Table of Contents
Phillips Telescope Shutdown Procedure
The steps to shutdown the telescope are somewhat the reverse of the Startup process- but greatly simplified. Knowledge of the Startup process are assumed in the steps below.
Telescope and Dome
- Park the Telescope (or move it to the park position and turn the tracking off). This can be done with Maestro4 or ACP or TheSkyX. They will all park to the same position and disable tracking.
- Close the observatory Dome (if not already closed) and park it (using ACP, ASCOM Dome Control, TheSkyX, etc).
Main Computer Shutdown
Do whatever last minute things you need to do on the computer and shut it down nicely.
NOTE: as a generally rule do not let it install updates especially when you are putting everything into lightning shutdown. Note that it wants updates in the Status Update.
Unplug Dome Camera
Once the UPS is off there is no internet in the building and thus no use for the Dome Camera to be on. To keep it from being damaged in a lightning strike unplug it. It is plugged in on the right side of the desk behind the chairs.
UPS Shutdown
Turn off the UPS to the left of the desk behind the telescope. This requires pressing and holding for a moment. Once it is off you can unplug it from the wall.
It's a Tarp!
Consider covering the Telescope and main computer desk with tarps if there is expected rain or snow in the forecast. The desk should be quite easy but the telescope can be a bit of a challenge. Another person (second presenter, program guest, Mountain Operations) is extremely helpful. Utilizing the Tarp Lofter 9000™ will make this much easier.
