Note that there is no hardware lockout for the telescope (except for brackets that can be fitted to hold the telescope vertical for e.g. primary mirror removal). All the subsystems' motors are brushless DC motors and remain powered up all the time; powering down the motors would leave the telescope and subsystems free to move under gravity or external forces (e.g. leaning on it). There is a '''dome lockout''', which is a physical switch in the dome that prevents the shutters and dome from moving. As a safety feature, '''the TCS disables all actions when the dome lockout is on''' and displays the warning shown in the image below. Before the telescope can be used from the TCS, you must ensure that it is safe to turn off the lockout, then do so using the switch at the North end of the pier in the dome.
[[File:LesediTCSlockoutSnippet.png|300px|left|This message on the TCS indicates that the dome is locked out and the TCS cannot be used. The dome must be checked for safety before switching off the lockout and continuing.]]
=== The Controls Tab ===