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===== Observing Procedures ===== | ===== Observing Procedures ===== | ||
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__**OBSERVING PROCEDURES**__ \\ | __**OBSERVING PROCEDURES**__ \\ | ||
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__**SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION**__ \\ | __**SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION**__ \\ | ||
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- | [[:chara:trouble_shooting|Trouble Shooting]]\\ | + | {{: |
+ | [[:chara:coude_alignment_procedure|Coude alignment procedure]] - Updated 2021Jun01\\ | ||
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+ | __**ADAPTIVE OPTICS DOCUMENTATION** __ \\ | ||
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**__INSTRUMENTS__ ** \\ | **__INSTRUMENTS__ ** \\ | ||
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__**DOCUMENTATION TO BE UPDATED**__ \\ | __**DOCUMENTATION TO BE UPDATED**__ \\ | ||
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CHARA Array Operating Procedures\\ | CHARA Array Operating Procedures\\ | ||
- | Copyright © 2005-2018 The CHARA Team\\ | + | Copyright © 2005-2021 The CHARA Team\\ |
- | Last updated: | + | Last updated: |
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- | **Chapter 1:** | + | **Chapter 1: ** |
- | ==== Lab Protocol | + | === Lab Protocol === |
\\ | \\ | ||
- | \\ | + | 1.1 Lab Rules Intro |
- | {{: | + | |
- | === 1.1 Lab Rules Intro === | ||
- | |||
- | \\ | ||
The CHARA optics lab is a building within a building and is intended to provide thermal and vibrational stability. The main goal of the CHARA lab rules is to keep all optics and equipment safe from any hazards. The crucial issue being misalignment of anything. The amount of dust and dander must be kept to a minimum. | The CHARA optics lab is a building within a building and is intended to provide thermal and vibrational stability. The main goal of the CHARA lab rules is to keep all optics and equipment safe from any hazards. The crucial issue being misalignment of anything. The amount of dust and dander must be kept to a minimum. | ||
- | === 1.2 The Metrology Laser === | + | 1.2 The Metrology Laser |
- | \\ | + | A high-powered infrared laser is used for the delay line metrology. This is an eye hazard, so before entering the lab check to make sure the red light above the door is not on. If the laser is activated, it is a must to put on IR-protective goggles. If you are not sure, wear the goggles. Please note that the METLAS gui or OPLESystem Controller gui may not show the correct state of the laser. Hit reopen on the METLAS gui if it does not agree with the others. |
- | A high-powered infrared laser is used for the delay line metrology. This is an eye hazard, so before entering the lab check to make sure the red light above the door is not on. If the laser is activated, it is a must to put on IR-protective goggles. If you are not sure, wear the goggles. | + | |
- | === 1.3 General Lab Rules === | + | 1.3 General Lab Rules |
- | \\ | ||
Please remember that:\\ | Please remember that:\\ | ||
Procedures in the lab must be followed closely and failure to follow these rules will result in loss of lab privileges.\\ | Procedures in the lab must be followed closely and failure to follow these rules will result in loss of lab privileges.\\ | ||
- | * Before entering the lab, you must have a reason or tasks at hand. | + | Before entering the lab, you must have a reason or tasks at hand. |
- | * Lab booties/ | + | Lab booties/ |
- | * Proper clothing is also important. Loose hanging jackets or garments can snag on mirrors or other exposed equipment and are better left outside of the lab until you are finished. | + | [[: |
- | * Please be alert and move slowly and cautiously. | + | \\ |
- | * When entering the lab make sure to walk across the sticky floor mat. If the mat isn’t sticky, remove the top layer. If this is close to the final layer please notify the staff. | + | \\ |
- | * No more than three people are allowed in the lab at once unless it is 3 to 4 hours before observing time or there is some pressing need. Many bodies can create unwanted atmospheric effects. | + | **Chapter 2:** |
- | * If you bump, hit, move or just tap anything in the slightest way, let us know. | + | === Preparations in the Lab Prior to Observing === |
- | * Never touch anything you have not been trained to use. If ever in any doubt, leave it alone and get someone who knows. | + | |
- | * Any unusual | + | |
- | * You must know the path of the laser beams, metrology or alignment. Stay out of their way especially | + | |
- | * Access and use of the lab requires training. If a piece of equipment does not appear to be operating properly let us know immediately. Also if you are uncertain about a lab procedure or a step in the alignment sequence contact us before proceeding. | + | |
- | * When leaving the lab any time of the day, remember to turn off all lights (fluorescent and incandescent). Lights left on generate unnecessary heat in the lab. | + | |
- | \\ [[: | + | 27 AUG 2012 by Judit, |
- | \\ | + | |
- | \\ | + | |
- | **Chapter 2:** Version 2. August | + | |
- | ==== Preparations | + | These are routine tasks to be performed |
- | \\ These are routine tasks to be performed in and around | + | 2.1 Starting |
- | === 2.1 Starting | + | Go into vacuum pump shack. Flip on power switch for pump and wait for the blower to go on in about 7 seconds. Wait 5 more seconds after the blower starts and open the top valve slowly (parallel to pipe means open). Note if fan cords are plugged into wall outlet to keep pumps cool in the summer. Note oil temperature when you start up. Oil temps are usually kept above 15º C by a block heater on the north side of the pump and a space heater on the south side. Inform Larry or Craig if the oil temp is low and the heaters did not run to bring the temp up before starting.\\ |
+ | Go into lab building, check pressures on Vacmon display. If pressure is higher than 100 torr in any of the lines, pump those lines only one at a time. Open each valve slowly, you will hear the air rush out as the pump pulls the air. Slowly continue to fully open. Open each valve as the pressure is pumped down to the pressure in the next lowest line. Ideally, you don't want to allow pressure from one line into the line of a lower pressure line. The final pressure should be around | ||
- | Go into vacuum | + | 2.2 Filling NIRO with LN2\\ |
+ | Fill both chambers on the NIRO camera. Use the gloves and glasses provided on the shelf with the funnels and the thermos. It will normally take 1 liter of LN2 in the outer chamber and 1/2 liter in the inner chamber. Fill it until the LN2 bubbles out of the top. This camera is normally kept cool all the time, exceptions will be noted.\\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | Record that you filled the camera in the log book, noting time and camera filled. The typical notation for NIRO is to write FF in the NIRO column to show both chambers were filled. Note that there is a morning and evening filling so follow the pattern. Note also the vacuum | ||
- | * flip on power switch for pump (wait for blower | + | 2.3 Alignment of the light path to the telescopes\\ |
- | | + | Go into the lab. The green alignment laser on the light source table is used. To open necessary guis, use laptops or the tablet inside lab. The tablet or laptops are located on the table next to the MIRCX/ |
- | * plug in fan cords to wall outlet to keep pumps cool | + | \\ |
- | * Note oil temperature when you start up. Oil temps below 20º C make for a labored start. Inform Larry if the oil temp is low and the heater did not run to bring the temp up before starting. | + | 2.3.1 In the lab (Beam Combination area) Turn on power switch for alignment laser, |
- | \\ Go into building, | + | 2.3.2 Laser alignment to east table. (New automated hardware installed in 2022) |
- | * check pressures | + | Check the laser spots on the E table target at North wall of Beam Switching area. Use the laptop that resides |
- | The final pressure should | + | Note that with the new automated alignment setup installed, the beams to the right of the beams selected will also be illuminated. For instance, B2 is illuminated by B1 if both shutters are open and both Beam Samplers are moved away. Close B1 shutter |
+ | If the telescopes were used on the same beam on the previous | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | 2.3.3 Lab dichroic alignments with labao | ||
- | === 2.2 Filling IR cameras | + | NOTE: As of 2017 Jul 05, please align the dichroics following the instructions in {{: |
- | \\ Fill both chambers on the NIRO camera. Use the gloves and glasses provided on the shelf with the funnels and the thermos. It will normally take 1 liter of LN2 in the outer chamber and 1/2 liter in the inner chamber. Fill it until the LN2 bubbles out of the top. This camera is normally kept cool all the time, exceptions will be noted. \\ \\ Fill the other dewars ONLY if you were specifically asked to do so. Other IR cameras: JouFLU and Cali (the blue dewar on the JouFLU table). \\ \\ Record that you filled the cameras in the log book, noting time and cameras filled. If you do not observe due to weather, fire or closure, make sure someone on the mountain will fill it for you. | + | \\ |
+ | 2.3.4 Checking | ||
- | === 2.3 Alignment | + | Put the rail target onto delay lines (toward back of the room from home sensor) Make sure carts are at back of the rails. Check spot on back side of target. If alignment is bad at the back, follow instructions for BRT adjustments. (Printed sheet on metrology table) Remove rail target and return it to the spare table when done. |
- | \\ Go into the lab. The green alignment laser on the light source | + | 2.3.5 Labao wfs camera covers and labao shutters\\ |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | Put the Covers on gently when doing the following alignment steps in the lab: IR mirror check to SILMARIL, CLASSIC/ | ||
- | * Turn on power switch for alignment laser, | + | Take covers off after you remove the corner cubes from their bases.\\ |
- | * Above the tiptilt camera, turn on the Pico 3 controller. | + | \\ |
+ | The labao cameras (just like the tiptilt camera) are safe during pop changes as long as you do not open any labao shutters. You will notice increased counts | ||
- | | + | 2.3.6 Alignment of the IR light toward beam combiners |
- | * on Laser Filter gui, select ND 0.0 | + | The IR mirrors |
- | * make sure VEGA periscope is UP | + | \\ |
- | * open LASER shutter | + | For CLIMB 1, CLIMB 2 or CLASSIC, the removable 6-beam target should be placed in the clamps on the CLIMB table. This also applies |
- | * using the VISBEAMS gui, move the laser to the first beam pair you will check, ie. Beams 1&2 | + | \\ |
- | * using the Beam Samplers gui, move beam samplers off of the beams you will align. | + | For MIRCX, the same target should be placed in the clamps on the MIRCX table. Place the target |
- | * check each spot that is going to be used on each pair (for ex. 1&2, 2&3, 3&4, etc.) | + | |
- | * use Pico3 gui to center laser dots on cross hairs. Be mindful of which pair was selected with VISBEAMS. (1&2-2 and 2&3-2 appear | + | |
- | * use the Beam Samplers | + | |
- | * Note that when multiple | + | |
- | \\ If the telescopes were used on the same beam on the previous night, the next steps may be very close and not need much if any adjustment. \\ | + | \\ |
+ | 2.3.6 M10 Alignment if there is no pop change | ||
- | * Send the beam sampler for each telescope to the requested beam according to the configuration for the night. | + | If there is a pop change, these steps will be performed |
- | * Move VISBEAMS to have laser light in the beam to be checked. | + | |
- | * At each telescope | + | |
- | * If the laser spot does not have clear diffraction rings or center, then use Iris gui to change the diffraction pattern. | + | |
- | * Select the telescope’s dichroic (example: W1DICHR ) on Pico 1 controller. Use a tablet or use hand paddle on appropriate channel (channel table posted above Pico1 box at the side of W1 table) to align laser onto target. | + | |
- | \\ 2.3.4 Check the spot on the rail target | + | Go to a computer anywhere to check the beam remotely at the telescopes. Check Vacuum Monitor that the vacuum is below 20 torr. Open telescope gui from pull down menu. Click TV [ON] to open the camera window and click [M10AL] on the control tab to change view to the M10 alignment view, click [M7 open] to open the M7 mirror cover. Open the laser shutter, put the laser filter to OPEN or ND 0.3, and center the bright |
- | * Put the rail target onto delay lines (toward back of the room from home sensor) | + | \\ |
- | * make sure carts are at back of the room | + | 2.4 Final steps in the lab |
- | * check spot on back side of target | + | |
- | * if alignment is bad at the back, follow instructions for BRT adjustments. (Printed sheet on metrology table. ) | + | |
- | \\ 2.3.5 The periscope covers are not used anymore | + | If using CLASSIC or CLIMB, turn on the black box above the NIRO computer, and then turn on the silver box below it on the same cart. Remove cover on camera. Note which filter is reported on the filter wheel. The NIRO CPU has clock troubles |
- | * look at Vacuum Monitor, check that the vacuum | + | If using MIRCX/ |
- | * open telescope gui from pull down menu | + | |
- | * click TV [ON] to open the camera window | + | |
- | * click [M10AL] | + | |
- | * you want to center bright spot in beam on the black reference spot | + | |
- | * may need to adjust the IRIS to see the bright spot well. [BEAM] cycles the iris from open to closed and gives a good idea of where the center of the spot is. | + | |
- | * to adjust the position, use Pico 2 to select, for example, E2M10 → [MOVE] (use large steps ~ 100) | + | |
- | * Note that the up, down, left, and right buttons do no correspond to the actual directions the spot will move | + | |
- | * when the spot is centered, click [M7 close] to close the mirror cover | + | |
- | * click TV [OFF] to close the window | + | |
- | \\ 2.3.7 Labao wfs camera covers and labao shutters \\ The labao camera covers should be kept off, but put the covers | + | On the Metrology table inside the lab, turn on two blue amplifiers for metrology laser (on button is labeled " |
- | * IR mirror check to CLIMB or MIRC with alignment laser | + | Make sure all lights are turned off in the ople room and the lab when leaving the inner lab. |
- | * beam combiner alignments with white light source | + | |
- | * tiptilt Zabers alignment with alignment laser | + | |
- | **Covers off** after you removed the corner cubes from their bases. \\ \\ The labao cameras (just like the tiptilt camera) | + | Be sure to inform the MIRCX/ |
- | === 2.4 Alignment of the IR light toward beam combiners === | + | 2.5 Starting up the new OPLE system and Metrology (Added 08/10/21 - Chris) |
- | \\ The IR mirrors on the beam samplers can be adjusted using Pico 2 controller | + | Go out to the computer area, turn the metrology laser on. |
- | * Place the target to the appropriate table, making sure it seats firmly in the clamps. | + | Check sockman for old OPLE" |
- | * Place the small corner cubes (labeled) on their bases at the BRTs. Make sure they seat firmly | + | |
- | * Open IR shutters, send laser light using VISBEAMS gui to the position you want to check. | + | |
- | * Use a tablet to bring up Pico 2 gui. Click on icon or in xterm type: xpico2 | + | |
- | * Select the appropriate IR mirror for the beam you are about to adjust. For ex: S1IR. The Beam Sampler gui tells you which telescope is in the beam you are aligning. | + | |
- | * When done for all telescope to be used, remove target and place it above the CLASSIC/ | + | |
- | === 2.5 Starting up OPLE and Metrology === | + | You can start the new ople gui from the menu system, called OPLESystem or with the following command |
- | \\ Go to OPLE racks | + | ssh -Y ople / |
- | * turn on OPLE Power on top unit (top of left most rack) This is the VME. | + | The gui that appears does much of the start up sequence remotely and does not fully start everything yet. This will eventually only require fewer steps to complete. |
- | * then turn on power for surge protector (bottom of left most rack) | + | |
- | * turn on power for amplifiers for cart movement and cable pullers and once the central red light on the VME rack goes out, turn on the Burleigh amplifiers for telescopes that will be used. | + | |
- | \\ On computer outside lab, bring up Primary Ople Server | + | {{https:// |
- | * Once the server comes up, type in " | + | When the laser is on, the circle marked Laser will be green and the wattage listed will be close to 80mw (instead of 20mW when off) |
- | \\ Go inside lab to check carts | + | All the circle indicators start out grey. |
- | * from pull-down menu, under GTK, open Primary OPLE GUI | + | After a 1 minute warmup of the laser, press the Metro button which will power up the Metrology cage, the laser repeater and the oscilloscope. When button indicator |
- | * click on [STATUS] | + | |
- | * click on [CONTROL] | + | |
- | * on the OPLE Control, click on [FRONT] - listen - [OFF] (can hit all in succession, then hit [ALL OFF]) If there is any squeaking noise (low hum ok), stop carts. | + | |
- | Possible fix: to shut off and turn back on OPLE racks, restart OPLE server \\ Check delay line wires on carts, sure nothing is on tracks \\ \\ On the Metrology table inside | + | Press the [start] button near the bottom. This will start up the computers, and the first stage of hardware and takes about 90 seconds to complete. The grey buttons will turn yellow with a blue icon when the computers have started up, but not loaded the drivers yet. They will then turn solid yellow when they are ready for the next step and have loaded all the drivers. (Note: E1 has often failed |
- | * Turn on two blue amplifiers for metrology laser (on button | + | Once all 6 are solid yellow, right click on each yellow dot, and select start. This loads the control software and will turn the button |
- | * Turn the key to ON on the laser power box to put metrology laser on standby | + | |
- | === 2.6 Final steps in the lab === | + | \\ |
+ | **Chapter 3: ** | ||
+ | === Setting up Computer | ||
- | * If using CLASSIC or CLIMB, turn on the black box above the NIRO computer, and then turn on the silver box below it on the same cart. | + | Updated Feb 2023 by Norm |
- | * After lab is completely setup, you need to take off tiptilt cover, but do so with only the dim lights on and the laser shutter closed >> you don't want to blast CCD with light. | + | |
- | \\ [[: | + | 3.1 General Overview of Control Room computer setup |
- | **Chapter 3: ** (edited 2012Aug29 by Gail and Chris) | + | There are six computer screens which are now horizontally arrayed. Window layouts can be saved and reloaded to suit each operator. Use the third icon from the left in the toolbar (Operator Layout) to open a window to save or load a layout. After a restart on zoot, the necessary windows to observe can be brought up using the fourth icon from the left in the toolbar (Observation Setup). |
- | ==== Setting up Computer in the Control Room ==== | + | 3.2 Setting up for observing |
- | === 3.1 General Overview of Computer Setup === | + | The first thing to start is the Ople server so you can let the MIRCX and MYSTIC observers know it is running. Some will start the STS data recording before Ople is started, but others may want it running. |
- | * There are six computer | + | The following windows should be opened on computer |
- | \\ {{:chara: | + | Turn on the following from the POWER GUI: To change the setting on the power GUI, unclick LOCK, make change, re-click LOCK. If observing with CLASSIC or CLIMB2, turn on [NIRO CPU] and [CLS-DITH] on RACK_2. If observing with CLIMB1, turn on [NIRO CPU] on RACK_2 and [CLM-DITH] on RACK_3. For each telescope, turn on [TIP/TILT]. |
- | * Things should be arranged as follows: | + | 3.3 Servers required for observing |
- | * Screen 1: Dome server guis, icons for most servers and guis | + | |
- | * Screen 2: Weather graph showing RH, winds, or temperatures and any overflow guis | + | |
- | * Screen | + | |
- | * Screen 4: Cosmic Debris, Power, Enclosures, and weather guis | + | |
- | * Screen 5: Telescope guis, tiptilt gui | + | |
- | * Screen 6: OPLE, Classic/ | + | |
- | === 3.2 After aligning | + | Servers can be opened from the pop up menu at bottom of screen 1, using the black platter icon or using the Observation Setup icon which opens them all automatically. The GPS, METROL and VACMON servers should always stay on and remain on screen 1. Close and re-open all Telescope servers after UT 0h, (because of tiptilt connection issues) in screen 2. Open Primary OPLE server, Open Classic, Climb1, or Climb2 if needed, Open Tiptilt Server if needed, open Labao servers as needed, Open Metrology Monitor (METROL) gui, (upper right of screen 1), this gui usually remains open. Open Metrology Laser (METLAS) gui, (upper right of screen 1), this gui usually remains open. |
- | * To change the setting on the power GUI, unclick LOCK, make change, re-click LOCK | + | 3.4 Open Telescope guis, or obsgtks from menu |
- | * Under Rack_2, turn on [METSCOPE] (button will turn green when ON) | + | |
- | * If observing with CLASSIC, turn on [NIRO CPU] and [CLS-DITH] on Rack_2 | + | |
- | * If observing with CLIMB, turn on [NIRO CPU] on Rack_2 and [CLM-DITH] on Rack_3 | + | |
- | * Under LABPOW, turn on [T/T COMMS] This has been replaced by the Tiptilt Socket as of Fall 2014. If the socket fails, the serial comms can be used to establish the connection to tiptilt. | + | |
- | * For each telescope being used, turn on [TIP/TILT]. [COMMS] has been replaced by Tiptilt Socket as well. | + | |
- | === 3.3 Open servers | + | 3.5 Open GUIs required for observing |
- | * Open servers from the pop up menu at bottom of screen 5, using the black platter icon. | + | 3.6 Metrology |
- | * The GPS server should always stay on and remain on screen 3 | + | |
- | * The METROL Server also stays on in screen 3 | + | |
- | * Close and re-open all Telescope servers after UT 0h in screen 3 (because of tiptilt connection issues) | + | |
- | * Open Primary OPLE Server (Move to upper left of screen | + | |
- | * Open Classic, Climb1, or Climb2 if needed (Move to middle left of screen 6) | + | |
- | * Open Tiptilt Server (Move to lower left of screen 6) | + | |
- | * Open Metrology | + | |
- | * Open Metrology Laser (METLAS) gui, (upper right of screen 3), this gui usually remains open. | + | |
- | === 3.4 Open Telescope GUIs from the menu === | + | <font 14px/ |
- | + | \\ | |
- | * Open needed Telescope guis, put on screen 5. All 6 scope guis can fit on one screen, but the TV windows | + | <font 14px/ |
- | * On the main tab for each telescope gui, click [ON] under Television | + | |
- | === 3.5 Open GUIs required | + | <font 14px/ |
- | * Open Primary OPLE gui (move to right side of OPLE server) | + | If using the CHAPMtoMet feature, once the OPLE server |
- | * Open Classic, Climb1, or Climb2 gui if needed (put on right side of server) | + | |
- | * Open LDC1 and LDC2 if VEGA or PAVO programs are observing | + | |
- | * Open Tiptilt GUI | + | |
- | * This will bring up Tiptilt GUI and Tiptilt viewing screens for all telescopes | + | |
- | * Move viewing screens near telescope TV screens | + | |
- | === 3.6 Using the Cosmic Debris job sequencer | + | 3.7 Setting up the Cosmic Debris job sequencer |
- | | + | Open Cosmic Debris, CD for short, from the desktop icon. On the CONFIGURE tab, check to make sure the PoPs and telescope beam assignments agree with the white board or the setup email. If the POPs are wrong on CD, then open the " |
+ | Set the instrument and settings on Cosmic Debris. On the CONTROL tab on Cosmic Debris, select the beam combiner or combiners to be used. If using CLIMB or CLASSIC, also select the filter (H,K') and beams (1/2, 2/3, 3/1). | ||
- | * On the CONFIGURE tab, check to make sure the PoPs and telescope beam assignments agree with the white board | + | 3.8 Synchronizing |
- | * If the POPs are wrong on CD, then open the " | + | |
- | * Click on the [Overview] button on the PoPs GUI | + | |
- | * If nonsense comes up in the overview, then click [FLUSH] and then [REOPEN] on the PoPs GUI | + | |
- | * Then click [UPDATE] on the PoPs Overview | + | |
- | * If the PoPs Overview is now correct, then click the [GET] button on the CD Control Tab, this should update the PoPs | + | |
- | * If the beams are not assigned correctly, move the beams accordingly to the proper telescope using the BeamSampler GUI and click [GET] on CD to update | + | |
- | * Select the active telescopes on the tab labeled " | + | |
- | * Choose a suitable reference cart, using the same one from the night before to make fringe finding easier. | + | |
- | * After everything is set correctly, then click [SEND] on Cosmic Debris to send the active scope information to Ople | + | |
- | \\ Set the instrument | + | Synchronizing |
- | * On the " | + | 3.9. Beacon Alignments |
- | * If using CLIMB or CLASSIC, also select the filter and beam | + | |
- | \\ Establish connection between tiptilt | + | The beacons wil<font 14px/ |
- | * On the Control Tab on Cosmic Debris, click on [TIPTILT COMM] | + | In the WFS tab of the telescope |
- | * Click [START JOB QUEUE] on CD to continue the Tiptilt Communication sequence | + | |
- | * After several seconds, | + | |
- | * If the connection is not established the first time, try again until CD shows rates for each telescope used. If a telescope server will not display a TT signal rate, you may need to shut it down and restart it. | + | |
- | \\ Finish setting up tiptilt GUIs | + | The blue beacon is no longer an LED and has been replaced by a tunable laser. |
- | * Click re-open on the Tiptilt | + | Start the control |
- | * Click on the [SERVO CONTROL] tab on the tiptilt GUI to bring up a second window and move to screen 5 with the telescope guis. | + | |
- | * The Servo Control GUI allows you to turn ON the servo for the TT loop and make biases for individual beams (DBIAS and ZBIAS) | + | |
- | === 3.7 Turn on metrology laser and home the carts === | + | In the WFS GUI or obsgtk, turn the cooler |
- | \\ Turning | + | **NOTE:** There are now two sets of boxes on the TWFS. The blue boxes are for locking on starlight and are the default reference position. The green boxes can be offset from these to correct for the misalignment between the beacon and the IR starlight. At the beginning of the night, the red beacon must be aligned to the blue starlight boxes with the telescope at stow (see [[: |
- | * Make sure that no one is in the lab. | + | Turn on the ACQ camera in the obsgtk. |
- | * Turn the Laser on using the metrology laser GUI. The [Laser Power] button will go from red to green. | + | |
- | * On the Metrology Monitor GUI, click [INITIALIZE] to initialize | + | |
- | * Select REFALL and the UNK signal for each cart being used. Hit " | + | |
- | * Click [CLEAR] on the metrology monitor to turn the unknown signals from red to white | + | |
- | * The signals | + | |
- | * To close the metrology signal windows, click on [RUN MULTIPLE] again | + | |
- | \\ Home each of the active carts | + | Turn labao camera [ON] and [START] the display. Make a dark with the [MKDRK] button in the LABAO section |
- | * The carts must be homed before observing or else fringes will not be found. Do not forget this step or endless frustration will follow. | + | If the spots do not show at all in the labao, the scope dichroic is likely out of alignment. Turn on the lab laser and set it to ND 4.0. Look for additional spots in the ACQ window |
- | * At the start of the night the carts will usually be at the back of the rails with the back switch (BS) column marked with an " | + | |
- | * On the " | + | |
- | * If the carts do not appear to be moving after clicking " | + | |
- | * After the carts finish homing, the ople server will say " | + | |
- | * To check that the carts have homed properly, click [TRACK] on the Control Tab of the OPLE GUI | + | |
- | * The cart will track to home switch at the target position of " | + | |
- | * Make sure the " | + | |
- | * Also make sure that the errors between | + | |
- | * If the errors jump when the cart is tracking | + | |
- | * After checking to make sure the carts track properly, turn the carts [OFF] | + | |
- | === 3.8 Synchronizing | + | Note the focus term on both the TWFS and LABAO GUIs or obsgtks. The next steps will minimize both focus terms. Start with the (BEACON FOC) button on the ALIGN tab of the LABAO GUI or [FOCUS] in LABAO: section on obsgtk, wait until the procedure finishes. Then use the (FOCUS WFS) button on the ALIGN tab of the TWFS GUI or [FOCUS] in middle section on the obsgtk and wait for completion. Note that focusing the beacons does not work when the spots are not reasonably centered. Always get the spots well into the boxes first before focusing. Sometimes it helps to repeat the scope dichroic alignment and focus as each needs the other to be close to align well and large changes in the labao focus can put the TWFS out of alignment also. As the scopes are cooling, these alignments will drift and will need to be done before slewing to the first target. |
- | * Synchronizing the clocks is very important for positional calculations of the telescopes and ople carts. | + | See the instruments page for information about starting different instruments at the beginning of the night:\\ |
- | * All clocks are synchronized with the [SYNC CLOCKS] button on Cosmic Debris. Push the button, and after 17 seconds, a series of messages will display on CD to indicate that the various systems and servers are sync' | + | [[: |
- | + | \\ | |
- | === 3.9 The following windows should be opened on computer screen 3 (these are usually kept open all the time): === | + | [[: |
- | + | \\ | |
- | * Telescope monitor | + | \\ |
- | * Beam Samplers and PoPs | + | |
- | * Visbeams, Shutters and Laser Filter Wheel | + | |
- | * VEGA Periscope | + | |
- | * Iris | + | |
- | * Metrology Laser and Metrology Monitor | + | |
- | * Pico 2 | + | |
- | + | ||
- | === 3.10 See the instruments page for information about starting different instruments at the beginning of the night: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | \\ [[: | + | |
- | \\ | + | |
- | [[: | + | |
- | \\ | + | |
- | \\ | + | |
**Chapter 4: ** | **Chapter 4: ** | ||
+ | === Observing Conditions === | ||
- | ==== Observing Conditions | + | \\ |
+ | 4.1 Observing Conditions | ||
- | | + | In opening the CHARA Array, conditions should be, for the most part, ideal. It is best if the sky is 60% to 70% clear and conditions stable before commencing. Delicate optics and electronics make up the majority of the Array and it’s better to err on the side of caution. In preparation for observing, the Mount Wilson weather server and web-based weather pages should be consulted. The telescopes can now be closed in about 5 minutes from the control room. With this in mind, don’t open up the telescopes to observe if conditions can change for the worse rapidly enough that you don’t get 10 minutes or more to close down safely. Weather stations now exist at each bunker and there is a control system software application to display the current conditions. One can also use the white Radio Shack thermometer/hygrometer outside of the control room. With the Array becoming more fancily automated and weather monitoring technology becoming more robust (weather servers, satellite images, web cams, etc.), almost all weather monitoring can be done seemingly without ever leaving the cozy control room. Unfortunately this is not a good policy and nothing beats going outside for a gander and giving the sky a good old fashioned assessment. Obviously weather variations do exist from telescope to telescope, as much as 20% in RH at times. Most of the time this just means something is blowing through and opening is not a good idea. These circumstances need to be dealt with cautiously depending on the given weather conditions. Allowing extra time to close is advised in case of any problems. If any questions or doubts arise contact one of the CHARA staff. |
- | === 4.1 Observing Conditions Intro === | + | 4.2 Humidity |
- | | + | Only open the telescopes if the humidity is steady or dropping, at 75% or below. If the roofs outside the control room are ever dripping, then the telescopes should not be opened or should be closed immediately. If when starting out, the RH is above 80%, do not open unless |
- | === 4.2 Humidity === | + | 4.3 Dust |
- | | + | Gauging |
- | === 4.3 Dust === | + | 4.4 Wind |
- | | + | Wind has the effect of degrading the seeing as well as kicking up dust. The wind effects are amplified in the tunnel between the OPLE building and the office building, so look for other places to gauge the wind conditions. The intersection |
- | === 4.4 Wind === | + | 4.5 Snow and cold weather |
- | | + | Because |
- | === 4.5 Snow === | + | Cold temperatures around freezing also can be problematic. Several components are not rated to operate at freezing temps. Do not open unless it is above freezing and keep an eye on the temps if they are still dropping. Otherwise, you are free to observe (assuming the humidity, dust, and wind conditions allow it). Here are limits for observing close to 0ºC. |
- | \\ Because of the nature of the snow that falls on Mount Wilson, it is usually not a problem. If snow/wind conditions are such that drifting occurs, don’t open up. If there is still any snow stuck to the telescope dome itself, don’t open up. If there is snow still on the trees and branches procede with caution and make a visual assessment. Otherwise, you are free to observe (assuming the humidity, dust, and wind conditions allow it). | + | Temp_warning: |
- | === 4.6 Essential Observing Links === | + | Hard_limit: T_tel <= 0C or T_outside <= -5C |
- | * 150-Foot Solar Tower Current TowerCam Image ([[http:// | + | 4.6 Essential Observing Links |
- | * Caltech Millikan Library Camera ([[http:// | + | |
- | * National Weather Service ([[http:// | + | |
- | * CHARA telescopes spy cams and weather graph ([[http:// | + | |
- | * Mount Wilson HP Wren Cameras ([[http:// | + | |
- | * Aerospace Corporation weather station ([[http:// | + | |
- | * Jet stream forecast ([[http:// | + | |
- | * IR satellite loop ([[http:// | + | |
- | * California Regional Weather Server ([[http:// | + | |
- | * Clear Sky Clock ([[http:// | + | |
- | | + | Mount Wilson HP Wren Cameras ([[http:// |
- | \\ | + | |
- | {{:chara: | + | |
- | \\ | + | |
- | \\ | + | |
- | **Chapter 5:** | + | |
- | ==== Going on Sky ==== | + | National Weather Service ([[http:// |
- | === 5.1 Opening the Telescope Domes and enclosures === | + | Mount Wilson Ambient station [[https:// |
- | | + | Jet stream forecast [[https:// |
- | * Monitor the progress of opening the domes by turning the televisions | + | IR satellite loop [[https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/ |
- | * Use the Dome GUI for each telescope to rotate the domes to the east. This will position the dome slit away from the sun so that you can open the slit before sunset. | + | |
- | * Go to the Dome Tab on the Dome GUI. In the text box on the right, enter 90 and press [GOTO]. This will move the dome slit to the east. | + | |
- | * When the domes are facing east (and all lab alignments are finished), click [SLIT OPEN] on the Control Tab of the telescope GUI to open the dome slit. | + | |
- | * On the enclosure GUI, click the [OBSERVE] button to open the lower cylinders to the observe position. | + | |
- | * Wait for the slit and enclosures to open and then wait for the sun to go down. | + | |
- | === 5.2 Opening telescope optics === | + | Clear Sky Clock ([[http:// |
- | \\ \\ When the sun has set and before it is dark enough to slew to your first target, you can begin opening the telescope optics. Open the telescope optics one by one using the Control Tab on the Telescope GUIs: | + | \\ |
+ | [[: | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | **Chapter 5:** | ||
+ | === Going on Sky === | ||
- | * [M1 OPEN] - opens the primary mirror cover (takes ~ 3 minutes to open) | + | 5.1 Opening |
- | * [M3 OPEN] | + | \\ |
- | * [M5 OPEN] | + | You can begin opening |
- | * [M7 OPEN] | + | |
- | * [FIND OPEN] Note that the W2 and E1? finder covers require | + | |
- | * Monitor progress by using [SPY2] camera on the telescope | + | |
- | * Wait for all covers | + | |
- | === 5.3 Check the OPLE carts === | + | Opening the M5 mirror cover also helps to cool the AO box by allowing the warm air to rise out of the box and cooler air to flow in from below the telescope. It can be opened early while doing the alignments in the lab. |
- | | + | [NOT YET OPERATIONAL] On the enclosure GUI, click the [OBSERVE] button |
- | * With all [MAN] and [OL] buttons green on the OPLE Control Tab, click [TRACK] | + | 5.2 Opening telescope optics\\ |
- | * Make sure that the " | + | \\ |
- | * After the carts successfully track on the home switch, turn the carts [OFF]. | + | About 20 minutes after the sun has set, it is dark enough |
- | * Click the open loop [OL] button | + | |
- | === 5.4 Turn on the telescope power === | + | 5.3 Check the OPLE carts\\ |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | The OPLE carts were homed in the setup procedure. However, it is always a good idea to check to make sure the carts are tracking correctly before slewing to the first target. With all [MAN] and [OL] buttons green on the OPLE Control Tab, click [TRACK] to send the carts tracking to 0.0 (home). Make sure that the " | ||
- | \\ \\ Make sure the telescopes being used are in their stow positions. For each telescope, the elevation should be at or near 90 degrees and [SPY1] should show the end ring of the telescope framing the top of the open dome. The azimuth positions for each telescope should be: | + | 5.4 Turn on the telescope power\\ |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | Make sure the telescopes being used are in their stow positions. For each telescope, the elevation should be at or near 90 degrees and [SPY1] should show the end ring of the telescope framing the top of the open dome. The azimuth positions for each telescope should be: S1, S2 82.0 - E1, E2 55.9 - W1, W2 99.3. Make sure there are no demand positions that are different from stow positions or the scopes may beging moving without being commanded. Hit STOW if any\\ | ||
+ | On the Power GUI, turn on the [Tel AZ] and [Tel EL] power for each of the active scopes (green means ON).\\ | ||
+ | The new for 2016 stall detection function usually has each scope disabled each evening. They will need to be enabled before checking the dome servers or slewing. Make sure that the telescopes do not move away from their stow positions when enabling the scopes. If they begin moving, then click [STOW] on the Telescope Control Tab or dome gui and make sure that they arrive at the correct stow position. Check for problems with the dome servers by watching each telescope move to the precise stow position, ie. 89.990º and moving to 90.000º. If it stays off the precise stow position, the dome sever may need restarting. Click [REOPEN] on the dome gui if the clock is not the same as the CHARA time. | ||
- | * S1 82.0 | + | 5.5 Slewing to a Target Using Cosmic Debris\\ |
- | * S2 82.0 | + | \\ |
- | * E1 55.9 | + | It is typically dark enough to lock on your first star roughly 25 minutes after sunset or the time of twilight reported by Cosmic Debris. Here are instructions for slewing to a target and initializing the telescopes on a bright star at the start of the night: You may want to find a bright star near your first target to check the pointing of the telescopes and to do sky flats for the telescope DM's if needed. The [FIND STAR] button on the MAIN tab of the obsgtk is useful in finding a suitable, bright star. It will report the star name, mag, and ALT and AZ in the text window at the bottom of the gui. There is also a printed list of bright stars in order of RA in the binder on the left side of the control room desk. If your first target is bright, then you may slew to it first. |
- | * E2 55.9 | + | |
- | * W1 99.3 | + | |
- | * W2 99.3 | + | |
- | \\ On the Power GUI, turn on the [Tel AZ] and [Tel EL] power for each of the active scopes (green means ON). \\ The new for 2016 stall detection function usually has each scope disabled each evening. They will need to be enabled before checking | + | Enter the HD number |
- | === 5.5 Slewing | + | Slew to your first star by clicking [OBJECT], [CHECK STAR], [CALIBRATOR 1], or [CALIBRATOR 2] on Cosmic Debris |
- | | + | Make sure all carts are tracking |
- | * You may want to find a bright star near your first target to check the pointing of the telescopes. The [FIND STAR] button on the Telescope Control Tab can be useful in finding a suitable, bright star. There is also a printed list of bright stars in order of RA in the binder on the left side of the control room desk. If your first target is bright, then you may slew to it first. | + | When the telescope slew finishes, check the SPY 1 to make sure that the domes are aligned with the telescope |
- | * Enter the HD number of the star into Cosmic Debris using the Object or Calibrator Tabs. Click the [HD] button to register the entry. (Alternatively, | + | |
- | * Check to make sure that EL/AZ reported by Cosmic Debris are correct and safe for pointing (never point below 15-20 degrees elevation). It is recommended to initialize the telescopes on a target between 40-70 degrees elevation. | + | |
- | * Hit the WHEN button for your first star to see a plot of cart positions and when it is in delay. Enter the ideal reference cart position into the REF text window on the Cosmic Debris Control Tab. Click the [REF] button to send the reference cart position to OPLE. | + | |
- | * Slew to the target by clicking [OBJECT], [CHECK STAR], [CALIBRATOR 1], or [CALIBRATOR 2] on Cosmic Debris (depending on which field you entered the target information). Note that these buttons will slew the telescopes AND send the carts to their positions. | + | |
- | * Verify that the telescopes are moving by checking the azimuth and elevation status in the telescope servers (the left set of numbers show the commanded EL/AZ of the target while the right set of numbers show the current location of the telescope). Also view " | + | |
- | * The update in the OPLE server will take about 20 seconds for all the carts to get the new metrology calculation. Make sure all carts are tracking to values between 0 and 44m. You might have to click [TRACK] for the reference cart on the OPLE Control Tab. The [OL] buttons should be depressed gray for ALL active scopes (including the reference cart). The [MAN] buttons should be depressed gray for the moving carts to allow the beam combiners to send manual offsets to the carts. (The [MAN] button for the reference cart should be green.) | + | |
- | * When the telescope slew finishes, check the SPY 1 to make sure that the domes are aligned with the telescope. | + | |
- | * In the ACQ window, hit [MOVE] under the TV tracking menu on the Main Tab of the Telescope GUI and then click the left star to bring the star to the cross-hairs. If the star is not in the ACQ window, go to the FIND window and do the same, then return to the ACQ window and repeat. | + | |
- | \\ Locking Tiptilt | + | **NOTE:** We are in the process of implementing a new alignment sequence to correct for offsets between the beacon and the IR starlight. Please follow the steps in the [[: |
- | * With the star aligned with the acquisition ticks, check to make sure there are counts on the TipTilt server or the white plots in the TT windows have condensed. | + | 5.6 Locking |
- | * On the Main Tab of the Telescope GUI, click [TIP/TILT] under the Pointing Servo menu. If this button is not pressed, then the green dots on the tiptilt windows will drift and eventually drop TT lock. The [STAR ACQUIRED] button on Cosmic Debris also locks Tiptilt | + | |
- | * On the Tiptilt Servo Control GUI, turn tiptilt [ON] for that telescope. The [TT ON] button on Cosmic Debris also performs this function for all active scopes. | + | |
- | * Put the TV screens back to [FIND] if you like or leave them in ACQ | + | |
- | \\ Acquisition Laser Alignment | + | See [[: |
- | * Set VISBEAMS to correct beams. | + | Before locking |
- | * Put the Neutral Density Filter on ND 3.0 using the Laser_Filters GUI. | + | |
- | * Put the corner cube in with the [CCIN] button on the Control tab on the telescope gui. It will take about 10 seconds | + | |
- | * Using the SHUTTERS GUI, open the laser shutter and the corresponding B1-B6 shutters. | + | |
- | * You will see at least two stars and two laser spots in the ACQ window. There is a reflection, hence two images of each. The desired spots are the left ones. | + | |
- | * Use the " | + | |
- | * Close the laser shutter and the B1-B6 shutters. | + | |
- | * Move the corner cube out with the [CCOUT] button on the Main tab or Control tab on the telescope gui. It will take about 10 seconds to move out of the the beam. | + | |
- | * Hit [MOVE] under the TV tracking menu on the Main Tab of the Telescope GUI and then click the left star to bring the star to the cross-hairs. If it doesn' | + | |
- | * Lock Tiptilt | + | |
- | * Maintain | + | |
- | | + | To lock the star, hit [MOVE] on the Main Tab of the Telescope GUI and then click the right star to bring the star to the ACQ hole. Turn on the TWFS tiptilt and DM servo on scopes that have it. Make sure the twfs tiptilt spots window show green dots that show the servo is tracking. Turn on the labao servo and DM AUTO on all scopes. All values should move to zero or near zero when the servos are on. |
- | * The Job Queue ends with slewing to the star. The star is acquired manually. | + | <font inherit/ |
- | * Click [Star Acquired] on the Control Tab on Cosmic Debris to update the target information listed at the top of the Cosmic Debris window. This also turns on all the telescope TT servos, the same function as the TIPTILT button on each telescope gui. | + | |
- | * Initialize the pointing of the telescopes on your first target by going to the Control Tab of the Telescope GUI and clicking [INIT]. Make sure you are on the correct star before initing the scopes or you will have problems. This may have to be repeated if the pointing drifts during the night. This will allow more consistent and accurate pointing for this part of the sky. | + | |
- | * You can now point to your first science target, calibrator, alignment star or fringe finder and begin the alignment sequence for the beam combiner and then start searching for fringes. | + | |
- | === 5.6 Automatic Acquisition Sequence, removed 9-'17 === | + | <font inherit/ |
- | * The slew sequence will slew the telescopes, start ATROLIB, and send the moving carts to the proper positions. The star acquisition sequence | + | <font inherit/ |
- | | + | 5.7 Locking Lab Tiptilt (only used in special cases) |
- | \\ | + | |
- | **Chapter 6:** | + | |
- | ==== Procedure for Shutting Down at the End of the Night ==== | + | See [[: |
- | === 6.1 End Night Sequence Introduction === | + | With the star aligned with the acquisition ticks, check to make sure there are counts on the TipTilt server or the white plots in the TT windows have condensed. On the Main Tab of the Telescope GUI, click [TIP/TILT] under the Pointing Servo menu. If this button is not pressed, then the green dots on the tiptilt windows will drift and eventually drop TT lock. The [STAR ACQUIRED] button on Cosmic Debris also starts the Tiptilt servo for all active scopes with one push of a button. On the Tiptilt Servo Control GUI, turn tiptilt [ON] for each telescope or use the [TT ON] button on Cosmic Debris to perform this function for all active scopes. |
- | | + | Offloading DM Tilt to M7 |
- | === 6.2 Start the end night sequence on Cosmic Debris === | + | Old method: DMTILT is gray (reconstructor ignores tilt). M7AUTO will adjust M7 to keep blue beacon centroids aligned to labAO WFS. |
- | * Clear the job queue on Cosmic Debris. | + | New method: DMTILT is green (use tilt when computing reconstructor). DMAUTO |
- | * Press the [END NIGHT] button on Cosmic Debris. This will close all the shutters, stow the active telescopes, close the telescope mirror covers, send the OPLE carts to the back switch, close the OPLE socket, | + | |
- | * NOTE: The End Night Sequence will NOT close the dome slits so these will have to be closed manually after all of the telescope mirror covers are closed. It will also not send inactive carts back. Update the configuration with any inactive scopes to make sure those carts can be sent back manually as well. | + | |
- | * The Cosmic Debris status window will indicate when the end night sequence is complete. You can close Cosmic Debris after you have sent out the Observing Report. | + | Acquisition Laser Alignment if the star does not lock in Tiptilt |
- | * If you use the End Night sequence to stow the telescopes and close mirror covers, remember to do a visual check of all telescopes using the check list in step 6.4 below before turning off the power for the telescopes and closing the telescope GUIs. | + | |
- | \\ A list of observed targets and an Observing Report is now automatically generated as part of the End Night Sequence. Click [END NIGHT], then [REPORT] on Cosmic Debris | + | Set VISBEAMS |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | 5.7 Finishing the slew sequence | ||
- | === 6.3 Shutdown Checklist Introduction === | + | The Job Queue ends with slewing to the star. The stars are acquired manually. Click [Star Acquired] on the Control Tab on Cosmic Debris to update the target information listed at the top of the Cosmic Debris window. This also turns on all the telescope TT servos, the same function as the TIPTILT button on each telescope gui. Initialize the pointing of the telescopes on your first target by going to the MAIN tab on the obsgtk and clicking the red [INIT] button. Make sure you are on the correct star before initing the scopes or you will have problems. This may have to be repeated if the pointing drifts during the night. This will allow more consistent and accurate pointing for this part of the sky. You can now point to your first science target, calibrator, alignment star or fringe finder and begin the alignment sequence for the beam combiner and then start searching for fringes. |
- | | + | 5.8 Monitoring MIRCX/ |
- | === 6.4 Manually stowing | + | When running MIRCX/ |
- | * Unlock the tiptilt beams using the Tiptilt servo control GUI. | + | \\ |
- | * Turn the telescope TVs to SPY1 so that you can watch the telescopes. | + | [[: |
- | * On the Control Tab of the telescope GUI, click [STOW]. This will send the telescope and dome to the stow position. | + | \\ |
- | * When the telescopes reach an elevation above 70 degrees, you can begin closing the mirror covers. | + | **Chapter 6:** |
- | * M1 CLOSE | + | === Procedure |
- | | + | |
- | * M5 CLOSE | + | |
- | * M7 CLOSE | + | |
- | * Finder CLOSE Note that W2 and E1? covers need a second click to close. | + | |
- | * Visually inspect the telescopes using SPY2 to make sure that the mirror covers close properly. Check the Telescope Monitor for mirror cover status. | + | |
- | * After all of the mirror covers finish closing, close the dome slits by clicking [SLIT CLOSE] on the telescope control tab for each telescope dome that is open. | + | |
- | * Close the dome enclosures by clicking [CLOSE] on the cylinder GUI. Watch that each reads .000 or .001 when closed. | + | |
- | * Check that the telescopes moved to their stow positions in EL and AZ: | + | |
- | | + | |
- | | + | |
- | * EL 90.0 deg, AZ 82.0 deg for S1 and S2 | + | |
- | * Turn off the power for [TEL AZ], [TEL EL] and [TIP/TILT] for the active scopes using the Power GUI. | + | |
- | * Visually check all telescopes in the spycams to make sure all covers and slits are closed. | + | |
- | * Leave the telescope GUIs open until the End Night Sequence is finished. (Cosmic Debris will turn on the TVs and the SpyCams during the End Night Sequence.) | + | |
- | * If the humidity is high, make sure that the heaters are turned on. | + | |
- | === 6.5 Send the OPLE carts to the back of the rails === | + | 6.1 End Night Sequence Introduction\\ |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | The End Night sequence on Cosmic Debris can be used to end observing and stow the telescopes, | ||
- | * Click the OL and MAN buttons for the active carts on the OPLE GUI Control Tab so that the buttons turn green. | + | 6.2 Start the end night sequence |
- | * Turn the carts OFF using the OPLE GUI. | + | |
- | * Click BACK on the OPLE GUI to send the carts to the back. | + | |
- | * Watch OPLE Server for Back Switch indicator to light up with an " | + | |
- | * When all carts are on the Back Switch, close the OPLE gui and server and turn off the metrology laser using the METLAS GUI. The [LASER POWER] button will turn from green to red. If a cart does not reach the back switch, it may have caught the ribbon or cable on the track supports. You will need to go to the rails and see why it stopped. Slack in the cable can be taken up by turning the take up spool by hand. W1 cart is the usual one that hangs up. | + | |
- | === 6.6 Finish shutting down in the control room === | + | Clear the job queue on Cosmic Debris. Press the [END NIGHT] button on Cosmic Debris. This will close all the shutters, stow the active telescopes, close the telescope M1 and M3 mirror covers, send the active OPLE carts to the back switch, close the OPLE socket, and archive the accumulated data for the night. NOTE: The End Night Sequence will NOT close the dome slits so these will have to be closed manually after all of the telescope M1 mirror covers are closed. It will also not send inactive carts back. Update the configuration with any inactive scopes to make sure those carts can be sent back manually as well. The Cosmic Debris status window will indicate when the end night sequence is complete. You can close Cosmic Debris after you have sent out the Observing Report. * If you use the End Night sequence to stow the telescopes and close mirror covers, remember to do a visual check of all telescopes using the check list in step 6.4 below before turning off the power for the telescopes and closing the telescope GUIs.\\ |
+ | A list of observed targets and an Observing Report is now automatically generated as part of the End Night Sequence. Click [END NIGHT], then [REPORT] on Cosmic Debris to generate this automatic report email. The report will include the headings: PI name, Program, Observers, Baselines, Weather and Seeing data, and targets on which data was collected. Complete the Observers and Baselines entries, add comments to the bottom of the report and put your name at the end. Check with the observer for completeness of the target list. Some observers will send you comments of their own. Add those to the report. Cut and paste this into an email to CHARA Obs and send it. To archive the report, you must also hit the SEND button at the bottom of the report to save it.\\ | ||
+ | Note: Classic, CLIMB, FLUOR and PAVO will automatically send the target information to Cosmic Debris after data is acquired. For MIRCx, the [DATA ACQUIRED] button can be clicked on Cosmic Debris after each data sequence is finished or it can be done by the MIRCx operator from his or her station.\\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | If you have other technical information to send out that is not related to the nightly observing runs, use our other lists that pertain to the subject at hand.\\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | In addition to paper observing logs, CHARA offers the option of using electronic logs. At minimum, we request that you fill out the date, UT time, target name, and any comments that would be relevant for subsequent reduction. This information will be useful for building and maintaining | ||
+ | CHARA Electronic Logs | ||
- | * If using Classic or CLIMB, check to make sure the dither is off by looking | + | 6.3 Shutdown Checklist Introduction\\ |
- | * Shut off [METSCOPE], [NIRO CPU], and [CLS-DITH], or [CLM-DITH] if used on the POWER gui. | + | \\ |
- | * Close the OPLE, Tiptilt, CLIMB/ | + | It is important |
- | * Close the OPLE, Tiptilt, and CLIMB/ | + | |
- | * Visually check all telescopes in the spycams to make sure all covers and slits are closed. Turn the TV to Finder, then turn the TV OFF, and close the telescope GUIs. | + | |
- | * Leave GPS server and the Telescope Servers open and running | + | |
- | === 6.7 Shutting down the Lab === | + | 6.4 Manually stowing |
- | | + | Unlock the tiptilt beams using the Tiptilt servo control GUI. Turn the telescope TVs to SPY1 so that you can watch the telescopes and domes stow. On the Control Tab of the telescope GUI, click [STOW]. This will send the telescope and dome to the stow position. When the telescopes reach an elevation above 50 degrees, you can begin closing the mirror covers. M1 CLOSE, M3 CLOSE, M5 CLOSE, M7 CLOSE, Finder CLOSE Note that W2 and E1? finder covers and the W1, W2, and S2 M7 covers need a second click to close. Visually inspect the telescopes using SPY2 to make sure that the mirror covers close properly. Check the Telescope Monitor for mirror cover status. After the M1, M3 and finder mirror covers finish closing, close the dome slits by clicking [SLIT CLOSE] on the telescope control tab for each telescope dome that is open. Close the dome enclosures by clicking [CLOSE] on the cylinder GUI. Watch that each reads .000 or .001 when closed. Check that the telescopes moved to their stow positions in EL and AZ: EL 90.0 deg, AZ 55.9 deg for E1 and E2, EL 90.0 deg, AZ 99.3 deg for W1 and W2, EL 90.0 deg, AZ 82.0 deg for S1 and S2. Turn off the power for [TEL AZ], [TEL EL] and [TIP/TILT] for the active scopes using the Power GUI and disable the scopes using the dome gui or obsgtk. Visually check all telescopes in the spycams to make sure all covers and slits are closed. Leave the telescope GUIs open until the End Night Sequence is finished. (Cosmic Debris will turn on the TVs and the Spy Cam 2 during the End Night Sequence.) If the humidity is high, make sure that the heaters are turned on. |
- | * Go to the lab and close the vacuum valves for all telescope lines (valve handle turned perpendicular | + | 6.5 Send the OPLE carts to the back of the rails |
- | * Go outside to the pump shack and close the vacuum valve. Then shut off the vacuum pump. Note any unusual noises or excessive oil temps (above 54 C) reported by the thermometer. Let Larry know of any concerns. | + | |
- | \\ In the computer area of the lab: | + | Click the OL and MAN buttons for the active carts on the OPLE GUI Control Tab so that the buttons turn green. Turn the carts OFF using the OPLE GUI. Click BACK on the OPLE GUI to send the carts to the back. Watch OPLE Server for Back Switch indicator to light up with an " |
- | * Turn off the Burleigh amplifiers, the amplifiers for cart movement, and the cable pullers. | + | 6.6 Finish shutting down in the control room |
- | * Turn off the power for the surge protector (black box, bottom left of VME rack). | + | |
- | * Turn off the VME, top of the left rack | + | |
- | \\ Go inside | + | If using Classic or CLIMB, check to make sure the dither is off by looking at the dither status in the CLASSIC/ |
- | * Put the tiptilt cover back on the tiptilt camera | + | Shut down the ople control system |
- | * Turn off the silver box, then black box for NIRO and replace the NIRO camera cover if used. | + | |
- | * Turn off the key for the green alignment laser and turn the power switch off. | + | |
- | * Turn off Pico 3 controller above the tiptilt camera. | + | |
- | * Turn off the blue amplifiers for the metrology laser (button is labeled " | + | |
- | * Turn off the key for the metrology laser and place it on top of the laser box. | + | |
- | * Shut off controllers to the Periscopes if used. | + | |
- | * Shut off lights when exiting the lab building. Return your booties to the basket if good or to the trash if they have holes in them. | + | |
- | * Make sure all doors are closed as you leave. | + | |
- | === 6.8 Odds and ends. === | + | Close the OPLE server. |
- | | + | Press the shutdown button on the OPLE System |
- | * If you run into any problems during | + | 6.7 Shutting down the Lab\\ |
- | * Please feel free to record | + | \\ |
- | * Lock front and side doors of Operations Center if you are the last one in the building | + | Go to the lab and close the vacuum valves for all telescope lines (valve handle turned perpendicular |
- | * Lock OPLE building doors; they tend to stick open, please shut tightly | + | Go inside the lab with booties: Turn off the silver box, then black box for NIRO and replace the NIRO camera cover if used. Turn off the key for the green alignment laser and turn the power switch off. Turn off Pico 3 controller above the tiptilt camera. Turn off the blue amplifiers for the metrology laser (button is labeled " |
- | \\ \\ [[: | + | Check the 6 ople computers and RPC's for any components that were not turned off in the OPLESystem Control gui shutdown sequence. Any + signs on the power controllers indicate power was left on. E1 computer is usually on. Push the Off button to turn off the component that is on. Scroll left and right using the UP/DOWN buttons to move to each + sign. Make sure all doors are closed as you leave. |
+ | |||
+ | 6.8 Odds and ends.\\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | Back in the Control Room: If you run into any problems during the shutdown procedures, send an email to charamnt or directly to Craig and Steve so that they can work to resolve any problems that need to be resolved promptly. Please feel free to record any details in the Observers Notebook or email Tech Report to specified groups or individual employees. Lock front and side doors of Operations Center if you are the last one in the building. Close OPLE building doors; they tend to stick open, please push firmly.\\ | ||
+ | \\ | ||
+ | [[: | ||