* If the instrument Control and Quick-Look interfaces are not running, they may be started from the panel on the left edge of the left screen. The SpUpNIC Control GUI is started with the absorption spectrum icon [[File:control_GUI.jpg|20px]], and the Quick-Look GUI from the emission spectrum icon [[File:quicklook_GUI.jpg|20px]].
* Ensure that the grating you require is inserted has been installed by a technician - '''observers must not handle the gratings''' (see the grating change instructions in the Start of Run Section), and then set the grating to the required angle.
* Check that the required filter is in the beam (or left open if required).
* Run a Hartmann routine (see the Advanced User Guide) to establish the best focus for the spectrograph.