October 2, 2015 The VGOS signal chain front end includes a number of mechanical and electrical elements such as the antenna feed, receiver payload, receiver cryogenics and vacuum, and calibration and monitoring systems, all housed inside a mechanical positioner that fits inside the KPGO feed cone. Fabrication of the signal chain front end has been completed, and the system is currently going through integration and testing in preparation for shipping to Hawaii. Front-end positioner during electromechanical tests conducted at the MIT Haystack Observatory facilities. The receiver payload (cylinder and electronic trays on the right end of the positioner) can travel along the positioner for service and safety, and is shown here in "observation" location. When mounted on the KPGO antenna, the front-end positioner will fit inside the antenna feed cone. The front-end subsystem test team used the Anechoic Test Range at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory to characterize the antenna feed patterns.
