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Progress with KAT - XDM 2007 May

The eXperimental Development Model (XDM) is a 15-m diameter radio telescope antenna prototype for the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT). It is located at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). It is being used to test technology leading up to development of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA).

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2007 05 03 The 26-m telescope at HartRAO with the 15-m XDM beyond.

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2007 05 05 Richard Schilizzi and Peter Hall of the International Square Kilometre Array project visit XDM.

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2007 05 11 L J Du Toit of EMSS delivers the first prototype 1.5 GHz feed horn for XCDM to HartRAO for integration with the simple receiver being built there for the telescope.

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2007 05 24 Preparation for the installation of the feed and receiver mounting system at the prime focus of XDM.

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2007 05 28 HartRAO technician Ronnie Myataza testing the 1.5 GHz feed horn with the HartRAO-built receiver for XDM.

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2007 05 30 Installation of the feed and receiver mounting system at the prime focus of XDM.

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2007 05 31 Margie Campbell of dish prime contractors IST Dynamics testing the telescope drive control system.

Find out more about the SKA and KAT at www.ska.ac.za