Updated 8/4/2022 - Travis Deyoe

Use the image below to serve as a general guide for the quick link (taskbar) icons that open various programs.

Controls the telescope. This is the direct communication with the TCS (Telescope Control System) and must be open to operate it. All other softwares that can control the telescope do so through the ASCOM driver Maestro3 provides.

Eventually will be replaced by Maestro4.

If you want to operate just the dome (I.E. open, close, park, home, point to specific Azimuth, etc) this is a single interface to do all of that.

NOTE: If this is connected to the dome no other software will be able to access the dome.

Currently operates the focuser. pretty small and simply interface. Will eventually be merged with Maestro4.

FocusMax handles autofocusing routines. It's set up to connect to MaxIm DL for the camera, FocusPro for the focuser, and ACP for the telescope. Used for automated focus routines within ACP and ACP scheduler.

Currently controls the rotator on the telescope. Will eventually control the focuser and telescope as well.

The Telescope Interface Module (TIM) was originally used to operate the Focuser, Rotator, temperature sensors, Mirror Covers, and fans. It now just does the Mirror Covers and is scheduled for removal and replacement.

Operates the camera and guiding. A required part of ACP image acquisition and remote operation. There are other programs that can access the camera (it is ASCOM compliant) but MaxIm DL is made by the manufacture of the camera so it's probably the best to use for the largest functionality.

If you are operating a ZWO camera like the one we can use for planetary imaging this is the software to use.

The Flat Field Panel is on the rotating dome thus a direct USB connection isn't possible. This software creates a virtual USB connection through a small SBC (Single-Board Computer) sitting next to the panel on the Dome. this has to be launched to operate the Flat Field (with Alnitak Control software or through ACP).

This connects to the Flat Field Panel on the dome. Used to acquire flat frames for astrophotography.

Weather software. This connects to the SkyAlert Weather Station on the Power House. It starts up automatically when the computer boots up and should stay running in the background. It is also configured to give ACP weather information for automatic bad weather shutdown (parking the telescope and closing the dome).

This folder contains license files and program install files for most of the required observatory programs on the computer. Do not touch this folder unless you are instructed to.

Ale wants quick access to his pretty pictures folder.

Internet browser need I say more? Bookmarkers within include weather, wiki, dome cameras, SkyCenter music, and so on.

I have no idea what this is. Is it like Dora?

The Telescope Interface Module (TIM) was originally used to operate the Focuser, Rotator, temperature sensors, Mirror Covers, and fans. It now just does the Mirror Covers and is scheduled for removal and replacement.

Weather software. This connects to the SkyAlert Weather Station on the Power House. It starts up automatically when the computer boots up and should stay running in the background. It is also configured to give ACP weather information for automatic bad weather shutdown (parking the telescope and closing the dome).

This software allows remote connection to the Schulman Desktop (this computer). It will always be running. If you close this there will be hell to pay.

All Remote data is shared through the Google Drive. If you are using the Schulman remotely or need to get files on the computer without bringing up a thumbdrive I recommend using the drive.

For all your Astrophotography needs. This is a personal copy of Travis' but you are more than welcome to use it. Very powerful post processing software with a bit of a learning curve.

If you just need to quickly check what is up in the sky and you don't want to open TheSkyX. Stellarium is an easy intuitive planetarium software that is also set up to control the telescope if you so choose. (currently connects through ACP so the dome operates with it telescope motion)

Originally used to access the old TCS computers (PubSub and the MIC) however now just here in case you want to remotely connect to the Phillips for some reason.

• The Telescope Control software (PubSub GUI) is accessed through the Chrome browser.
• The Schulman Network is a document on the desktop.
• VNC is an icon on the desktop. This permits access to PubSub and the Mic controller computers.