Historic Radiotelescope

[Sunray]

Hello,

here are two pictures from a historic radiotelescope in germany, called "Astropeiler" that I took in may this year. The telescope was build in 1956.

[Colin Southern]

Hello,

here are two pictures from a historic radiotelescope in germany, called "Astropeiler" that I took in may this year. The telescope was build in 1956.

Hi Robert,

It looks like it's in pretty good condition - is it still in use today?

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Robert - and welcome to the CiC forums from me.

This looks an interesting structure and quite well maintained.

I would imagine it could provide quite a few more images, especially if one were looking for abstract shapes.

Were you looking for critique on these shots?

Best regards,

[Sunray]

Hello,

the telescope is in good shape again. It is a historical monument. The metal structure was refurbished in 2007. Today it is run by volunteers. I am a member of this association. Although I do not kow that much about astromony it is great to work there. I am working in an IT company and so I do a lot of PC stuff when I am there.
There are a lot of abstract shapes and structures. Unfortunaly, it is often very difficult to reach them. The dish has a diameter of 25m.

yes, critique is welcome.

bye
Robert

[Colin Southern]

Hi Robert,

Would it be possible to get some shots of the inside? (I'm always facinated by things like that).

[Sunray]

Of course, yes.

This picture is a shot through the bottom trap door in the elevation engine room. If anyone has to go upstairs, that's the only way.




This one is a look at the brake cylinder of the antenna elevation drive, with its manual release system.

[Geoff F]

Just a personal opinion, but on the first photo, I would crop the bottom and left side a bit tighter. That large area of out of focus grass simply doesn't add anything.

But don't overdo it; a reasonable amount of grass is needed to give perspective.

[arith]

#2 is fantastic, a few blown bits I wouldn't normally mention but it is a really good shot.

[Colin Southern]

Looks great! Strangely enough it looks a bit like the inside of an old lighthouse that we have here in Nelson, NZ - similar kind of construction. What kinds of electronics are inside?

[carregwen]

Robert

#1 and #2 are very good. Nice composition, good exposure, good colours. Not much wrong there. Good to see a different subject matter on here too.

[Sunray]

Hello,

I croped out some of the gras in the lower left corner in the first picture. The original picture is still my favorite. The picture looks better when the telescope is not centered in the middle I think. Although you are right Geoff, the grass in tthe lower left corner is a little bit disturbing. Take a look for yourself:


On top in the elevation engine room are motor and gears for tilting the antenna. That's called elevation. Downstairs are motor and gears for turning the antenna towards the right azimuth position.
That means, the hole metal construction including this tube is turning. The movable parts have a total weight of about 90t. The antenna itself weighs "only" 20t. The azimuth engine has an output of about 4KW. Elevation engine could have a little bit more. For the non-techs, 4KW is only about three times of power consumption that uses a hair dryer. One 360 degree turn of the antenna takes about 10 minutes using fast mode. In case of need, the system has also a crank handle. But this takes a long time. I was curious enough to test it. A half turn took me about three hours !
That are the big electronics. Of course we have also other stuff. Receivers and Amplifiers for wavelength 21cm (hydrogen-line), a modern PLC for controlling the movement of the antennas. Some PC stuff for processing data.

[Geoff F]

I've cropped that photo slightly differently.

[IMG][/IMG]

And, as others have said, all of those photos show excellent colour and clarity.

[Sunray]

Sure, that looks better. Seems to be the optimal cropping for that picture.

Robert

[bleys]

I like #2 and that shot of the red staircase. Structures like these make for excellent abstract shots. You've already got some good ones!

[Sunray]

Hello,

here is a closer look at the antenna.

Robert

[Sunray]

Cables

[Sunray]

It's Wintertime !

[JK6065]

that last one is very good. I like the composition and the black and white processing suits it very well.

You might get some more out of the processing. Right now it looks a bit dull. Raising the white point and adding some more (local) contrast would do.
but except from that a wonderful photograph!

[JK6065]

that last one is very good. I like the composition and the black and white processing suits it very well.

You might get some more out of the processing. Right now it looks a bit dull. Raising the white point and adding some more (local) contrast would do.
but except from that a wonderful photograph!

edit:

I did some quick editing (hope you don't mind):



What do you think?

[Sunray]

Hello Jeroen,

Your version looks better. Thanks. I see that you are living in the Neverlands. That's not that far from Eifel mountains in Germany. Maybe you like to visit the radiotelescope and take some photos for yourself. It is open to public from late spring to autumn on sundays. You can find more informations under http://www.astropeiler.de (sorry, the page is only available in german.)

Bye
Robert