Telescope - User contributions [en]

Location

2010-06-16T16:20:57Z

Akoonth1:

== Location ==

The Peter van de Kamp Observatory is located atop Swarthmore College's science center.
The GPS coordinates are as follows;

39 54 .426 75 21 .333 with an error +_ 9m.

Location

2010-06-16T16:20:14Z

Akoonth1:

== Location ==

The Peter van de Kamp Observatory is located atop Swarthmore College's science center.
The GPS coordinates are as follows;

39 54 .426
75 21 .333 with an error +_ 9m.

Location

2010-06-16T16:19:13Z

Akoonth1: Created page with '== Location == The Peter van de Kamp Observatory is located atop Swarthmore College's science center. The GPS coordinates are as follows; 39 54 .426 75 21 .333 with an error ...'

== Location ==

The Peter van de Kamp Observatory is located atop Swarthmore College's science center.
The GPS coordinates are as follows;

39 54 .426
75 21 .333

with an error +_ 9m.

Main Page

2010-06-16T16:03:53Z

Akoonth1:

<big>Swarthmore College Observatory Wiki</big>

This website is for information relating to commissioning and operation of the Peter van de Kamp Observatory, funded by the National Science Foundation through its Program for Research and Education with Small Telescopes.

== Telescope ==
* [[Location]]

== Equipment and Technical Information ==
* [[Spectrograph Setup]]
* [[Dome Control]]
* [[Software/hardware troubleshooting and workarounds]]
* [[Apogee Alta Test Report]]
* [[Slit Width and Resolution]]
* [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]]

== Documentation ==
* [[Documentation| Software/Hardware Manuals]]
* [[Local operation documentation]]
* [[Focusing the telescope]]
*[[Observing Log]]

== To-do items, Summer 2010 ==
* [[Task list]] - edit to add items or mark as completed.

== Data Collection ==
* [[Observatory Log]]
* Transiting Planets[http://astro.swarthmore.edu/~jsokol1/exoplanet.html]
* [[Observing schedule|Observation Schedule]]

== Observing Lists ==
* [[B Stars]]

== Wiki Information ==
* MediaWiki [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet Cheat Sheet] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:How_to_edit_a_page How To Edit a Page]
* [[Sandbox]]

Task list

2010-06-01T19:43:28Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
*<s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. </s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping. ~Andrew 05-28
* <s> Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew </s>
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
*<s> Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC. </s> Andrew
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** <s>Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department. </s>
** <s> Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper] </s> Andrew
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* <s> Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary.</s> --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean 10-28(see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean 10-28''
* <s> Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page. </s> ''--Jean (manual) Andrew (yahoo help site) 10-28''

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.

Task list

2010-06-01T19:42:28Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
*<s><s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. </s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping. ~Andrew 05-28
* Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew error in load file
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
*<s> Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC. </s> Andrew
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department. </s>
** <s> Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper] </s> Andrew
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* <s> Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary.</s> --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean 10-28(see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean 10-28''
* <s> Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page. </s> ''--Jean (manual) Andrew (yahoo help site) 10-28''

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.

Task list

2010-06-01T19:41:58Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
<s>* <s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. </s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping. ~Andrew 05-28
* Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew error in load file
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
*<s> Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC. </s> Andrew
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department. </s>
** <s> Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper] </s> Andrew
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* <s> Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary.</s> --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean 10-28(see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean 10-28''
* <s> Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page. </s> ''--Jean (manual) Andrew (yahoo help site) 10-28''

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.

Task list

2010-05-31T18:13:22Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
* <s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. </s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping. ~Andrew 05-28
* Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew error in load file
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
*<s> Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC. </s> Andrew
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department.
** <s> Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper] </s> Andrew
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary. --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean 10-28(see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean 10-28''
* <s> Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page. </s> ''--Jean (manual) Andrew (yahoo help site) 10-28''

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.

Task list

2010-05-28T15:57:18Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
* <s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. </s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping. ~Andrew 05-28
* Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
* Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC. ----> Permission error
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department.
** Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper]
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary. --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean (see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean''
* Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page.

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.

Task list

2010-05-28T15:52:59Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
* <s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. </s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping. ~Andrew 05-28
* Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
* Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC.
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department.
** Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper]
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary. --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean (see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean''
* Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page.

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.

Task list

2010-05-28T15:51:12Z

Akoonth1: /* Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) */

== Introduction ==
When you complete a task, do not delete it! Mark it with strike-through (see example below) and add your name and date after it.
* <s>Make a to-do list on the wiki.</s> Completed 2010-05-27, Eric.

== Observing ==
*
<s>Create an [[Observing schedule]] page, </s> with a calendar for who is responsible for observing if a given night is clear. --Jean (see link under Documentation on the Main Page...)
* Sign up for observing times - we'll plan on two people per night. (Keep in mind that you probably will not end up observing on about 50% of the nights you sign up for, due to the vagaries of our weather. But you need to be ready to observe on those nights.)

== Telescope software tasks (good for cloudy weather!) ==
* <s> Install [http://www.thinkman.com/dimension4/download.htm Dimension 4 software] to improve clock accuracy on observatory PC. <\s> See [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.4415E Eastman et al. 2010] for more details on precise timekeeping.
* Install [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html JSkyCalc] on control room computer. ([http://www.astrobetter.com/jskycalc/ More info] on using it at [http://www.astrobetter.com AstroBetter].) --Andrew
** Edit local file to add our observatory coordinates as described [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~physics/faculty/skycalc/flyer.html here].
** After that file is created, let Eric know and we'll also install on the Linux machines.
* Install latest version of FocusMax software (3.4.40) - it's on the Y: drive mapped to the PC.
* Preparations for mapping run to improve the telescope pointing model.
** Download and install the full version of [http://pinpoint.dc3.com/ PinPoint]. Eric will do - this should be registered to the department.
** Download and install [http://www.aagware.eu/software.htm AAG TPointMapper]
** Download and install USNO A2.0 catalog for use by PinPoint as described [http://support.dc3.com/wsx/$webstar.exe/prob?129 here].

== Improving telescope operations ==
* Do a substantial (> 100 point) point run using AAG TPointMapper.
* Use FocusMax software to automate focusing of the imaging camera.
** Read [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ITSPaper.htm background info] on its operation.
** Set up FocusMax to link to TCC focuser.
** Do calibration runs to set up V curves for our system.
** Change MaximDL settings to link to FocusMax hub, which then links to the focuser/TCC. Save this configuration (under Apogee/Photometry).
* Continue to work on [[Autoguiding]] improvements - especially the optimal Dec backlash setting.
* Investigate and document whether or not slow warm-up of the CCD is necessary. --Jean
* Create and save some Auto sequences in MaximDL to facilitate running a series of bias and dark frames before or after a run.
* Reinforce flat-field screen and hang in dome.
* Document procedure for dome flats.
* Install and test out [http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html plug-in for automating sky flats].

== Documenting telescope operations ==
* <s> Create a page on [[Autoguiding|Autoguiding]] to document what we learn about best settings for autoguiding. </s> -- Jean (see main page, Equipment and Technical Information)
* <s> Download available manuals for the [http://www.shelyak.com/en/eshel.html eShel spectrograph] and put on our [[Documentation]] page. </s> --''Jean''
* Put MaximDL documentation (or links to it) on [[Documentation]] page.

== Photometric light curve improvements ==
* Write scripts to streamline data reduction (bias, flat, etc.)
* Write or find scripts to streamline photometry and creating light curves.
* Investigate optimal use of multiple comparison stars, e.g. approaches of [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009MNRAS.396.1023S Southworth et al. 2009] or [http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005AN....326..134B Broeg et al. 2005]. --Jackson

== Possible future improvements ==
* Possible automation of dome opening/closing?
* Install weather station / cloud sensor?
* Observatory automation with ACP, CCD AutoPilot, or CCD Commander?
* Install eShel spectrograph.