== Recent Updates ==
* '''February 2024: a new [https://topswiki.saao.ac.za/index.php/74%22_/_1.9m_-_Instrument_Selector instrument selector] and [https://topswiki.saao.ac.za/index.php/SHOCnWonder SHOC camera] have been commissioned on the 1.9m''', which means that '''SpUpNIC and SHOC users now need to log into a new TCS PC, tcs74v4.suth'''. For the time being, HiPPo users will continue to use tcs74v3.suth. Once complete this instrument selector will allow both SpUpNIC and SHOC, or HiPPo and SHOC, to be mounted together on the telescope. It incorporates a new autoguider that operates slightly differently from the old one - changes include:
** It is no longer necessary to initialise the XY slides at the start of the night, only if there is a fault, in which case the "Reset" and "Initialize" buttons will turn red, and should be clicked in that order.
** The XY slides centre position is no longer (0, 0) but (7150, 82000). The new "Center" button is now used to bring the XY slides back to that position, no longer the "Initialize" button.
** A '''red marker position of (370, 270)''' is a good place to start in centring an object on SpUpNIC's slit.
** An autoguider camera focus value of 6000 is a good starting point with SpUpNIC/SHOC.
** It is currently necessary to kill the guide star finderchart image display box on the TCS, before pressing "Read" to import the target coordinates from SpUpNIC in order to load the new guide star finder.
** The area within the green circle on the finderchart no longer marks the usable guide star region - guide stars within parts of the circle are accessible to the XY slides. The XY slide ranges are (0 < X < 14000, 0 < Y < 91000).
** The new guide camera field is larger and the chip has far fewer hot pixels to upset the guiding.
* '''May 2024''' - the '''windblind is still out of action'''. The new design has passed the review stage and is ready for parts to be manufactured.
== Emergency Stops ==
Before proceeding any further please familiarize yourself with the emergency stops throughout the facility and on the TCS. There are two hardware emergency stops: one located on the control room mimic panel and another on the control panel on the dome floor. These buttons will stop ALL telescope and dome movements including the dome shutters and tracking (slow motion drive). Control can only be re-enabled once the emergency stop button has been released by twisting it out of its pressed in position. During an emergency stop the telescope control software (TCS) will display an emergency message. Feel free to test the emergency stop buttons.
[[File:Stop_buttcs_tcs.png |300px|frameless|dkjfhgkldsjhfg]]
Fig. Stop telescope and dome motions with TCS control. Button will work.
==Introduction==
As of 23 May 2016, the TCS allows full control of the telescope, acquisition camera and dome from the control room. This includes everything from power control to full slewing to target. "Manual" control of the telescope is still possible. This wiki is a basic guide to operating the 74inch from arriving at the telescope to closing down at the end of the night.
Every attempt has been made to ensure the 74inch operates within safe limits. However, given the age of the telescope, it was not designed to be operated under computer control. Always be vigilant of the ongoing status of the telescope and domee.g.:
- * when slewing the telescope, open the control room door and verify that the telescope is moving as you expect.
- * when tracking targets far into the west, do not rely on telescope and/or software limits to stop the telescope but stop the telescope with time to spare * If you are not observing (e.g. waiting for target) then make sure the slow motion drive "tracking" is switched off. * keep a constant eye on the weather at all times. Weather "Observing Limits" are on display in the control room. Besides going outside to check conditions, online local weather information can be monitored here: http://suthweather.saao.ac.za/ http://www.saao.ac.za/~sbp/suthweather_predict.html Ideally the TCS software should be running all the time. Do not shut it down. If it is not running then press the [[File:Telescope_tcs.jpg|frameless|50px]] icon to execute. Two additional programs are also on the TCS computer which run in concert with the TCS: * Live telescope pointing, target and crash limits: select the icon to execute.[[File:Crash.jpg|frameless|70px]] * Finder chart - guide star program: select the icon to execute.[[File:GS_FC_icon.png|frameless|50px]] The following sections describe recipes for operating the telescope. Recipes for "manual" or "TCS" control of the telescope are given.
== Start-up Recipe==
4. Check '''Telescope Power Control''' is set to PLC at top of stairs (should be the default).
5. Turn on '''Telescope Power'''. ''Manual'': Press and hold Ensure that the green button for 3 sec. under "Power" on the control panel in the warm room. ''TCS'': take control and press box labeled "Telescope Power"software is running.
6. Open On the '''dome shuttersmimic panel'''. (in the control room:* Switch "TCS/ grey panel on NLOCKOUT" to the OFF position. '''First check that no one is working in the dome.'''* Switch the SMD to the OFF position. pier)
7. Open On the '''mirror coversfloor control panel''' ensure that:* RA and Dec control are in the SLOW positions (TCS/buttons should be the default).* Dome is on telescope baseAUTO (should be the default).* Dome lights switch is in the OFF position. (should be the default).
8. Switch Turn on '''dome rotationTelescope Power''' to Auto (blue console N. pier):
9. Lower * ''TCS'windblind''' (if appropriate; : take TCScontrol (press FLOOR/grey TCS button) and turn on power (press "Telescope Power"). Button should go from red to green.* ''Manual'': Press and hold the green button for 3 sec. under "Power" on the control mimic panel Nin the control room. pier)
10. Switch on '''slow motion drive/tracking'''. ("SMD" switch on control panel/TCS "Tracking" button)Note: it takes 1-2 minutes for complete power up.
119. Initialise Open '''XY-slidesdome shutters''' (:* ''TCS).'': Press DOME for drop down menu and select "Shutter open"* ''Manual'' On the dome control panel, press "local" to get control and then press "SHUTTERS OPEN"
10. Open '''mirror covers''':* ''TCS'': Press DOME for drop down menu and select "Mirror open"* ''Manual'' On the dome control panel, press "local" to get control. Use the ladder to press the "OPEN" on the north side of the telescope. 11. Lower '''windblind'''* ''TCS'': Press DOME for drop down menu and select "Blind lower"* ''Manual'' On the dome control panel, press "local" to get control and then press "WINDBLIND LOWER" 12. Set dome to Auto: press red "Man" button above shutter OPEN indicator on TCS. 13. Center the '''XY-slides''' (TCS). == TCS Shutdown checklist=='''* NOTE: in unexpected bad weather, perform step 6 5 first, then 76, then 1 onwards.''' '''From the TCS'''
1. '''Stop instrument and autoguider exposures'''.
2. Initialise Center '''XY-slides''' (TCS)
3. Switch OFF the '''slow motion drive/tracking''' ("SMD" switch on control panel/TCS "Tracking" button): Button should go from green to red.
4. '''Park telescope''' : Under "TARGET" select "PARK". This will park telescope at HA = ~0h, Dec = -32º in SLOW modeand automatically switch off tracking (SMD).
5. Switch '''dome rotation''' to Manual (blue console Nmanual: select Auto/Man to toggle to Man. The button should turn red. pier)
65. Close '''mirror covers''' (TCS/buttons on telescope base). If windspeed > 50km/h, rotate dome 180º from wind direction before closing.: Under "DOME" select "Mirror CLOSE"
76. Close '''dome shutters'''. (TCS/ grey panel on N. pier): Under "DOME" select "Shutter CLOSE"
87. Lower '''Rotate domewindblind''' to 90º azimuth : (to keep rain off telescopeif appropriate).: Under "DOME" select "Blind LOWER"
98. Lower '''windblind''' (if appropriate; TCS/grey panel N. pier)Switch OFF telescope power: Button should go from green to red.
10. Switch OFF '''Before leaving the telescope power (push and hold for 3 sec. "Power" button on control panel/TCS "Telescope Power" button):'''
11. Switch OFF ''Dome floor control panel:'lighting circuits'* If windspeed > 50km/h, rotate dome 180º from wind direction before closing. Do this manually from the dome floor control panel.* Dome switch is set to manual* Ensure RA and Dec are left in the SLOW motion.* Dome lights switch is in the OFF position.'' at exit.Control room mimic control panel:''* SMD is in the OFF position* TCS lockout in ON
129. Switch OFF '''End of runlighting circuits''': copy data; report [https://faultreports.saao.ac.za/ faults]; complete [http://www.saao.ac.za/science/observing/feedback/ feedback form], put Sutherland Observing Record in tray in warm room; for SpUpNIC or GIRAFFE, tear out 1st and 2nd copy of each completed page in triplicate log book -- keep 1st copy and put 2nd copy in end of run trayat exit.
==Recipe for Acquiring a Target==On the TCS10. '''End of run''': copy data; report [https://faultreports.saao.ac.za/ faults]; complete [http://www.saao.ac.za/science/observing/feedback/ feedback form], put Sutherland Observing Record in tray in warm room; for SpUpNIC or GIRAFFE, tear out 1st and 2nd copy of each completed page in triplicate log book -- keep 1st copy and put 2nd copy in end of run tray.
1. Check that “COORDINATE EQUINOX” is set to that of your target coordinates (otherwise==Manual Shutdown checklist=='''* NOTE: in unexpected bad weather, type it under "SET EQUINOX" and press ENTER on the keyboard)perform step 7 first, then 8, then 1 onwards.'''
2. Click TARGET and input '''From the RA & DEC. Select "Manual" if you want to slew the telescope manually, or "Auto" for automatic slewing. If manual, use the controls on the observing floor to move to the position displayed on the monitor.control room:'''
1. '''Stop instrument and autoguider exposures'''. 2. Center '''XY-slides''' (TCS) 3. Switch OFF the '''slow motion drive/tracking SMD''' on the mimic control panel in the control room '''From the dome floor control panel''' 4. Select "LOCAL" on the control panel. 6. '''Park telescope''' at HA = 0h, Dec = -32º, leave in SLOW mode. With dome in "AUTO" it will move to the park position ~to 90º (East) azimuth. 7. Switch '''dome rotation''' to Manual. '''Rotate dome''' to 90º azimuth (to keep rain off telescope). If <span style="color:red">windspeed > 60km/h, rotate dome 180º from wind direction</span> before closing. 8. Close '''mirror covers'''. Use ladder to each "CLOSE" button on mirror cover control panel (north side of telescope) 9. Close '''dome shutters'''. From the dome floor control panel select "SHUTTERS CLOSE" 10. Lower '''windblind''' (if appropriate). From the dome floor control panel select "WINDBLIND LOWER" '''From the control room:''' 11. '''Switch OFF telescope power''' (push and hold for 3 sec) "Power" button on mimic control panel "Telescope Power" button. '''Before leaving the telescope:''' ''Dome floor control panel:''* If windspeed > 50km/h, rotate dome 180º from wind direction before closing. Do this manually from the dome floor control panel.* Dome switch is set to manual* Ensure RA and Dec are left in the SLOW motion.* Dome lights switch is in the OFF position.''Control room mimic control panel:''* SMD is in the OFF position* TCS lockout in ON 12. Switch OFF '''lighting circuits''' at exit. 13. '''End of run''': copy data; report [https://faultreports.saao.ac.za/ faults]; complete [http://www.saao.ac.za/science/observing/feedback/ feedback form], put Sutherland Observing Record in tray in warm room; for SpUpNIC or GIRAFFE, tear out 1st and 2nd copy of each completed page in triplicate log book -- keep 1st copy and put 2nd copy in end of run tray. ==TCS Recipe for Acquiring a Target== 1. Check that <big>'''COORDINATE EQUINOX'''</big> is set to that of your target coordinates (otherwise, type it under "SET EQUINOX" and press ENTER on the keyboard). 2. Click <big>'''TARGET and input the RA & DEC'''</big> (hh mm ss dd mm ss). If using SpUpNIC and you have a target selected in the SpUpNIC Control, clicking '''Read''' will import the coordinates. Click '''Auto''' for automatic slewing. The TCS will perform several tests before accepting your target request and slewing the telescope:* Dome must be in '''Auto''' mode.[[File:Auto_ready.png|frame|20px]]* Telescope must be under '''TCS''' control.* The target must be '''in view''' If all OK:* the '''Manual''' indicator will turn from cyan to grey* the '''Auto request''' indicator will turn from grey to cyan* the '''In “Exposures View''' indicator will turn from grey to cyan* if the target is already nearby (<~10 arcminutes) the '''In Range''' indicator will turn from grey to cyan and the telescope will move in slow motion only* the telescope will slew to the target in fast motion until "In Range" where it will switch to slow motion* once target field has been acquired the '''Auto Request''' will turn back to grey and the '''Manual''' will turn to cyan.[[File:man_stop.png|frame|10px]]<span style="color:red">Make sure there are no outstanding "Auto Requests" by pressing the '''Manual''' button if necessary.</span> This is to avoid any unexpected auto requests moving the telescope at a later stage. You can cancel the '''Auto Request''' at any time by pressing the '''Manual''' button or even the '''STOP Tel.+Dome''' button. The '''STOP Tel.+Dome''' button will put the telescope in a safe mode 3. <big>'''Identify the target'''</big> In'''Exposures & Guiding”Guiding''':* Move '''GUIDE MIRROR IN BEAM ''' by clicking on that box. * Click '''Expose''' and select exposure time from drop-down menu to start images.* '''Hint''' for good scaling in the display: keep the bottom slider all the way to the left and move the top slider towards the left until the stars appear. Then adjust the vertical slider. Dragging downwards generally reduces background and increases contrast.* '''Identify the target''' in the image display by comparing to a finder chart and making fine adjustments in RA & Dec using the handset or the TCS GUI handset.* Place the target at the location on the image display corresponding to the desired position on the<big> '''science instrument'''</big>.* Ensure that XY slides have been centered. (Click "Center" under XY slides control). This should have been done before acquiring target. Note the next steps are generalizations. Details may vary depending on the instrument being used. 4. Move <big>'''GUIDE MIRROR OUT OF BEAM''' </big>to direct the beam to the science detector. 5. Check the position of the target in the instrument and adjust RA & Dec as necessary using the handset. 6. Adjust <big>'''telescope focus'''</big> using the TCS Menu1, Focus box (enter value) or the Focus In and Out buttons on the warm room paddle. [https://topswiki.saao.ac.za/index.php/74%22_/_1.9m#Instrument_Focus_Settings Approximate focus values] are given for each instrument.* Once focus is achieved for the instrument, the guider camera may need to be refocussed. Under the "Camera Focus" box at lower right, click on the up/down arrows to start focus changing. Press stop to stop the change. 7. Once the star is well positioned on the science detector, <big>'''select a guide star'''</big>.* Enter coordinates of the target field in the guide star software and click '''GET IMAGE'''. Alternatively, if you are using SpUpNIC and have a target selected in SpUpNIC Control, press "READ". A window should appear with a 10x10 arcmin DSS map. In order to save time, this step could have been done earlier whilst telescope was slewing.* Click on a brightish star ''outside'' of the green circle in the DSS image. **NOTE: this chart is centered on the coordinates. If you have substantially adjusted the position of the target to be away from the center of the acquisition frame, there will be the same offset in whatever guide star is selected.* Under ''XY Slides Control'', click '''GoTo GS'''. The star should appear in the acquisition image. If not, try a different star.* Under ''Pointer'' click '''Guide Star'''. The software will automatically choose the most appropriate star in the acquisition camera FOV and put a dark blue box (guide point) upon it.* Press '''GUIDE''' on the ''Exposures & Guiding'' box to start guiding.** NOTE: if the star is near a hot pixel, that could cause trouble with guiding. Click '''Move XY''' and click on the star: this will center it (just moving the XY stages, and not effecting the science target).* To stop or restart guiding (e.g. after brief intervals of cloud), press GUIDE.* To change exposure times, select exposure time from the drop down menu under Expose. Exposure times between ~1-6 seconds is good for guiding. ==Recipe for Manually Acquiring a Target== 1. Check that '''COORDINATE EQUINOX''' is set to that of your target coordinates (otherwise, type it under " SET EQUINOX" and press ENTER on the keyboard). 2. Click TARGET and input the RA & DEC. Select "Manual". The target RA and Dec will also be displayed on the TCS monitor on the dome floor. Acquire target by slewing the telescope from the dome floor control panel. * '''Warning''' in manual mode the TCS software does not check if your target is in view. Software limits are overridden. Be absolutely sure you know what you are doing. 3. In '''Exposures & Guiding''':* Move GUIDE MIRROR IN BEAM by clicking on that box. Alternatively, if using SpUpNIC, click on the guide mirror in the instrument schematic on the SpUpNIC Control GUI to move the mirror.* Click '''Expose''' and select exposure time from drop-down menu to start images.
* Under “Image Options” select the preferred LUT and SCALE.
* Hint for good scaling in the display: keep the bottom slider all the way to the left and move the top slider towards the left until the stars appear. Then adjust the vertical slider.
9. Once the star is well positioned on the science detector, select a guide star.
* Ensure that XY slides have been initializedcentered. (Click "InitializeCenter" under XY slides control).
* Open the guide star software (the icon of a star with a long tail).
* Enter coordinates of the field and click "GET IMAGE". A window should appear with a 10x10 arcmin DSS map.
**NOTE: this chart is centered on the coordinates. If you have adjusted the position of the target to be away from the center of the acquisition frame, there will be the same offset in whatever guide star is selected.
* Under "XY Slides Control," click "GoTo GS". The star should appear in the acquisition image. If not, try a different star.
* Under “Pointer" click "Guide Star" , then click on . The software will automatically choose the chosen guide most appropriate star in the acquisition camera FOV. This will and put a dark blue box around (guide point) upon it.* Press GUIDE on the star and begin Exposures & Guiding box to start guiding.
** NOTE: if the star is near a hot pixel, that could cause trouble with guiding. Click "Move XY" and click on the star: this will center it (just moving the XY stages, and not effecting the science target).
* To stop or restart guiding (e.g. after brief intervals of cloud), press GUIDE.
==Instrument Focus Settings==
Approximate focus values for each of the instruments are listed here. Make further adjustments on target.
SpUpNIC: ~2200
SHOC" ~1900 (~1940 with focal reducer)
HIPPO: ~2120
GIRAFFE: ~2090
HIPPO: ~2120
SHOC" ~1900 (~1940 with focal reducer; guide camera ~ 680)
SpUpNIC: ~2200
STE3/4: ~2090 (~ 2120 with focal reducer)
= Telescope =
* Report any problems on [https://faultreports.saao.ac.za/ the fault reports page].
* Give feedback at the end of your observing run: http://www.saao.ac.za/science/observing/feedback/.
* Fill in Download a copy of the [httphttps://wwwdocs.saaogoogle.ac.zacom/wp-contentspreadsheets/uploadsd/sites10w7tO4W3YR8kApaT-8jMN8QfUbGRi0fiHtWzl_NjRBY/5/observing_record.pdf edit?usp=sharing Sutherland Observing Record] and fill it in each night (paper copies in the dome).* For GIRAFFE, SpUpNIC, or STE3/4GIRAFFE: if observing from the dome, please fill in the triplicate Log Book for each exposure, else keep your own logs/spreadsheet.
== Call out list==
'''Telescope software issues:''' standby **113 (0829034869021 201 5178) or 9118
'''Electronics Issues:''' standby **103 (0767895131021 201 5179) or 9117
'''Mechanical Issues:''' standby **104 (07678951232021 201 5180)
= Current known issues (last updated Nov 2013)=
'''==Telescope pointing problems/time server error'''==
If you encounter telescope pointing problems, check the time and date displayed on the TCS, as the cause could be the time server. If the date/time is wrong, please call the electronics technician for assistance.
==Crash GUI fails to open when clicking icon==
Currently untested, but from SBP in the fault reports August 2019.
1) Exit the crash_limits software if it is running (presumably it is not)
2) Exit the TCS (Obviously do this during a convenient gap in observations, remember to stop acquisition exposures before exiting)
3) open an xterm
4) type "mv live.dat live.temp"
5) restart TCS
6) restart crash_limits software
=Webcam=
* Download and install Foscam app from here:
[https://itunes.apple.com/za/app/foscam/id924381688?mt=8 App Store]
[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foscam.foscam&hl=en Android]
* Login to the Foscam app with the following details:
'''Email:''' it@saao.ac.za
'''PW:''' Ask IT
==Internet Explorer access only==
'''URL:''' https://74incam.suth.saao.ac.za
'''Username:''' operator (or admin)
'''Password:''' Ask IT/astronomer