Date: May 2025
Amount: $88,678

The Computer Deconstruction Laboratory (CDL) is a Makerspace located at the former U.S. Army facility, Camps Evans. They are open to the community – providing a working space and educational programs to local schools. Their programs include optical astronomy, programming, computer and electronic projects, home automation, podcasting, and amateur radio under the club call, W2CDL. CDL provides network and technology support to their host site, the InfoAge Science & History Museums and ISEC (the InfoAge Space Exploration Center).

The Computer Deconstruction Laboratory has received a grant from ARDC to improve infrastructure at their InfoAge facility. They will install fiber optic cables between the main campus and the Diana Site, allowing shared network resources and remote access to radio telescopes and antennas. This will support schools, researchers, and academic users. The project also includes replacing entry doors and panic hardware to improve safety and security. The goal is to remove barriers to radio and optical observations, and to offer open access to technology for the community and youth.

With the loss of the 305 Meter radio telescope at Arecibo, Puerto Rico Telescope in December 2020, researchers are searching for other options for observation time. Improving remote access via Internet to the CDL facilities will provide support for a portion of this group, including local school districts as part of their STEM programs. Further research anticipated includes Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) paired with the 60 foot dish operated by the Deep Space Exploration Society in Haswell, Colorado.

Learn more at https://isec.space/.