Checklists
Below is a series of steps that one generally goes through for setup (or shutdown) of the telescope and instrument for Direct Imaging. There are few details listed because this assumes you have been thoroughly checked out on the Nickel 1-m telescope and Direct Imaging Camera by a support astronomer. Note that this is a suggested procedure for most observing but may not meet the needs of specific observing programs or setups.Opening Checklist
In the Dome
- Check the weather.
- Fill the dewar with LN
- Check/install filters (note position and name for each).
- Stow the rainscreen (manually via rope).
- Open ventilation fan shutters if humidity below 80%.
- Make sure dome floor is clear of obstructions.
- Enable Telscope Motion (red ESTOP button next to dome door).
- Turn lights off and close door to dome.
In the Control Room
- Log in to noir and start the following software:
- Telescope control - POCO: poco_fe
- Auxilliary Telescope Hardware: naux_fe
- Guider Camera: nickel_guider_client
- Starlists/charts: coords (optional)
- Motor Controller: nickel_inst_gui (optional - will start with the data taking software if using a facility instrument)
- Dome Video Cameras: nickCams (optional)
- Web browser for monitoring weather and dew sensor.
- Data taking software: nickel_direct_client
- Check40_obs: check40_obs.
- Enable telescope movement (poco_fe).
- Home Telescope (poco_fe).
- Check that dew sensor is on.
- Enter the correct filter names for each position (nickel_inst_gui or nickel_direct_client)
- Print out Logsheets if desired.
- Check operation of CCD and shutter by taking a few test exposures (nickel_direct_client).
- Take Bias Frames if desired.
- Take Dome Flats if desired.
- Check the weather.
- Open the dome (naux_fe).
- Turn on fans (naux_fe).
- Lower the windscreen (naux_fe).
- Open the mirror cover (naux_fe).
- Turn on auto dome (poco_fe).
- Turn on telescope tracking (poco_fe).
- Take twilight flat fields (nickel_direct_client).
- Check telescope pointing and adjust telescope coordinates as necessary.
- Verify Guiding to CCD offsets, set guider fiducial.
- Focus telescope.
- Keep an eye on the weather.
- Take lots of data (read the README in the data directory).
Closing Checklist
In the Control Room
- Take Dome Flats and/or Darks if desired.
- Park telescope (poco_fe).
- Disable movement (poco_fe).
- Close mirror cover (naux_fe).
- Turn off fans (naux_fe).
- Close dome (naux_fe).
- Raise windscreen (naux_fe).
In the Dome
- Check that telescope and dome are in stow positions (telescope at zenith, arrow on dome aligned with arrow on wall).
- Disable telescope motion (push red ESTOP button next to dome door).
- Deploy rainscreen (manually via rope).
- Close ventilation fan shutters.
- Fill dewar with LN2.
- Archive your data (copy to your laptop, CD, DVD, and/or ftp to home institution). Data directory is cleared at the end of every run, but may be cleared daily.
- Leave dew sensor on.
- Fill out User and Trouble Logs.
- Call 3-m telescope operator (8-0652) and report status (even if no troubles).
- Take a last look around to make sure everything is off that should be off.
- Turn off lights.
- Lock Door.
- Get some well deserved sleep!
Support Astronomers (sa@ucolick.org) Last modified: Mon Aug 17 00:55:12 PDT 2015