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What Type of Cable Connects the VLA Antennas?

-- Max | January 18, 2021

Question:

What type of cable comes out of the VLA? I am a former ham radio licensee and wondering if it’s just one coax coming out of the array. I was also looking for a blueprint for one of the antennas. Thanks a Lot!

-- Max

Answer:

Originally the antennas which comprise the VLA were connected to the electronics which are used to combine the signals from the antennas with a 60mm diameter waveguide. That waveguide was replaced in the 1990s by fiber optical cables. Regarding a blue print for the VLA antennas, I do not believe that this sort of information is publicly available.

-- Jeff Mangum

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