Changes

== Current known issues * Report any problems on [https://faultreports.saao.ac.za/ the fault reports page].* Give feedback at the end of your observing run: http://www.saao.ac.za/science/observing/feedback/.* Fill in the [http://www.saao.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/observing_record.pdf Sutherland Observing Record] each night (last updated Nov 2013paper copies in the dome).* For GIRAFFE, SpUpNIC, or STE3/4: please fill in the triplicate Log Book for each exposure.== Call out list==

'''Telescope pointing problems/time server errorsoftware issues:''' standby **113 (0212015178) or 9118

'''Cassegrain SpectrographMechanical Issues:'''standby **104 (0212015180)

'''==Introduction==The 1. Readout issue 9m telescope control system (TCS) is written in 1x2 binning''' – Occasionally when reading out a 1x2 imageC, using XFORMS to create the spectrum is shifted down the CCD by ~65 rowsGraphical User Interface (GUI). When this happens, you will notice the following in the image The software runs on a PC running real-time linux. The TCS allows the spectrograph control software:The red readout bar to the left of the image extends below telescope; the bottom edge acquisition and guiding (A/G) camera; and the dome (including opening and closing of the image displayOn-skyshutters, the target spectrum is shifted down the CCD toward the bottom and control of the imagewindblind and flatfield lamps). On an arc, there are no arc lines in the top ~1/3 <!--As of the CCDMay 2016, but they continue to the bottom edge TCS allows powering and slewing of the imagetelescope.-->To remedy, take e.g. Upgrades are currently in progress that require a bias in 1x1 and let it readout. Change the binning back new TCS PC (tcs74v4) to 1x2be used when SpUpNIC is mounted, take a bias and check that the red readout bar does not extend below the bottom of the image. If it does, revert to 1x1 earlier version (tcs74v3) with HiPPo and repeatSHOC.

'''2. Filter Wheel''' – It is necessary to initialise the filter wheel before changing filters; do this every time as follows: In the Spectrograph Control PanelThe telescope can be operated either remotely from Cape Town (remote mode), click or locally from the “Util” button in the top left corner. In the pop-up Utilties window, click Filter Wheel “Init”dome (local mode). In Users at the Filter Wheel section of dome can slew the Spectrograph Control Panel, ensure that telescope either from the green indicators are lit for both “Ref” and “Centered”. If not, repeat previous step but click “Reset” then “Init”TCS or manually from the observing floor. Select the desired filter and click “Go”This wiki gives instructions for all options.

'''12. Filter Wheel''' – Always initialise There is a webcam pointed at the filter wheel before changing observing floor. Open the filterapp in one of two ways:* Click on the “74incam” shortcut on the top left-hand side of the desktop. This opens an rdesktop session on appserver.cape. Once logged in, open internet explorer from the menu bar at the bottom.  It should open on the required page - type the username and press "Enter" on the keyboard (it doesn’t respond to the login button on the screen).* Alternatively, the webcam can be viewed from an Android tablet using the Foscam app. Log in as ... and select ...

Date4. Start the software using the icons on the left-hand menu bar:* TCS (telescope icon)* observing limits plot (“crash” icon)* guide star programme (meteor icon)

RA zeropoint (s)When you are ready to observe:

Dec zeropoint (")5. Check weather on the [http://suthweather.saao.ac.za/ Sutherland weather website] -- '''only proceed if windspeed < 60 km/h; humidity <90%; T_external - T_dewpoint > 1.5.'''

Guide mirror out 9. On the TCS GUI, take TCS control of beam:the telescope by clicking the grey "FLOOR" button. If successful, it will turn cyan and read "TCS" (if this does not happen, the lockout has been left on and you need to phone a standby technician). 

== Latest GIRAFFE 10. Turn on telescope power: click "Telescope Power is OFF". Button should go from red marker positions ==to green; OFF to ON.

Date11. Open dome shutters:click "DOME" and select "Shutter open" from the dropdown menu.

Guide 12. Open mirror in beamcovers:click "DOME" and select "Mirror open".

To view star 13. Currently out of action: Lower windblind: click "DOME" and select "Blind lower". 14: Set dome to Auto mode: press the red "Man" button in the top right-hand corner, above the shutter OPEN indicator. 15. Ready the autoguider XY slides:* On tcs74v3: click "Initialize" in the "XY Slides Control" panel on fibrethe right. * Or, move on tvs74v4, click "Center" - there is no need to use the "Initialize" button on tcs74v4 unless it is red (indicating a fault), in which case click "Reset", wait a moment, then click "Initialize".   2. Switch OFF all downstairs & observing '''floor lights''' ([https://topswiki.saao.ac.za/index.php/74%22_/_1.9m#Light_switches having trouble finding the switches]?) 3. Check weather on the [http://suthweather.saao.ac.za/ Sutherland weather website] -- '''only proceed if windspeed < 60 km/h; humidity <90%; T_external - T_dewpoint > 1.5.''' 4. Check '''Telescope Power Control''' is set to PLC at top of stairs (should be the default). 5. Ensure that the TCS software is running. 6. On the '''mimic panel''' in the control room:* Switch "TCS LOCKOUT" to the OFF position. '''First check that no one is working in the dome.'''* Switch the SMD to the OFF position. 7. On the '''floor control panel''' ensure that:* RA and Dec control are in the SLOW positions (should be the default).* Dome is on AUTO (should be the default).* Dome lights switch is in the OFF position. (should be the default). 8. Turn on '''Telescope Power''':  * ''TCS'': take TCS control (press FLOOR/TCS button) and turn on power (press "Telescope Power"). Button should go from red to green.* ''Manual'': Press and hold the green button for 3 sec. under "Power" on the control mimic panel in the control room.  Note: it takes 1-2 minutes for complete power up. 9. Open '''dome shutters''':* ''TCS'': Press DOME for drop down menu and select "Shutter open"* ''Manual'' On the dome control panel, press "local" to get control and then press "SHUTTERS OPEN" 10. Open '''mirror covers''':* ''TCS'': Press DOME for drop down menu and select "Mirror open"* ''Manual'' On the dome control panel, press "local" to get control. Use the ladder to press the "OPEN" on the north side of the telescope. 11. Lower '''windblind'''* ''TCS'': Press DOME for drop down menu and select "Blind lower"* ''Manual'' On the dome control panel, press "local" to get control and then press "WINDBLIND LOWER" 12. Set dome to Auto: press red "Man" button above shutter OPEN indicator on TCS. 13. Center the '''XY -slides ''' (TCS). = Local observing === Start-up Recipe==1. Switch ON '''lighting circuits''' at entrance to xdome. 2. Switch OFF all downstairs & observing '''floor lights''' ([http://topswiki.saao.ac.za/index.php/19m#Light_switches having trouble finding the switches]?) 3. Check weather on the [http://suthweather.saao.ac.za/ Sutherland weather website] -- '''only proceed if windspeed < 60 km/h; humidity <90%; T_external - T_dewpoint > 1.5 and no thick cloud.''' 4. Check '''Telescope Power Control''' is set to PLC at top of stairs (should be the default). 5. Turn on '''Telescope Power'''. ''Manual'': Press and hold the green button for 3 sec. under "Power" on the control panel in the warm room. ''TCS'': take control and press box labeled "Telescope Power". 6. Open '''dome shutters'''. (TCS/ grey panel on N. pier) 7. Open '''mirror covers''' (TCS/buttons on telescope base) 8. Switch '''dome rotation''' to Auto (blue console N. pier) 9. Lower '''windblind''' (if appropriate; TCS/grey panel N. pier) 10. Switch on '''slow motion drive/tracking'''. ("SMD" switch on control panel/TCS "Tracking" button). 11. Initialise '''XY-slides''' (TCS). == Shutdown checklist==590'''* NOTE: in bad weather, yperform step 6 first, then 7, then 1 onwards.''' 1. '''Stop instrument and autoguider exposures'''. 2. Initialise '''XY-slides''' (TCS) 3. Switch OFF the '''slow motion drive/tracking''' ("SMD" switch on control panel/TCS "Tracking" button). 4. '''Park telescope''' at HA = 0h, Dec =-12900 32º in SLOW mode. 5. Switch '''dome rotation''' to Manual (guide blue console N. pier) 6. Close '''mirror covers''' (TCS/buttons on telescope base). If windspeed > 50km/h, rotate dome 180º from wind direction before closing. 7. Close '''dome shutters'''. (TCS/ grey panel on N. pier) 8. '''Rotate dome''' to 90º azimuth (to keep rain off telescope). 9. Lower '''windblind''' (if appropriate; TCS/grey panel N. pier). 10. Switch OFF telescope power (push and hold for 3 sec. "Power" button on control panel/TCS "Telescope Power" button) 11. Switch OFF '''lighting circuits''' at exit. 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 beameach completed page in triplicate log book -- keep 1st copy and put 2nd copy in end of run tray. ==Instrument Focus settings==Approximate focus values for each of the instruments are listed here. Make further adjustments on target. GIRAFFE: ~2090 HIPPO: ~2120 SHOC" ~1900 (~1940 with focal reducer) SpUpNIC: ~2200 STE3/4: ~2090 (~ 2120 with focal reducer) = Telescope = == Telescope power control == 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>Example.jpg|The new power switch at the top of the stairs. Ordinarily, it should be in the "PLC" position, day and night. Observers should not use this switch unless authorised by a technician.</gallery> == Warm room control panel == 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>Example.jpg|The new control panel installed in the warm room in April 2013. Power to the slow motion drive is controlled by turning the switch in the "SMD" section. When the drive power is on, the green light illuminates.</gallery> === Telescope power ===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.  There is a safety interlock preventing telescope power from being switched off unless:* Dome shutter is CLOSED (both "SHUTTER" indicators are off)* Mirror shutter is CLOSED (both "MIRROR" indicators are off)* RA and Dec are set to SLOW (both "FM" indicators are off) 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. =Dome Information=== Light switches ==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. There is a light switch at the bottom and also at the top of the steps -- again, you need the stairwell lights off (and all observing floor lights off) if you are going to do tests on the spectrograph. There are three other lighting systems on the observing floor which might need to be switched off: * Dome incandescent lights -- the switch for these is on the dome wall, to the west side of the north pier (just to the right of the ``grating room'' door).  * Dome fluorescent lights just below catwalk level -- these are switched on/off at the new white switches beside the electrical panel (the metal doors on the south west wall of the dome near the stair railing)  * Dome fluorescent lights high up on the inside of the dome itself -- these can be operated from three different places: # The control room, using the DOME dropdown menu on the TCS# The observing floor, using the panel on the North pier. If the switch does not work the first time, press the "Request Control" button at the top of the panel and try again.# The catwalk, using the button on the orange control cabinet by the dome shutters. = Current known issues (last updated Nov 2013)= '''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.