User Tools

Site Tools


normal_operating_instructions

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
normal_operating_instructions [2016/11/04 19:16]
adam
— (current)
Line 1: Line 1:
-====== Normal Operating Instructions for the Schulman 0.8m Telescope ====== 
  
-In this case "normal" basically means using the telescope for visual observing (SkyNights programs). 
- 
-**Everything that follows assumes the following:** 
-    * Telescope Controller is operational and in the normal state. (Telescope servos are on and the telescope has been homed. The telescope is in the ready state to observe.) 
-  *   Dome is operational and in the normal state.  
-  * Computer does not have other running software, scripts or connections that would interfere with normal operations.  
- 
-===== Starting things up ===== 
- 
-  - Open ACP (see desktop [[desktop_icons_and_software_layout|Layout]]) Under **Telescope** menu select //Connect// 
-      - {{:acp_connect.jpg?600|}}  
-      - Upon connecting the heads up screen will show the coordinates of the telescope. Please verify LST and coordinates make sense.  
-      - If ACP complains the COM port is not available, it is likely another program is talking to the DOME or Telescope controllers. (e.g. ASCOM Dome software) 
-      - Also ACP is set up to command the dome to find **HOME** when first connecting. If ACP was already connected to the telescope and the dome is slaved the dome will not move. 
-  - Press the "Dome Control" button to reveal the dome state. It will only allow this once the dome is homed and not moving. 
-      - {{:acp2.jpg?600|}} Seeing //Slave//d and reporting the correct Azimuth is a success.  
-  - Open the dome by pressing the "Open" button.  
-  - After the shutter is open move the telescope to the [[telescope_orientation_interpretation|Zenith]] position (in order to open the mirror covers). Once there the telescope is now tracking.  
-      - Press the //Slew or Synch (Catalog)// button to command the telescope to move. 
-      - Select to radio button for //Coordinates// and input LST values for the RA coordinates and 32 for Declination.  
-          - {{:acp6.jpg?600|}} 
-      - Press the //Go To// button to slew to [[telescope_orientation_interpretation|Zenith]].  
-  - Open the RCOS TIM software and //Connect// 
-      - {{:tim_connect.jpg?600|}} 
-  - //OPEN// the Mirror Covers. 
-  - Press the //FOCUSER// icon to be certain the secondary mirror is at the Eyepiece focus position.  
-      - {{:tim_focus_eyepiece.jpg?600|}} If not at eyepiece value, select this position and press the green check mark.  
-  - Using ACP //Slew or Synch//, command the the telescope to point at a first object. This is typically a bright star to verify pointing.  
-      - {{:acp3.jpg?600|}} (See "Can not find bright star" wiki page for troubleshooting information) 
- 
- 
----- 
-===== The telescope is now ready to start observing. Below are more important things to know: ===== 
- 
- 
-  * In ACP //Slew or Synch// -> //Deep Sky Object// you must put a space between the catalog and its number. For example, "M77" will not work but "M 77" is correct.  
-      * {{:acp5.jpg?600|}} 
-  * When necessary use the telescope [[schulman_telescope_hand_paddle|Hand Paddle]] to center objects.  
-      *  
normal_operating_instructions.1478312183.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/11/04 19:16 by adam