Telescope - User contributions [en]

File:Observing log.pdf

2009-08-07T16:36:53Z

Cderoo1: Blank Observing Log

Blank Observing Log

Slit Width and Resolution

2009-08-05T19:54:18Z

Cderoo1: slit width and resolution

The spectrograph came with a slit with a spacing of 25 micrometers. We recently put in a new slit with a spacing of 35 micrometers. A wider slit means an increase in flux but a decrease in resolution. The following images are spectra of Gam Cas, the first one with the original slit and the second one with the wider slit. You can see the slight decrease in the resolution because the lines in the second image are wider. The average difference in the equivalent widths is 0.01 angstroms
[[File:Gamcas_old_6515.png]] Original Slit
[[File:Gamcas_new_6515.png]] Wider Slit

File:Gamcas old 6515.png

2009-08-05T19:47:27Z

Cderoo1: Gam Cas spectrum with original slit

Gam Cas spectrum with original slit

File:Gamcas new 6515.png

2009-08-05T19:47:00Z

Cderoo1: Gam Cas spectrum with wider slit

Gam Cas spectrum with wider slit

Slit Width and Resolution

2009-08-05T19:45:53Z

Cderoo1: Created page with 'The spectrograph came with a slit with a spacing of 25 micrometers. We recently put in a new slit with a spacing of 35 micrometers. A wider slit means an increase in flux but a d...'

Main Page

2009-08-05T19:36:49Z

Cderoo1: /* Equipment and Technical Information */

<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.

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

== Documentation ==
* [[Software manuals]]
* [[Local operation documentation]]
** [[Focusing the telescope]]
*[[Observing Log]]

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

== 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]]

Apogee Alta Test Report

2009-08-03T19:17:10Z

Cderoo1:

<table>
<tr><td width="100"><b>Initial Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>End Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>Time to cool (min)</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>22.7</td><td>0</td><td>49</td></tr>
<tr><td>0</td><td>-5</td><td>36</td></tr>
<tr><td>-5</td><td>-10</td><td>39</td></tr>
</table>
<br>

<table>
<tr><td width="100"><b>Temperature</b></td><td width="100"><b>Dark Current </b></td><td width="100"><b>Read Noise</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>0</td><td>0.078</td><td>6.935</td></tr>
<tr><td> -5</td><td>0.041</td><td>6.706</td></tr>
<tr><td>-10</td><td>0.035</td><td>6.631</td></tr>
</table>
<br>

All the temperatures are in Celsius.
The read noise is the standard deviation of the master bias image (9 combined images). The dark current is the mean of the bias-subtracted, median-combined darks times the gain (1.3) divided by the integration time (300 seconds). The dark current is in electrons per pixel per second, and the read noise is in ADU r.m.s. All of these measurements are below the values given in the camera test report.

<b>Bias Image</b>
The mean value of the bias image is 1196. The brightest column at x=2707 has a value of about 1203.
[[File:Apogeebias.jpg]]

File:Apogeebias.jpg

2009-08-03T19:12:11Z

Cderoo1: Bias image from Apogee at 0 degrees C

Bias image from Apogee at 0 degrees C

Apogee Alta Test Report

2009-08-03T13:21:38Z

Cderoo1:

Apogee Alta Test Report

2009-07-31T20:40:59Z

Cderoo1:

<table>
<tr><td width="100"><b>Initial Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>End Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>Time (min)</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>22.7</td><td>0</td><td>49</td></tr>
<tr><td>0</td><td>-5</td><td>36</td></tr>
<tr><td>-5</td><td>-10</td><td>39</td></tr>
</table>
<br>

<table>
<tr><td width="100"><b>Temperature</b></td><td width="100"><b>Dark Current </b></td><td width="100"><b>Read Noise</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>0</td><td>0.078</td><td>6.935</td></tr>
<tr><td> -5</td><td>0.041</td><td>6.706</td></tr>
<tr><td>-10</td><td>0.035</td><td>6.631</td></tr>
</table>
<br>

The read noise is the standard deviation of the master bias image (9 combined images). The dark current is the mean of the bias-subtracted, median-combined darks times the gain (1.3) divided by the integration time (300 seconds). The dark current is in electrons per pixel per second, and the read noise is in ADU r.m.s. All of these measurements are below the values given in the camera test report.

Apogee Alta Test Report

2009-07-31T19:54:27Z

Cderoo1: Created page with '<table> <tr><td width="100"><b>Initial Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>End Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>Time</b></td></tr> <tr><td>22.7</td><td>0</td><td>49</td></tr> <tr><td>...'

<table>
<tr><td width="100"><b>Initial Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>End Temp</b></td><td width="100"><b>Time</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>22.7</td><td>0</td><td>49</td></tr>
<tr><td>0</td><td>-5</td><td>36</td></tr>
<tr><td>-5</td><td>-10</td><td>39</td></tr>
</table>
<br>

<tr><td width="100"><b>Temperature</b></td><td width="100"><b>Dark Current</b></td><td width="100"><b>Read Noise</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>0</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td> -5</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>-10</td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
</table>
<br>

Main Page

2009-07-31T17:56:43Z

Cderoo1: /* Equipment and Technical Information */

<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.

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

== Documentation ==
* [[Software manuals]]
* [[Local operation documentation]]
** [[Focusing the telescope]]
*[[Observing Log]]

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

== 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]]

Main Page

2009-07-31T17:56:29Z

Cderoo1: /* Equipment and Technical Information */

<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.

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

== Documentation ==
* [[Software manuals]]
* [[Local operation documentation]]
** [[Focusing the telescope]]
*[[Observing Log]]

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

== 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]]

Focusing the telescope

2009-07-29T16:30:57Z

Cderoo1:

== General focusing principles ==

Because of the Ritchey-Chretien design of the telescope, there is not a lot of room to change the position of the focal plane. Any instrument needs to have its sensor placed very close to the nominal focal position of the telescope. The RCOS focuser has readouts of 0 to 32000, in units of 1/40,000 of an inch; in other words, the nominal focal position only moves by about two inches when running through the full range of possible focus.

The most important and useful thing to remember when finding the focus for a new instrument is that the focal plane is 11.78 inches from the back plate of the telescope. As a first step, eyeball where the focus of the instrument or eyepiece will be (e.g. the CCD sensor for an imaging camera, or the slit for a spectrograph) and insert or remove the necessary number of spacers to bring the instrument close to the telescope focal plane position. The remaining adjustments can then be made with the RCOS focuser.

== Spacer Measurements ==

<table>
<tr><td width="250"><b>Spacer</b></td><td width="100"><b>Length (in)</b></td></tr>
<tr><td>1</td><td>2.50</td></tr>
<tr><td>2</td><td>0.75</td></tr>
<tr><td>3</td><td>1.25</td></tr>
<tr><td>4</td><td>1.00</td></tr>
<tr><td>5</td><td>1.75</td></tr>
<tr><td>6</td><td>20/32</td></tr>
<tr><td>Thin end connector</td><td>10/32</td></tr>
<tr><td>Rotator from back plate to first spacer</td><td>2.8125</td></tr>
</table>
<br>
The total length with all the spacers measured from the back plate is 11.00 inches (without any camera connection pieces).

== Instrument-specific focus positions ==

Approximate spacer configurations and focal positions for current instruments:

* LHIRES III spectrograph:
** Use all spacers except the thinnest one #6 (approx. 1 inch thick), and set focuser to about 19,700.
* SBIG ST-10 camera with CFW-8 filter wheel:
** Use all spacers, and set focuser to about 15,200.
* 2-inch eyepiece with diagonal:
** Remove three spacers #2,3,4 and set focuser to about 21,700.

== To-do items ==

I've put a few possibilities here of ways to improve/simplify our focusing. They're roughly in order of which I think we should try first.

* OK, so this looks useful: [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ Focus Max software] (and an explanation of [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/%7Elarryweber/ITSPaper.htm how it works]). It apparently uses MaximDL to take images (like PEMpro does), though it is stand-alone software. I can't tell for sure if it uses MaximDL to connect to the focuser, or does that itself. There's a [http://www.tpo.ca/Using_FocusMax.htm tutorial] on how to get it calibrated, a one-time thing for each hardware setup. So we would need to set up hardware profiles for both imaging and spectroscopy, as we would need to start the focuser in a different place for each.

* We could try out the interface in the Nebulosity software for focusing; Josh and Eric tried this a bit on 7/16/09. This is a nice graphical view of a given star, showing a historical plot of peak values and star half-widths as you change focus, so you can tell where the best focus is. One thing to watch out for is that if both it and MaximDL try to connect to the camera, they can lock up. So start this first, before connecting to MaximDL, then finish focus and disconnect. After quitting Nebulosity, you can connect to the camera from MaximDL. (This doesn't waste cooling time, since Nebulosity also turns the camera's coolers on.) There's a [http://www.stark-labs.com/blog/files/NebBahtinov.php video] showing how to use the Nebulosity interface to focus.

* It would be better, though, if we can get the focusing interface in MaximDL to work better. It doesn't have to be auto-focus; it just would be nice to see a simple plot of the star and its FWHM, for example.

* If this doesn't work well, we might look into creating/buying a Bahtinov focusing mask. We could create a template [http://astrojargon.net/MaskGenerator.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 here] and then find someone to laser-cut it for us. Maybe Steve knows a place we could take something to be cut. Or we could go simpler and just have Steve make us a Hartmann mask.

== Troubleshooting ==
The focuser readouts have some repeatability, but not 100%, and from time to time the focuser seems to lose track of where it is. If this happens, send it to "HOME" from the RCOS TCC software, and that will re-zero the positional readout.

Focusing the telescope

2009-07-21T19:37:15Z

Cderoo1: /* General focusing principles */

== General focusing principles ==

Because of the Ritchey-Chretien design of the telescope, there is not a lot of room to change the position of the focal plane. Any instrument needs to have its sensor placed very close to the nominal focal position of the telescope. The RCOS focuser has readouts of 0 to 32000, in units of 1/40,000 of an inch; in other words, the nominal focal position only moves by about two inches when running through the full range of possible focus.

The most important and useful thing to remember when finding the focus for a new instrument is that the focal plane is 11.78 inches from the back plate of the telescope. As a first step, eyeball where the focus of the instrument or eyepiece will be (e.g. the CCD sensor for an imaging camera, or the slit for a spectrograph) and insert or remove the necessary number of spacers to bring the instrument close to the telescope focal plane position. The remaining adjustments can then be made with the RCOS focuser.

== Instrument-specific focus positions ==

Approximate spacer configurations and focal positions for current instruments:

* LHIRES III spectrograph:
** Use all spacers except the thinnest one #6 (approx. 1 inch thick), and set focuser to about 19,700.
* SBIG ST-10 camera with CFW-8 filter wheel:
** Use all spacers, and set focuser to about 15,200.
* 2-inch eyepiece with diagonal:
** Remove three spacers #2,3,4 and set focuser to about 21,700.

== To-do items ==

I've put a few possibilities here of ways to improve/simplify our focusing. They're roughly in order of which I think we should try first.

* OK, so this looks useful: [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ Focus Max software] (and an explanation of [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/%7Elarryweber/ITSPaper.htm how it works]). It apparently uses MaximDL to take images (like PEMpro does), though it is stand-alone software. I can't tell for sure if it uses MaximDL to connect to the focuser, or does that itself. There's a [http://www.tpo.ca/Using_FocusMax.htm tutorial] on how to get it calibrated, a one-time thing for each hardware setup. So we would need to set up hardware profiles for both imaging and spectroscopy, as we would need to start the focuser in a different place for each.

* We could try out the interface in the Nebulosity software for focusing; Josh and Eric tried this a bit on 7/16/09. This is a nice graphical view of a given star, showing a historical plot of peak values and star half-widths as you change focus, so you can tell where the best focus is. One thing to watch out for is that if both it and MaximDL try to connect to the camera, they can lock up. So start this first, before connecting to MaximDL, then finish focus and disconnect. After quitting Nebulosity, you can connect to the camera from MaximDL. (This doesn't waste cooling time, since Nebulosity also turns the camera's coolers on.) There's a [http://www.stark-labs.com/blog/files/NebBahtinov.php video] showing how to use the Nebulosity interface to focus.

* It would be better, though, if we can get the focusing interface in MaximDL to work better. It doesn't have to be auto-focus; it just would be nice to see a simple plot of the star and its FWHM, for example.

* If this doesn't work well, we might look into creating/buying a Bahtinov focusing mask. We could create a template [http://astrojargon.net/MaskGenerator.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 here] and then find someone to laser-cut it for us. Maybe Steve knows a place we could take something to be cut. Or we could go simpler and just have Steve make us a Hartmann mask.

== Troubleshooting ==
The focuser readouts have some repeatability, but not 100%, and from time to time the focuser seems to lose track of where it is. If this happens, send it to "HOME" from the RCOS TCC software, and that will re-zero the positional readout.

Focusing the telescope

2009-07-21T19:31:37Z

Cderoo1: /* Instrument-specific focus positions */

== General focusing principles ==

Because of the Ritchey-Chretien design of the telescope, there is not a lot of room to change the position of the focal plane. Any instrument needs to have its sensor placed very close to the nominal focal position of the telescope. The RCOS focuser has readouts of 0 to 32000, in units of 1/16,000 of an inch ('''check this'''); in other words, the nominal focal position only moves by about two inches when running through the full range of possible focus.

The most important and useful thing to remember when finding the focus for a new instrument is that the focal plane is 11.78 inches from the back plate of the telescope. As a first step, eyeball where the focus of the instrument or eyepiece will be (e.g. the CCD sensor for an imaging camera, or the slit for a spectrograph) and insert or remove the necessary number of spacers to bring the instrument close to the telescope focal plane position. The remaining adjustments can then be made with the RCOS focuser.

== Instrument-specific focus positions ==

Approximate spacer configurations and focal positions for current instruments:

* LHIRES III spectrograph:
** Use all spacers except the thinnest one #6 (approx. 1 inch thick), and set focuser to about 19,700.
* SBIG ST-10 camera with CFW-8 filter wheel:
** Use all spacers, and set focuser to about 15,200.
* 2-inch eyepiece with diagonal:
** Remove three spacers #2,3,4 and set focuser to about 21,700.

== To-do items ==

I've put a few possibilities here of ways to improve/simplify our focusing. They're roughly in order of which I think we should try first.

* OK, so this looks useful: [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ Focus Max software] (and an explanation of [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/%7Elarryweber/ITSPaper.htm how it works]). It apparently uses MaximDL to take images (like PEMpro does), though it is stand-alone software. I can't tell for sure if it uses MaximDL to connect to the focuser, or does that itself. There's a [http://www.tpo.ca/Using_FocusMax.htm tutorial] on how to get it calibrated, a one-time thing for each hardware setup. So we would need to set up hardware profiles for both imaging and spectroscopy, as we would need to start the focuser in a different place for each.

* We could try out the interface in the Nebulosity software for focusing; Josh and Eric tried this a bit on 7/16/09. This is a nice graphical view of a given star, showing a historical plot of peak values and star half-widths as you change focus, so you can tell where the best focus is. One thing to watch out for is that if both it and MaximDL try to connect to the camera, they can lock up. So start this first, before connecting to MaximDL, then finish focus and disconnect. After quitting Nebulosity, you can connect to the camera from MaximDL. (This doesn't waste cooling time, since Nebulosity also turns the camera's coolers on.) There's a [http://www.stark-labs.com/blog/files/NebBahtinov.php video] showing how to use the Nebulosity interface to focus.

* It would be better, though, if we can get the focusing interface in MaximDL to work better. It doesn't have to be auto-focus; it just would be nice to see a simple plot of the star and its FWHM, for example.

* If this doesn't work well, we might look into creating/buying a Bahtinov focusing mask. We could create a template [http://astrojargon.net/MaskGenerator.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 here] and then find someone to laser-cut it for us. Maybe Steve knows a place we could take something to be cut. Or we could go simpler and just have Steve make us a Hartmann mask.

== Troubleshooting ==
The focuser readouts have some repeatability, but not 100%, and from time to time the focuser seems to lose track of where it is. If this happens, send it to "HOME" from the RCOS TCC software, and that will re-zero the positional readout.

Focusing the telescope

2009-07-21T19:31:21Z

Cderoo1: /* Instrument-specific focus positions */

== General focusing principles ==

Because of the Ritchey-Chretien design of the telescope, there is not a lot of room to change the position of the focal plane. Any instrument needs to have its sensor placed very close to the nominal focal position of the telescope. The RCOS focuser has readouts of 0 to 32000, in units of 1/16,000 of an inch ('''check this'''); in other words, the nominal focal position only moves by about two inches when running through the full range of possible focus.

The most important and useful thing to remember when finding the focus for a new instrument is that the focal plane is 11.78 inches from the back plate of the telescope. As a first step, eyeball where the focus of the instrument or eyepiece will be (e.g. the CCD sensor for an imaging camera, or the slit for a spectrograph) and insert or remove the necessary number of spacers to bring the instrument close to the telescope focal plane position. The remaining adjustments can then be made with the RCOS focuser.

== Instrument-specific focus positions ==

Approximate spacer configurations and focal positions for current instruments ('''still to be confirmed'''):

* LHIRES III spectrograph:
** Use all spacers except the thinnest one #6 (approx. 1 inch thick), and set focuser to about 19,700.
* SBIG ST-10 camera with CFW-8 filter wheel:
** Use all spacers, and set focuser to about 15,200.
* 2-inch eyepiece with diagonal:
** Remove three spacers #2,3,4 and set focuser to about 21,700.

== To-do items ==

I've put a few possibilities here of ways to improve/simplify our focusing. They're roughly in order of which I think we should try first.

* OK, so this looks useful: [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ Focus Max software] (and an explanation of [http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/%7Elarryweber/ITSPaper.htm how it works]). It apparently uses MaximDL to take images (like PEMpro does), though it is stand-alone software. I can't tell for sure if it uses MaximDL to connect to the focuser, or does that itself. There's a [http://www.tpo.ca/Using_FocusMax.htm tutorial] on how to get it calibrated, a one-time thing for each hardware setup. So we would need to set up hardware profiles for both imaging and spectroscopy, as we would need to start the focuser in a different place for each.

* We could try out the interface in the Nebulosity software for focusing; Josh and Eric tried this a bit on 7/16/09. This is a nice graphical view of a given star, showing a historical plot of peak values and star half-widths as you change focus, so you can tell where the best focus is. One thing to watch out for is that if both it and MaximDL try to connect to the camera, they can lock up. So start this first, before connecting to MaximDL, then finish focus and disconnect. After quitting Nebulosity, you can connect to the camera from MaximDL. (This doesn't waste cooling time, since Nebulosity also turns the camera's coolers on.) There's a [http://www.stark-labs.com/blog/files/NebBahtinov.php video] showing how to use the Nebulosity interface to focus.

* It would be better, though, if we can get the focusing interface in MaximDL to work better. It doesn't have to be auto-focus; it just would be nice to see a simple plot of the star and its FWHM, for example.

* If this doesn't work well, we might look into creating/buying a Bahtinov focusing mask. We could create a template [http://astrojargon.net/MaskGenerator.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 here] and then find someone to laser-cut it for us. Maybe Steve knows a place we could take something to be cut. Or we could go simpler and just have Steve make us a Hartmann mask.

== Troubleshooting ==
The focuser readouts have some repeatability, but not 100%, and from time to time the focuser seems to lose track of where it is. If this happens, send it to "HOME" from the RCOS TCC software, and that will re-zero the positional readout.

Observing Log

2009-07-13T19:38:22Z

Cderoo1: Created page with 'Media:observing_log.pdf'

[[Media:observing_log.pdf]]

Main Page

2009-07-13T19:34:41Z

Cderoo1: /* Documentation */

<big>Swarthmore College Observatory Wiki</big>

== Equipment and Technical Information ==
* [[Spectrograph Setup]]
* [[Dome Control]]
* [[Software/hardware troubleshooting and workarounds]]

== Documentation ==
* [[Software manuals]]
* [[Local operation documentation]]
** [[Focusing the telescope]]
*[[Observing Log]]

== Data Collection ==
* [[Observatory Log]]

== 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]]

Local operation documentation

2009-06-25T13:39:17Z

Cderoo1: /* Telescope and Camera Setup */

=='''Telescope and Camera Setup'''==

'''Opening the Dome'''

1. Check to make sure the Dome Opening and Dome Rotation power switches are ON, located to the right of the computer desk. (These should always been on.)

2. Look for the box with the two levers along the bottom edge of the dome. If they are in an unreachable place, use the Dome Rotation lever to the right of the computer desk to rotate the dome.

3. First open the top part of the dome by pushing the TOP lever to the RIGHT. This will stop automatically once it is completely opened. It can be stopped before completely opened by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position.

4. Once the Top lip has cleared the Bottom, push the BOTTOM lever to the LEFT. This needs to be manually stopped by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position. You will hear the motors straining once it is fully opened.

'''Powering up the Telescope'''

5. Remove the cover for the large mirror.

6. Plug in the transformer and the USB hub power supple (on the floor) at the base of the telescope

7. Turn ON the power for the telescope on the black box in the base. Listen for 2 beeps.

8. Turn the ON the yellow power hub wheel and the power supply (on the floor) and check that it is at approximately 12 Volts.

9. Turn ON the Telescope Command Center II (a different black box that does the focusing).

10. Turn ON both dome power box switches, located to the right of the computer desk.

11. Connect the power and USB cables to the cameras.

12. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.

'''Software Setup and Connections'''

13. Open TheSky6.

14. Establish link to telescope by clicking green telescope icon in the top shortcuts menu

15. Allow telescope to home if it wasn't done manually with the joystick. Listen for 3 beeps.

16. Open ddwcp.

17. Wait until program connects with the dome then check "Slave to Telescope."

18. Open MaximDL Pro 5.

19. Click "Toggle Camera Control" (Ctrl + W) in the top shortcuts menu.

20. Camera 1 should read "SBIG Universal".

21. Select Camera 2 from Setup Camera, or "No Camera" if there isn't one connected.

22. Click "Connect."

23. Directly below "Connect", turn on Coolers. Set cooler set point with the Cooler button specific to each camera.

24. Click "Toggle Observatory Control" (Ctrl + T).

25. In the Setup Tab, check that under Telescope it reads "TheSky-controlled telescope" and that Focuser 1 reads "RCOS TCC".

26. Click "Connect All".

27. The telescope can be controlled under Observatory-Telescope (nudging or setting coordinates), set to specific objects through Observatory-Catalog, or moved through TheSky. Manual control of the telescope is possible with the joystick, but will confuse the dome.

=='''Taking Images in MaxIm DL'''==
1. Wait until sensor temperature reaches set point under Camera Control-Expose.

2. Under Camera Control-Expose, set exposure time and frame type for a single frame. Hit start. Single frames must be manually saved and will be deleted once the next image is taken.

3. Use Autosave to take multiple images. Enter an autosave file name. Use different Slots for images with different settings. Click slot number buttons, and select exposure type and a suffix to distinguish between multiple slots. The Repeat box controls the number of frames taken.

4. The image save path can be found under Options, on the right of the box. Images should be saved to the Z:\ drive, and Auto-Subfolder should be checked to save images by date taken.

5. Click Save and make sure to hit Start under the Expose tab.

6. If two cameras are connected, switch between them by selecting camera 1 or 2 next to the binning information.

=='''Disconnecting and Shutting Down the Telescope'''==

'''Disconnecting'''

1. Under Observatory-Setup, click Disconnect All.

2. Under Camera Control-Setup, turn coolers OFF and Disconnect.

3. Close Maxim DL.

4. In TheSky, home the telescope under Telescope-Options-Find Home (or double click joystick) and then terminate the link with telescope by clicking the red telescope icon.

5. Make sure the dome is Homed, then exit DDw and hit close when the Pin settings window pops up.

6. Turn off the telescope, the 12 volt power supply, the power wheel, the dome control boxes, and then unplug the transformer and the USB hub power supply

'''Powering down the Telescope'''

7. Turn OFF the Telescope Command Center II, the 12-V power supply, the telescope at the base, and the yellow power hub wheel.

8. Unplug the transformer and USB hub power supply.

9. Recover the mirror and any eyepieces.

'''Closing the Dome'''

10. Turn OFF the two dome control boxes.

11. Close the Bottom by pushing the BOTTOM switch to the RIGHT. Return the lever back to the center 'off' position once it is fully closed.

12. Close the Top by pushing the TOP switch to the LEFT. It will automatically stop when fully closed.

Local operation documentation

2009-06-25T13:36:34Z

Cderoo1: /* Closing and Shutting Down the Telescope */

=='''Telescope and Camera Setup'''==

'''Opening the Dome'''

1. Check to make sure the Dome Opening and Dome Rotation power switches are ON, located to the right of the computer desk. (These should always been on.)
2. Look for the box with the two levers along the bottom edge of the dome. If they are in an unreachable place, use the Dome Rotation lever to the right of the computer desk to rotate the dome.
3. First open the top part of the dome by pushing the TOP lever to the RIGHT. This will stop automatically once it is completely opened. It can be stopped before completely opened by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position.
4. Once the Top lip has cleared the Bottom, push the BOTTOM lever to the LEFT. This needs to be manually stopped by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position. You will hear the motors straining once it is fully opened.

'''Powering up the Telescope'''
5. Remove the cover for the large mirror.
6. Plug in the transformer and the USB hub power supple (on the floor) at the base of the telescope
7. Turn ON the power for the telescope on the black box in the base. Listen for 2 beeps.
8. Turn the ON the yellow power hub wheel and the power supply (on the floor) and check that it is at approximately 12 Volts.
9. Turn ON the Telescope Command Center II (a different black box that does the focusing).
10. Turn ON both dome power box switches, located to the right of the computer desk.
11. Connect the power and USB cables to the cameras.
12. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.

'''Software Setup and Connections'''
13. Open TheSky6.
14. Establish link to telescope by clicking green telescope icon in the top shortcuts menu
15. Allow telescope to home if it wasn't done manually with the joystick. Listen for 3 beeps.
16. Open ddwcp.
17. Wait until program connects with the dome then check "Slave to Telescope."
18. Open MaximDL Pro 5.
19. Click "Toggle Camera Control" (Ctrl + W) in the top shortcuts menu.
20. Camera 1 should read "SBIG Universal".
21. Select Camera 2 from Setup Camera, or "No Camera" if there isn't one connected.
22. Click "Connect."
23. Directly below "Connect", turn on Coolers. Set cooler set point with the Cooler button specific to each camera.
24. Click "Toggle Observatory Control" (Ctrl + T).
25. In the Setup Tab, check that under Telescope it reads "TheSky-controlled telescope" and that Focuser 1 reads "RCOS TCC".
26. Click "Connect All".
27. The telescope can be controlled under Observatory-Telescope (nudging or setting coordinates), set to specific objects through Observatory-Catalog, or moved through TheSky. Manual control of the telescope is possible with the joystick, but will confuse the dome.

=='''Taking Images in MaxIm DL'''==
1. Wait until sensor temperature reaches set point under Camera Control-Expose.

2. Under Camera Control-Expose, set exposure time and frame type for a single frame. Hit start. Single frames must be manually saved and will be deleted once the next image is taken.

3. Use Autosave to take multiple images. Enter an autosave file name. Use different Slots for images with different settings. Click slot number buttons, and select exposure type and a suffix to distinguish between multiple slots. The Repeat box controls the number of frames taken.

4. The image save path can be found under Options, on the right of the box. Images should be saved to the Z:\ drive, and Auto-Subfolder should be checked to save images by date taken.

5. Click Save and make sure to hit Start under the Expose tab.

6. If two cameras are connected, switch between them by selecting camera 1 or 2 next to the binning information.

=='''Disconnecting and Shutting Down the Telescope'''==

'''Disconnecting'''

1. Under Observatory-Setup, click Disconnect All.

2. Under Camera Control-Setup, turn coolers OFF and Disconnect.

3. Close Maxim DL.

4. In TheSky, home the telescope under Telescope-Options-Find Home (or double click joystick) and then terminate the link with telescope by clicking the red telescope icon.

5. Make sure the dome is Homed, then exit DDw and hit close when the Pin settings window pops up.

6. Turn off the telescope, the 12 volt power supply, the power wheel, the dome control boxes, and then unplug the transformer and the USB hub power supply

'''Powering down the Telescope'''

7. Turn OFF the Telescope Command Center II, the 12-V power supply, the telescope at the base, and the yellow power hub wheel.

8. Unplug the transformer and USB hub power supply.

9. Recover the mirror and any eyepieces.

'''Closing the Dome'''

10. Turn OFF the two dome control boxes.

11. Close the Bottom by pushing the BOTTOM switch to the RIGHT. Return the lever back to the center 'off' position once it is fully closed.

12. Close the Top by pushing the TOP switch to the LEFT. It will automatically stop when fully closed.

Local operation documentation

2009-06-25T13:32:24Z

Cderoo1: /* Taking Images in MaxIm DL */

=='''Telescope and Camera Setup'''==

'''Opening the Dome'''

1. Check to make sure the Dome Opening and Dome Rotation power switches are ON, located to the right of the computer desk. (These should always been on.)
2. Look for the box with the two levers along the bottom edge of the dome. If they are in an unreachable place, use the Dome Rotation lever to the right of the computer desk to rotate the dome.
3. First open the top part of the dome by pushing the TOP lever to the RIGHT. This will stop automatically once it is completely opened. It can be stopped before completely opened by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position.
4. Once the Top lip has cleared the Bottom, push the BOTTOM lever to the LEFT. This needs to be manually stopped by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position. You will hear the motors straining once it is fully opened.

'''Powering up the Telescope'''
5. Remove the cover for the large mirror.
6. Plug in the transformer and the USB hub power supple (on the floor) at the base of the telescope
7. Turn ON the power for the telescope on the black box in the base. Listen for 2 beeps.
8. Turn the ON the yellow power hub wheel and the power supply (on the floor) and check that it is at approximately 12 Volts.
9. Turn ON the Telescope Command Center II (a different black box that does the focusing).
10. Turn ON both dome power box switches, located to the right of the computer desk.
11. Connect the power and USB cables to the cameras.
12. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.

'''Software Setup and Connections'''
13. Open TheSky6.
14. Establish link to telescope by clicking green telescope icon in the top shortcuts menu
15. Allow telescope to home if it wasn't done manually with the joystick. Listen for 3 beeps.
16. Open ddwcp.
17. Wait until program connects with the dome then check "Slave to Telescope."
18. Open MaximDL Pro 5.
19. Click "Toggle Camera Control" (Ctrl + W) in the top shortcuts menu.
20. Camera 1 should read "SBIG Universal".
21. Select Camera 2 from Setup Camera, or "No Camera" if there isn't one connected.
22. Click "Connect."
23. Directly below "Connect", turn on Coolers. Set cooler set point with the Cooler button specific to each camera.
24. Click "Toggle Observatory Control" (Ctrl + T).
25. In the Setup Tab, check that under Telescope it reads "TheSky-controlled telescope" and that Focuser 1 reads "RCOS TCC".
26. Click "Connect All".
27. The telescope can be controlled under Observatory-Telescope (nudging or setting coordinates), set to specific objects through Observatory-Catalog, or moved through TheSky. Manual control of the telescope is possible with the joystick, but will confuse the dome.

=='''Taking Images in MaxIm DL'''==
1. Wait until sensor temperature reaches set point under Camera Control-Expose.

2. Under Camera Control-Expose, set exposure time and frame type for a single frame. Hit start. Single frames must be manually saved and will be deleted once the next image is taken.

3. Use Autosave to take multiple images. Enter an autosave file name. Use different Slots for images with different settings. Click slot number buttons, and select exposure type and a suffix to distinguish between multiple slots. The Repeat box controls the number of frames taken.

4. The image save path can be found under Options, on the right of the box. Images should be saved to the Z:\ drive, and Auto-Subfolder should be checked to save images by date taken.

5. Click Save and make sure to hit Start under the Expose tab.

6. If two cameras are connected, switch between them by selecting camera 1 or 2 next to the binning information.

=='''Closing and Shutting Down the Telescope'''==

'''Powering down the Telescope'''

1. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.
2. Turn OFF the Telescope Command Center II.
3. Turn OFF the Focuser power supply on the floor.
4. Turn OFF the telescope at the base.
5. Unplug the transformer.
6. Recover the mirror and any eyepieces.

'''Closing the Dome'''

7. Rotate the dome so that the levers are reachable.
8. Close the Bottom by pushing the BOTTOM switch to the RIGHT. Return the lever back to the center 'off' position once it is fully closed.
9. Close the Top by pushing the TOP switch to the LEFT. It will automatically stop when fully closed.

Local operation documentation

2009-06-25T13:31:19Z

Cderoo1: /*Telescope and Camera Setup */

=='''Telescope and Camera Setup'''==

'''Opening the Dome'''

1. Check to make sure the Dome Opening and Dome Rotation power switches are ON, located to the right of the computer desk. (These should always been on.)
2. Look for the box with the two levers along the bottom edge of the dome. If they are in an unreachable place, use the Dome Rotation lever to the right of the computer desk to rotate the dome.
3. First open the top part of the dome by pushing the TOP lever to the RIGHT. This will stop automatically once it is completely opened. It can be stopped before completely opened by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position.
4. Once the Top lip has cleared the Bottom, push the BOTTOM lever to the LEFT. This needs to be manually stopped by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position. You will hear the motors straining once it is fully opened.

'''Powering up the Telescope'''
5. Remove the cover for the large mirror.
6. Plug in the transformer and the USB hub power supple (on the floor) at the base of the telescope
7. Turn ON the power for the telescope on the black box in the base. Listen for 2 beeps.
8. Turn the ON the yellow power hub wheel and the power supply (on the floor) and check that it is at approximately 12 Volts.
9. Turn ON the Telescope Command Center II (a different black box that does the focusing).
10. Turn ON both dome power box switches, located to the right of the computer desk.
11. Connect the power and USB cables to the cameras.
12. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.

'''Software Setup and Connections'''
13. Open TheSky6.
14. Establish link to telescope by clicking green telescope icon in the top shortcuts menu
15. Allow telescope to home if it wasn't done manually with the joystick. Listen for 3 beeps.
16. Open ddwcp.
17. Wait until program connects with the dome then check "Slave to Telescope."
18. Open MaximDL Pro 5.
19. Click "Toggle Camera Control" (Ctrl + W) in the top shortcuts menu.
20. Camera 1 should read "SBIG Universal".
21. Select Camera 2 from Setup Camera, or "No Camera" if there isn't one connected.
22. Click "Connect."
23. Directly below "Connect", turn on Coolers. Set cooler set point with the Cooler button specific to each camera.
24. Click "Toggle Observatory Control" (Ctrl + T).
25. In the Setup Tab, check that under Telescope it reads "TheSky-controlled telescope" and that Focuser 1 reads "RCOS TCC".
26. Click "Connect All".
27. The telescope can be controlled under Observatory-Telescope (nudging or setting coordinates), set to specific objects through Observatory-Catalog, or moved through TheSky. Manual control of the telescope is possible with the joystick, but will confuse the dome.

=='''Taking Images in MaxIm DL'''==
1. Wait until sensor temperature reaches set point under Camera Control-Expose.
2. Under Camera Control-Expose, set exposure time and frame type for a single frame. Hit start. Single frames must be manually saved and will be deleted once the next image is taken.
3. Use Autosave to take multiple images. Enter an autosave file name. Use different Slots for images with different settings. Click slot number buttons, and select exposure type and a suffix to distinguish between multiple slots. The Repeat box controls the number of frames taken.
4. The image save path can be found under Options, on the right of the box. Images should be saved to the Z:\ drive, and Auto-Subfolder should be checked to save images by date taken.
5. Click Save and make sure to hit Start under the Expose tab.
6. If two cameras are connected, switch between them by selecting camera 1 or 2 next to the binning information.

=='''Closing and Shutting Down the Telescope'''==

'''Powering down the Telescope'''

1. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.
2. Turn OFF the Telescope Command Center II.
3. Turn OFF the Focuser power supply on the floor.
4. Turn OFF the telescope at the base.
5. Unplug the transformer.
6. Recover the mirror and any eyepieces.

'''Closing the Dome'''

7. Rotate the dome so that the levers are reachable.
8. Close the Bottom by pushing the BOTTOM switch to the RIGHT. Return the lever back to the center 'off' position once it is fully closed.
9. Close the Top by pushing the TOP switch to the LEFT. It will automatically stop when fully closed.

Local operation documentation

2009-06-12T18:51:23Z

Cderoo1: Procedure for open/closing dome and powering on/off the telescope

=='''Opening and Starting up the Telescope'''==

'''Opening the Dome'''

1. Check to make sure the Dome Opening and Dome Rotation power switches are ON, located to the right of the computer desk. (These should always been on.)
2. Look for the box with the two levers along the bottom edge of the dome. If they are in an unreachable place, use the Dome Rotation lever to the right of the computer desk to rotate the dome.
3. First open the top part of the dome by pushing the TOP lever to the RIGHT. This will stop automatically once it is completely opened. It can be stopped before completely opened by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position.
4. Once the Top lip has cleared the Bottom, push the BOTTOM lever to the LEFT. This needs to be manually stopped by pushing the lever back to the center 'off' position. You will hear the motors straining once it is fully opened.

'''Powering up the Telescope'''

5. Remove the cover for the large mirror.
6. Plug in the transformer (on the floor) at the base of the telescope.
7. Turn ON the power for the telescope on the black box in the base. Listen for 2 beeps.
8. Turn the power supply ON (on the floor) and check that it is at approximately 12 Volts.
9. Turn ON the Telescope Command Center II (the focuser).
10. Check that the hand paddle is on.
11. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.

The telescope is now ready to use!

=='''Closing and Shutting Down the Telescope'''==

'''Powering down the Telescope'''

1. Double click the joystick to HOME the telescope. Listen for 3 beeps.
2. Turn OFF the Telescope Command Center II.
3. Turn OFF the Focuser power supply on the floor.
4. Turn OFF the telescope at the base.
5. Unplug the transformer.
6. Recover the mirror and any eyepieces.

'''Closing the Dome'''

7. Rotate the dome so that the levers are reachable.
8. Close the Bottom by pushing the BOTTOM switch to the RIGHT. Return the lever back to the center 'off' position once it is fully closed.
9. Close the Top by pushing the TOP switch to the LEFT. It will automatically stop when fully closed.