Changes
1.9m
,== 74"/1.9-m Telescope User Manual ==
Here is a link to the .pdf copy of the [http://www.saao.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/tcsman74_v10.2.pdf 74" TCS user manual], v. 10.2, updated Nov. 2014.
* For GIRAFFE, SpUpNIC, or STE3/4: please fill in the triplicate Log Book for each exposure.
'''Telescope software issues:''' standby **113 (0829034869) or 9118
'''Mechanical Issues:''' standby **104 (07678951232)
=Introduction==The 74" TCS is written in C using XFORMS to create the Graphical User Interface (GUI). The software runs on a PC running real-time linux. The TCS allows the control of the telescope; the acquisition and guiding (A/G) camera; and the dome (including opening and closing of the shutters and control of the windblind, as of December 2009). As of May 2016, the TCS allows powering and slewing of the telescope. == Start-up Recipe===
1. Switch ON '''lighting circuits''' at entrance to dome.
11. Initialise '''XY-slides''' (TCS).
'''* NOTE: in bad weather, perform step 6 first, then 7, then 1 onwards.'''
12. '''End of run''': copy data; report [https://faultreports.saao.ac.za/ faults]; complete [ http://www.saao.ac.za/science/observing/feedback/ feedback form], put Sutherland Observing Record in tray in warm room; for SpUpNIC or GIRAFFE, tear out 1st and 2nd copy of each completed page in triplicate log book -- keep 1st copy and put 2nd copy in end of run tray.
Approximate focus values for each of the instruments are listed here. Make further adjustments on target.
GIRAFFE: ~2090
STE3/4: ~2090 (~ 2120 with focal reducer)
The original telescope isolator switch at the top of the stairs has been replaced by a three position switch (see figure below) that should be in the "PLC" position and left that way for normal operations, day and night. Observers should not use this switch unless authorised to do so by a technician. If the switch is not found in the "PLC" position, contact the electronics technician for guidance. Telescope power is now switched on/off at a new multifunctional control panel in the warm room, described in the following section.
</gallery>
In April 2013, a new panel was installed in the warm room to control power to the telescope, slow motion drive and automatic dome rotation, and to indicate the status of a number of telescope subsystems (see figure below). Its functionality is described below.
</gallery>
Large green "On" and "Off" buttons are located in the top left section of the panel, with corresponding indicators that illuminate to show the current status. To operate, push and hold in for $\sim 3$ seconds. These buttons replace the power switch previously located at the top of the stairs.
The power OFF indicator will flash if an attempt is made to power down the telescope while the above subsystems are not in a safe state.
As you enter the 1.9m building, on the wall to your right are four switches. The two close together (labelled "Light Switch Main L.T. board" and "Light Switch D.B.5") should be switched on -- these give you mains power (switching them off kills the lights, but not the power to certain vital components such as PCs). The other two switches give you incandescent and fluorescent lights in the entrance area and should be switched off if you are going to observe/take flats/do focus tests with the spectrograph.
# The catwalk, using the button on the orange control cabinet by the dome shutters.
'''Telescope pointing problems/time server error'''
If you encounter telescope pointing problems, check the time and date displayed on the TCS, as the cause could be the time server. If the date/time is wrong, please call the electronics technician for assistance.
