# '''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 TCS (URL, username & password in the Lesedi User Resources google doc).
# 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.# On the TCS "Controls" tab, check that the '''Instrument''' you require is selected (highlighted in green to the mid-left of the display), and if not, click either SHOC MOOKODI or SIBONISE. SHOC MOOKODI is automatically selected on startup.
# On the central panel of the TCS "Controls" tab, check for green indicators showing the status of each subsystem: Mirror covers = Open; Secondary & Tertiary mirror motors = Auto; Dome: Control = TCS and Tracking = On; and the relevant rotator for your chosen instrument Tracking = On and Motors = Auto.