This is a basic overview of taking data; if you're unsure about anything, the Advanced User Guide section contains more information.
* Log into the SpUpNIC PC. If observing remotely, connect to spupnic.suth.saao.ac.za by VNC. Username & password available from support staff.
* 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 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.
* Set the The required spectrograph camera focusshould be set automatically after a Hartmann run - check that this is the case.
* Set the slit width.
* Select the exposure type (ARC, BIAS, SCIENCE, FLAT, TEST).
* If appropriate, set the exposure time and number of exposures.
* Load your target catalogue file.
* Select a target from the target catalogue file so that the object name and coordinates will go into the fits header, and can be read by the TCS.
* If taking a science image, acquire the target, and ensure that it is visible through the slit and in focus.
* If taking an arc, ensure that the arc mirror is in-beam, and the required arc lamp is on.