HOW A REAL DSN STATION IS BUILT

A beam waveguide antenna is designed so that sensitive electronics are relocated from the traditional feed cone in the center of the dish to an equipment room in the pedestal. This permits easier access for maintenance and future modification. The signal from a spacecraft is received by means of five precision radio frequency mirrors that reflect radio signals along a beam waveguide tube from the vertex of the antenna to the below-ground pedestal equipment room.

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Click on any photograph for a larger image.

	The ramp leading to the pedestal is constructed using rebar and concrete to form the ramp walls.
	Inside the pedestal, scaffolding is erected to support the roof forming and rebar installation.
	While the pedestal is being built on site, specialist manufacturing companies are contracted to produce the various steel structures of the antenna. The major beams of the alidade portion are fabricated from welded plates of steel. The alidade is the portion of the structure that rotates around the azimuth axis, and supports the tipping reflector.
	The azimuth track components on which the completed antenna will rotate, are carefully machined to provide a level surface.
	Once the alidade beams are fabricated, the alidade structure is trial-assembled in the factory to ensure proper fit and alignment. At this time beam waveguide tubes are added to check for possible interference with the structure. Once finalized, the alidade beams are dismantled, painted, and shipped to the site for final erection.
	The azimuth track is the first steel component to be installed on the pedestal. The track assembly will transfer the weight of the antenna to the pedestal, and provide the precision surface for the antenna wheels to ride upon.
	The four wheels and the beams that make up the azimuth base frame of the antenna are installed. These base frame beams have been roughly aligned and bolted together; once final alignment is completed they are welded in place.
	The alidade steel structure is erected at the construction site.

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