[alma-config] Re: compact configuration

[Al Wootten]

NB This message was rejected as too long and so I have extracted the
pix and given a URL where they may be found - Al

Dear Holger,

I want to comment the configuration 
(http://www.cv.nrao.edu/~awootten/mmaimcal/leonia.pdf) and 
sketch of the road (http://www.cv.nrao.edu/~awootten/mmaimcal/leonia.jpg) 
you sent me recently.

1. The configuration. Of cource it is interesting to consider different classes 
   of the road including one circular road and three radii. 
   Your configuration is very compact (D=150m) and it is good. 
   But as a result not all antennas has access from a road and it is not good.
   I am sure that the configuration beeng extremely packed will give 
   the high side lobes and it will be very difficult to reduce them by 
   optimiztion of the configuration  because of lack of freedom in 
   the antenna moves.

2. The scetch of the road. Again it is a good idea. And again I think it 
   will be difficult to gat an access to any antenna having such a road 
   configuration.

We can discuss your suggestion involving more people from alma-config group.

I think now the most important is trading brightness sensitivity
(compactness of the array) for the safety of transporter driving (the
road width). As you know I have put at my web side the compact
configuration (D=160m) with minimum (probably) possible road
width=20m.  This configuration probably gives the highest brigtness
temperature sencitivity taking into account the road factor.


Now I am preparing another extreem case with the road width =30m. This
configuration will allow access to any antenna without stopping
observation by any other one. And of cource thes configuration -road is
safety

Of cource the second configuration will have worse brightness sensitivity 
and worse side lobes. The question is if this 'worse' costs the transporter 
driving safety and accesibility.
This is the question.

Leonia