# Check the observing floor and '''clear any obstacles''' (e.g. ladders) that may obstruct the telescope.
# '''Switch off the [[#Light switches|lights]]''' everywhere except in the warm room.
# Log into lesedi-nuc in the warm room(address, username & password in the User Resources google doc), open a browser and navigate to the [https://unifivideo.suth.saao.ac.za:7443/cameras webcam] and click "Live Feed".# Open a second browser window and navigate to the TCS (''URL coming soon'', username & password in the User Resources google doc).# Click the '''STARTUP''' button on the TCS. This will switch on the slew lights so you can watch it open the dome, baffle and mirror covers, and set the dome to follow the telescope, then switch off the slew lights. A blue progress circle will rotate on the button while all the commands are executed - don't try to do anything else send any other TCS commands until it disappears, indicating that the startup procedure is complete.
# Select the '''Instrument''' you require by clicking either SHOC or SIBONISE to the mid-left of the display. The selected instrument name will turn green.
# '''Check the weather conditions [https://suthweather.saao.ac.za/ here]'''. If windspeed <60km/h and T-T<sub>dew</sub> > 1.5 (see [[#Observing limits|observing limits]]), continue with step 2.
# Open a Chrome or Chromium browser, navigate to the [https://unifivideo.suth.saao.ac.za:7443/cameras Unifi webcam], click "Live Feed" and check your volume level so you can hear sounds from the dome. Also open this [https:10.2.50.12 webcam] which gives a wider view of the observing floor.
# Open another browser window and navigate to the [https://1ms1.suth.saao.ac.za:5000 TCS].
# Navigate to the "Advanced" tab of the TCS, and in the central "Dome" section, turn the Slew Lights ON and check the webcam to see if observing floor is clear (if not, call the standby technician). Switch the Slew Lights OFF.
# Click the '''STARTUP''' button on the bottom right of the screen. This will switch on the slew lights so you can watch it open the dome, baffle and mirror covers, and set the dome to follow the telescope, then switch off the slew lights. A blue progress circle will rotate on the button while all the commands are executed - don't try to do anything else until it disappears, indicating that the startup procedure is complete.