However, it was a long road to the successful test measurements, because a mirror alone with a rotor does not make a measurement possible. And what to do with a 3m mirror when the Stockert already has two impressive and very successful parabolic mirrors?<\/p>\n

So, what could be more obvious than applying it for educational purposes – a stroke of luck for the Stockert learning center!<\/p>\n

What measures, what developments had to take place? We needed a stable mirror stand with a counterweight, a rotor control, a feed horn, an LNA, an astronomical control, a backend, an educational concept, and of course – people to make it happen.<\/p>\n

Thanks to a generous donation from the Rotarians Euskirchen Burgfey as part of their “Youth and Technology” project and the valuable support of Mr. Krosch, co-owner of the metal construction company Hecker&Krosch, a suitable stand with counterweight was developed and built.<\/p>\n

A feed horn was developed and calibrated by ourselves, the limitations of the rotor were supplemented by additions to the mechanics and electronics, and the specially developed rotor control was tested.<\/p>\n

In July 2017, everything was ready, and a first attempt could be made. When a new telescope is first put into operation, it is called “first light”.<\/p>\n

This milestone was reached on July 28th.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, further setup, calibration, and further test measurements were carried out. Now, the new instrument is available and should be used by schools.<\/p>\n