Figure 8. VATT's New Azimuth Bearing Oil System. The oil system has been redesigned for improved reliability and for rapid and convenient maintenance. It is comprised of two complete pump systems and two complete oil chiller systems so that uninterrupted service of these vital components of the telescope is guaranteed during normal maintenance or in the case of an emergency failure of one system.

Az Oil System


Figure 9(a). VATT's Electronic control panels for new Azimuth bearing oil system.

Az oil control panel


Figure 9(b). Detail of plaque of appreciation attached to main control panel

Kresge appreciation plaque


Figure 10. VATT's Electrical components inside main electronic control panel for new Azimuth bearing oil system. Semi automatic control has been working very reliably since September, 1999 for turning on the oil pumps and chiller system. A telescope user turns on two switches on the front panel in the oil pump room. Soon, all controls and system status readout will be available remotely to observers in the main telescope control room.

Inside control panel



Credit for all photos: Ned Franz


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Last Updated: June 22, 2000 by Chris Corbally, S.J.