SPUPNIC

SpUpNIC User Manual

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Introduction

This is the user manual for the newly upgraded spectrograph at the Cassegrain focus of the 1.9 metre telescope. Most of the mechanical components have been rebuilt, the optics have been significantly improved, and the instrument has a new detector. We hope you enjoy using it!

The instrument has two subsystems, the PLC subsystem (controlling the things that move) and the detector subsystem (controlling the data acquisition).

The instrument software has been built using the new SAAO software framework. The drivers for the detector and PLC subsystems now run as stand-alone processes, and the user interface runs as a separate process on top of these.

Usually, users will connect to the graphical user interface, but certain diagnostic functions can only be accesses using the command line interfaces. These are all described below.

Quick Start

This is an overview of taking data; if you're unsure about anything, the Advanced User Guide has much more information. back to

• If the main user interface and quick-look interfaces are not running, they may be started from the panel on the left edge of the screen. The main user interface is started with the icon of an absorption spectrum, and the quick-look interface from the icon of an emission spectrum.

• Fill in target information (optional).

• Set the focus required (or use the Hartman routine; see the Advanced User Guide).

• Set the slit width.

• Ensure that the grating you require is inserted, and set the grating angle.

• Select the required filter (or leave the filter open).

• Select the acquisition type (ARC, BIAS, SCIENCE, FLAT, TEST)

• If appropriate, set the exposure time and number of exposures.

• If taking a science image, acquire the target, and ensure that it is visible through the slit.

• If taking an arc, ensure that the arc mirror is in-beam, and the chosen arc lamp is on (remember to turn off the arc lamp and move the arc mirror out of beam when done).

• Start the acquisition with the Expose button

• The countdown timer will show the time remaining, and the progress bar will first show the exposure completion state, and then the readout state.

Advanced Users Guide

• If the main user interface and quick-look interfaces are not running, they may be started from the panel on the left edge of the screen. The main user interface is started with the icon of an absorption spectrum, and the quick-look interface from the icon of an emission spectrum.

• The main user interface has a number of tabs:
  • The main tab, in which you'll spend most of your time,
  • The Advanced tab, which may be used if things go wrong,
  • The engineering tab, which displays various diagnostic settings
  • The other tab

• There is also a panel on the right, showing a schematic of the optical components.