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kuiper:tcsng_operators_notes [2017/11/02 21:37]
joe 		kuiper:tcsng_operators_notes [2017/12/01 15:31] (current)
mel
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-=========TCSng Operating Notes 10/23/17=========+=========M4K Operating Notes 12/1/17=========
  
 **Please note, this is not a guide for operating the Mont4k instrument, just the telescope operating system, for more details about the M4K, please go to:** **Please note, this is not a guide for operating the Mont4k instrument, just the telescope operating system, for more details about the M4K, please go to:**
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   *https://lavinia.as.arizona.edu/~tscopewiki/doku.php?id=kuiper:tcsng_operators_notes   *https://lavinia.as.arizona.edu/~tscopewiki/doku.php?id=kuiper:tcsng_operators_notes
  
-===Cold Start Power Up Sequence===+=====Useful Weather Links===== 
 +  *Mt. Lemmon All Sky Camera-https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~css/lemmon/ 
 +  *Mt. Bigelow All Sky Camera-https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~css/bigelow/ 
 +  *Dark Sky Chart for Bigelow-http://www.cleardarksky.com/c/Kpr61AZkey.html?1 
 +  *Mt. Bigelow Weather-http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=32.41507920800046&lon=-110.71453827399966&site=all&smap=1#.Wg8dSIhrzIV 
 +  *Atmospheric Sciences Weather Webpage-http://www.atmo.arizona.edu/?section=weather 
 +  *Atmospheric Sciences Arizona IR-http://www.atmo.arizona.edu/products/wximagery/azir.html 
 +  *Atmospheric Sciences Arizona Radar-http://www.atmo.arizona.edu/products/radar/radartus.html 
 + 
 +=====Cold Start Power Up Sequence=====
  
   - UPS Room   - UPS Room
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                   * Guider/Filter wheel box                   * Guider/Filter wheel box
                   * Guider power supply                   * Guider power supply
- 
       * Turn TCS box on using the light switch next to the NG box on the East side of the yellow pier.  This will be marked with neon green tape.         * Turn TCS box on using the light switch next to the NG box on the East side of the yellow pier.  This will be marked with neon green tape.  
- +      * If you're going to  be operating from the dome using the laptop, plug in the laptop, turn it on, and sign in with the same password used on Gerard.  
    -Control Room     -Control Room 
-     - Plug in and turn on the following in the warm room:+     * Plug in and turn on the following in the warm room:
          * The power strip on the west wall (includes new Dome TV Camera)          * The power strip on the west wall (includes new Dome TV Camera)
          * BIGAUX          * BIGAUX
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          * Plug in computer racks (orange outlet #4 on wall below emergency stop), and turn on the following computers as needed: Gerard, BigPOP, Telcom, bigguider, and bigCCD1.          * Plug in computer racks (orange outlet #4 on wall below emergency stop), and turn on the following computers as needed: Gerard, BigPOP, Telcom, bigguider, and bigCCD1.
  
-===Start of a Normal Night of Observing===+=====Start of a Normal Night of Observing=====
    - Open all relevant weather websites on BigAux and verify safe observing conditions    - Open all relevant weather websites on BigAux and verify safe observing conditions
 +   - Check the white board in the dome and make sure the last time the M4K was filled was under 24 hours ago.  If it was filled over 24 hours ago, call Joe or Melanie for further instruction.
    - Walk the catwalk and verify safe observing conditions    - Walk the catwalk and verify safe observing conditions
    - Record opening time, wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity for trouble report    - Record opening time, wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity for trouble report
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    - Open the primary mirror covers    - Open the primary mirror covers
    - Turn off all dome lights    - Turn off all dome lights
-   -  +   - Close door at top of stairs 
 +   - Record the weather conditions at the time of opening (windspeed, direction, humidity, temperature, time)
                      
-===Starting TCSng=== +=====Starting TCSng===== 
-  -Log into Gerard using the Kuiper password on the white board. +  - Log into Gerard using the Kuiper password on the white board. 
-  -Open The Following Programs by double clicking on their icons+  - Open The following programs by double clicking on their icons
     * Safe Telescope Button     * Safe Telescope Button
     * Paddle      * Paddle 
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         * Click "RT" button under looping if Xephem is not updating the time.         * Click "RT" button under looping if Xephem is not updating the time.
         * Click "View" and Select "Sky View".         * Click "View" and Select "Sky View".
-        * Click "Telescope" in Sky View and select INDI panel +        * Click "Telescope" in Sky View window and select INDI panel 
-  -In the "INDI Panel" window that opens connect to each of the following modules:+  - In the "INDI Panel" window that opens connect to each of the following modules:
     - Expand "TCS-NG-INDI"     - Expand "TCS-NG-INDI"
-        * Telemetry -> Connection -> On +        * Telemetry => Connection => On 
-        * Actions -> Enable: this enables the telescope, and allows the focus and dome modules to update, as well as allows you to use the paddle on the bottom of the scope.  +        * Actions => Enable: this enables the telescope, and allows the focus and dome modules to update, as well as allows you to use the paddle on the bottom of the scope.  
     - Expand "Dome-NG-INDI"     - Expand "Dome-NG-INDI"
-        * Dome Control -> Connection -> On+        * Dome Control => Connection => On
     - Expand "FOCUS-NG-INDI"     - Expand "FOCUS-NG-INDI"
-        * Focus Control-> Connection -> On+        * Focus Control => Connection => On
     * You should now have information in each module updating regularly.     * You should now have information in each module updating regularly.
     * Please note that the order of the modules on the INDI Panel window changes randomly.  For example TCS-NG-INDI may be listed first one time you use it and second or third another time.       * Please note that the order of the modules on the INDI Panel window changes randomly.  For example TCS-NG-INDI may be listed first one time you use it and second or third another time.  
  
-===Moving the Telescope=== +=====Moving the Telescope===== 
- +**YOU MUST FIRST GO INTO THE DOME AND MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR TO MOVE THE SCOPE (ladders out of the way, elevator down, etc)**
-  * **YOU MUST FIRST GO INTO THE DOME AND MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR TO MOVE THE SCOPE (ladders out of the way, elevator down etc).** +
-  * **For any move turn on the Dome Camera and watch the telescope until it gets to its target!**+
  
 +**For any move, turn on the Dome Camera and watch the telescope until it gets to its target!**
   * To Enable Telescope:   * To Enable Telescope:
-      * In Indi Control Panel: +    * In INDI Control Panel 
-      * Enter TCS-NG-INDI module +      * Enter TCS-NG-INDI module  
-      * Telemetry +      * Telemetry => Actions => Enable 
-      * Actions +      * Note red light next to the Actions tab turns green 
-      * Click "Enable" +**Ways to move** 
-        * Note red light next to the Actions tab turns green.+  - With the Sky View window 
 +    * Right click on desired object 
 +    * Click Telescope GoTo 
 +    * The coordinates should populate in the NEXT section of TCS telemetry 
 +    * Under "Actions" click "Go Next with PEC"  
 +    * Watch the telescope move in the dome camera! 
 +  - Equatorial Coordinates 
 +    * In INDI control panel 
 +      * Under TCS-NG-INDI 
 +        * GoTo Functions 
 +        * Enter desired RA, Dec and Epoch 
 +        * Click "set" or hit the enter key 
 +        * Then under "Actions" hit "Go Next with PEC" 
 +        * Watch the telescope move in the dome camera! 
 +        * When moving with the Sky View window or entering Equatorial coordinates, the telescope will start tracking automatically 
 +  - Alt/Az Coordinates 
 +    * In INDI control panel 
 +      * Under TCS-NG-INDI 
 +        * GoTo Functions => AltAz GoTo 
 +        * Enter the desired Altitude and Azimuth 
 +        * Click "set" or hit the enter key 
 +        * Watch the telescope move in the dome camera! 
 +        * Note: The telescope will start moving after you click Set or hit Enter.  There is no Go Next button for Alt/Az positions
  
-  * Ways to move: +=====Stopping the Telescope (From the Control Room)=====
-   +
-   - With the Sky View window +
-      * Right click on the desired object. +
-      * Click Telescope GOTO +
-        * The Coordinates should populate in the NEXT section of TCS telemetry +
-      * Under "Actions" Click "Go Next" +
-        * Watch the telescope move in the Dome Camera! +
-    - Equatorial Coordinates  +
-      * In Indi control Panel: +
-          *Under TCS-NG-INDI +
-          *GOTO Functions +
-          *Enter Desired RA, Dec and Epoch +
-          *Click click "set" or hit the enter key +
-          *Then under "Actions" "hit Go Next" +
-          *Watch the telescope move in the Dome Camera! +
-    * When moving with the Sky View Window or Entering Equatorial coordinates, the telescope will start tracking automatically. +
-    -Alt/Az coordinates: +
-      * In Indi Control Panel: +
-          * Under TCS-NG-INDI +
-          * GOTO Functions +
-          * Alt Az Goto +
-          * Enter the desired Altitude and Azimuth. +
-          * Click "Set" or hit the enter key.  +
-          * Watch the telescope move in the dome camera  +
-            * Note: the telescope will start moving after you clicking Set or hitting enter. There is no Go Next Button for Alt/Az postions  +
-     +
-===Stopping the Telescope (From the Control Room)===+
 Three easy ways to stop the telescope when moving Three easy ways to stop the telescope when moving
-  -Use the Large "Cancel" button from the "Safe Telescope Program" +  - Use the large "Cancel" button from the "Safe Telescope Program" 
-  -In the "Indi Panel" window  +  - In the INDI control panel  
-    - TCS Module +    * TCS-NG-INDI 
-        * Telemetry -> Actions -> Cancel+      * Telemetry => Actions => Cancel
   - Emergency Stop button mounted on north wall (last resort!)   - Emergency Stop button mounted on north wall (last resort!)
  
-===Observing===+=====Observing=====
   * **Turn off the TV camera while observing. The camera uses IR LEDs which will interfere with the guider and science camera CCD's.**   * **Turn off the TV camera while observing. The camera uses IR LEDs which will interfere with the guider and science camera CCD's.**
  
-  - Initializing+===Starting the programs needed for typical M4K use=== 
 +  - On Gerard 
 +    * Start dataserver, galilserver, and fw-gui in that order.  When fw-gui comes up hit "read filter codes".  This can take a few minutes. 
 +    * Open ds9 
 +    * Open IRAF 
 +    * While not necessary to run the M4K, many observers use Betsy Green's postprocessing script "watcher".  If you want to use it, here's a [[link to the instructions.]] 
 +  - On BigCCD1 
 +    * Start the Azcam program from the desktop icon 
 +      * Hit reset 
 +      * Change all the settings to what you want 
 +  - On Bigguider 
 +    * Start the guiding program from the desktop icon, and select the M4K guiding option. 
 + 
 +===Initializing===
       * Send the scope to a bright star close to the zenith       * Send the scope to a bright star close to the zenith
-      * Using the software paddle, center the star in the finder scope +      * In FOCUS-NG-INDI, click the "home" focus position.  Wait until the focus stops moving. 
-      * Center the star in the science camera or guider.  +      * Once the focus is homed, click on the M4K focus position.  This should get you close to focus. 
-      * In the "Actions" menu under TCS-NG-INDI Click "Init Next".+      * Using the hardware paddle in the dome, finish getting the star in focus, then center the star in the video finder scope first if you cannot see the star in one of the finderscopes attached to the telescope.  If you can see the star in one of the finderscopes, center it in that field of view.  
 +      * In the control room use the software paddle to center the star in the science camera or guider.  
 +      * In the "Actions" menu under TCS-NG-INDI click "Init Next".
       * **Don't Click "Init Commanded" unless you are a very experienced user!**       * **Don't Click "Init Commanded" unless you are a very experienced user!**
-  - Focus +      * Note: When you change the focus in the FOCUS-NG-INDI module, do not enter relative steps you want the focus to move.  For example if the focus is at 300, and you want to move it to 350, type 350 in the box, not 50.   
-    * When starting up for the night it is usually a good idea to "Home" the focus +   
-    * Under FOCUS-NG-INDI Homing and Focus Positions click home. The Focus position should decrease and you should see HOMING in the text box at the top of the panel. Eventually it will reach the home switch, stop moving and zero the focus position. +===Limits===
-    * Use the other Focus Instrument buttons to move to a nominal focus position.  +
-    * Use the Focus Position box to move the focus to a more precise position.    +
-  - Limits:+
     * Display The Limit Map:     * Display The Limit Map:
       * In SkyView Window       * In SkyView Window
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           * Right click on your object and select "Telescope Go-To"           * Right click on your object and select "Telescope Go-To"
           * In the TCS-ng module, the very last thing in the "telemetry" tab is time to event.  This will tell you how long until the object you selected will either rise above the limit so you can view it, or how long until it sets below the limit where you can no longer view it.             * In the TCS-ng module, the very last thing in the "telemetry" tab is time to event.  This will tell you how long until the object you selected will either rise above the limit so you can view it, or how long until it sets below the limit where you can no longer view it.  
- 
       * Currently there is no indication (flashing, etc) on the TCS screen that you have hit a limit       * Currently there is no indication (flashing, etc) on the TCS screen that you have hit a limit
       * Software Limits       * Software Limits
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               * 15 degrees Elevation, Hour angle=6 hours               * 15 degrees Elevation, Hour angle=6 hours
       * Confirmed with CJ 10/23/17       * Confirmed with CJ 10/23/17
- 
       * Hardware Limits       * Hardware Limits
           * North Limit ~62 degrees declination            * North Limit ~62 degrees declination 
           * South Slew Limit 10 degrees elevation (~-43 Dec)           * South Slew Limit 10 degrees elevation (~-43 Dec)
           * South Hard Limit 5 degrees elevation (~-48 Dec)           * South Hard Limit 5 degrees elevation (~-48 Dec)
-      * Catalogs 
-          * Selecting a catalog 
-            *  In Xephem Main Window 
-              * Data 
-              * Files 
-                * The Files window will pop up you can add catalogs in the "Files" menu and remove them with the "Delete" button 
  
-          * Catalogs in list form +===Catalogs=== 
-            * In Xephem Main Window  +    * Selecting a catalog 
-            * Data Menu +      *  In Xephem Main Window 
-            * Index +        * Data 
-              * The Index window will pop up. You can select an object by name. +          * Files 
-                  * If you click Telescope GoTo the "Next" coordinates will be populated in the Indi Panel +          * The Files window will pop up you can add catalogs in the "Files" menu and remove them with the "Delete" button 
-                  * You can then click Go Next To move to that object. +    * Catalogs in list form 
 +      * In Xephem Main Window  
 +        * Data Menu 
 +          * Index 
 +            * The Index window will pop up. You can select an object by name. 
 +              * If you click Telescope GoTo the "Next" coordinates will be populated in the Indi Panel 
 +              * You can then click Go Next To move to that object. 
               * To use the search function you must type in the name of the object exactly or it will return no results.                   * To use the search function you must type in the name of the object exactly or it will return no results.    
- +===Laptop use===
-  *If you're using the laptop+
     *Before you boot the computer, plug it into the network via ethernet.  When it boots, it will then hopefully have the right time.     *Before you boot the computer, plug it into the network via ethernet.  When it boots, it will then hopefully have the right time.
     *If it still does not have the right time, run the "Update time" program by double clicking the icon on the laptop's desktop.       *If it still does not have the right time, run the "Update time" program by double clicking the icon on the laptop's desktop.  
     *There is now a safe telescope button you can bring up using an icon on the desktop      *There is now a safe telescope button you can bring up using an icon on the desktop 
  
-===Operating From the Dome=== +=====Operating From the Dome===== 
-  - You can use Xephem and the Indi Panel on the laptop to control dome and telescope. The laptop is currently being stored in the control room.   +  - You can use Xephem and the INDI Panel on the laptop to control the dome, focus,  and telescope. The laptop is currently being stored upstairs in the old control console.  
-    * Note: you must have the Indi server running on Gerard to use the Indi Panel in the dome. +    * Note: you must have the INDIserver running on Gerard to use the INDI Panel in the dome. 
   - Hardware Paddle   - Hardware Paddle
-    * The hardware paddle can control the dome, focus and telescope. The default guide and drift  (2 and 40 arcsecs/sec)rates are very slow for telescope operation. You can change these values in the rates section of the Indi Panel.+    * The hardware paddle can control the dome, focus and telescope. The default guide and drift  (2 and 40 arcsecs/sec) rates are very slow for telescope operation. You can change these values in the "Rates" section of the Indi Panel, under the TCS-NG-INDI module.
  
  
-===End of Normal Night of Observing===+=====End of Normal Night of Observing=====
  
   - Stow the telescope and dome   - Stow the telescope and dome
-    * TCS-NG-INDI -> Goto Functions -> Stow +    * TCS-NG-INDI => Goto Functions => Stow 
-    * DOME-NG-INDI -> Dome Actions -> Stow +    * DOME-NG-INDI => Dome Actions => Stow 
-  - Disable the telescope: TCS-NG-INDI -> Actions -> Enable+  - Disable the telescope: TCS-NG-INDI => Actions => Enable
     * Note: green light will turn red     * Note: green light will turn red
-  - Close the Mirror Cover +  - Close the mirror covers 
-  - Close the Dome slit +  - Close the dome slit 
-  - Close the Wind Screens+  - Stow the wind screens
   - Fill the dewar    - Fill the dewar 
-  - Complete the trouble reports +  - Complete the trouble reports, the more detail you provide to the day crew the better! 
 +  - When you leave the building for the night, set the alarm and make sure the front door is locked
  
-===Lightning Shutdown===+=====Lightning Shutdown=====
  
-  - "Complete Normal Night of observing shutdown" +  - Complete "End of Normal Night of Observing" shutdown
   - In Dome   - In Dome
     * Turn off all instrument electronics, including the camera shutter, and unplug from orange outlets under scope (Four Cables)     * Turn off all instrument electronics, including the camera shutter, and unplug from orange outlets under scope (Four Cables)
     * If in use: shut down laptop computer, and unplug laptop and monitor from the orange UPS outlets located near the floor on the platform control console.     * If in use: shut down laptop computer, and unplug laptop and monitor from the orange UPS outlets located near the floor on the platform control console.
     * Turn off TCS computer using the light switch     * Turn off TCS computer using the light switch
-    * Turn off Telescope power +    * Turn off telescope power 
-    * Lower Platform+    * Lower platform
     * Turn off main power     * Turn off main power
   - In Control room   - In Control room
-    * On BIGAUX double click "shutdown bigpop", and click Shutdown bigpop when prompted +    * On BIGAUX double click "shutdown bigpop", and click shutdown bigpop when prompted 
-  - Manually shutdown all computers. +    * Manually shutdown all computers. 
       * Gerard       * Gerard
       * BIGCCD       * BIGCCD
       * Bigguider       * Bigguider
       * BIGAUX       * BIGAUX
-    * Turn Off printer.+    * Turn off printer.
     * Turn off Telcom server     * Turn off Telcom server
     * Turn off and unplug power strip on west wall.     * Turn off and unplug power strip on west wall.
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     * Unplug computer racks (plugged into orange outlet #4 on wall below emergency stop)     * Unplug computer racks (plugged into orange outlet #4 on wall below emergency stop)
   - In UPS Room, unplug:   - In UPS Room, unplug:
-      * GPS +    * GPS 
-      * Emergency Stop Power 110 VAC+    * Emergency Stop Power 110 VAC
     *Shutdown UPS following instructions posted on board.     *Shutdown UPS following instructions posted on board.
 +
 +=========Operating the Exhaust fan=========
 +If the humidity inside the dome is high enough to prevent you from opening, but the humidity outside the dome is lower than 90%, you can turn on the exhaust fan to dry out the dome before you observe.  
 +
 +To do that, make sure it's safe for you to open the dome (slit pointed so if the sun is still up, no direct sunlight will get on the telescope; not raining, wind speeds within bounds).  
 +
 +Raise the platform so you have about a foot gap between the bottom of it and the surrounding floor.  
 +
 +In the control room next to the emergency stop button, there is a light switch labeled exhaust fan which can now be turned on.
 +
 +Mirror covers should be closed, and telescope should be disabled.
 +
  
 =========How to recover from Telcom issues========= =========How to recover from Telcom issues=========
kuiper/tcsng_operators_notes.1509683830.txt.gz · Last modified: 2017/11/02 21:37 by joe

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