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 * 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:
== Start-up Recipe==