Title : The 3.6m DOT Control System: Maintenance and Upgradation
Authors and Co-Authors : T S Kumar, Shobhit Yadava, Brijesh Kumar and Wahab Uddin
Abstract Type : Poster
Abstract Category : Instrumentation and Techniques
Abstract : In this contribution we present the current state of control electronics and software of the 3.6m Devasthal Optical telescope (DOT) and describe the strategies for its maintenance and future upgradation. The DOT was contracted to Advanced Mechanical and Optical Systems (AMOS) in 2007 and the telescope was fully completed at factory in 2012 which was finally commissioned at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational sciencES (ARIES), Devasthal in 2016. Currently, in 2019, most of the electronic components employed in the telescope are nearly ten years old. A typical lifetime of the electronics components is between 12-15 years with an end-of-life of 20 years. Hence, it is desirable to upgrade the telescope control electronics in another 5 years. The controller performance has to be periodically characterized to monitor any fault signatures. Also, it is important to develop a strong supply chain preferably with the domestic vendors for spares, service, training and support during the component lifespan. To understand and develop inhouse capabilities required for maintenance and future upgradation activities, a proper laboratory setup equipped with spare controller, test benches and sophisticated tools is necessary. The engineering efforts at ARIES in the light of above would be discussed.