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 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 OPLE controller gui may not show the corect 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. 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.
  
 1.3 General Lab Rules 1.3 General Lab Rules
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 2.1 Starting the vacuum pump for the light pipes 2.1 Starting the vacuum pump for the light pipes
  
-Go into vacuum pump shack. Flip on power switch for pump and wait for the blower to go on in about 6 seconds. Open the 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 below 15º C make for a labored start. There is currently 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 vacuum pump shack. Flip on power switch for pump and wait for the blower to go on in about 6 seconds. Open the valve slowly after about 10-12 seconds (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 valve a little, then come back to open fully. When all lines to be used are well below 100 torr, open all those valves. The final pressure should be 0.5 - 1.0 Torr in each line. The pump will normally bring all 6 lines down to .2-.3 Torr. The S1 and S2 lines leak the most during the day and will read the highest in the afternoon when you return, usually between 20-30 Torr in the summer and 15-25 Torr in the winter. Note any unusual vacuum readings as they can indicate a leak beyond what is normal. Sometimes a line isn't pumped down the night before and can read higher than 30 Torr. Pump down the highest ones first as stated above.+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 1.0 Torr in each line when you leave the lab area if all six lines are opened. The pump will normally bring all 6 lines down to .2-.3 Torr after about an hour. The S1 and S2 lines leak the most during the day and will read the highest in the afternoon when you return, usually between 20-30 Torr in the summer and 15-25 Torr in the winter. Note any unusual vacuum readings as they can indicate a leak beyond what is normal. Sometimes a line isn't pumped down the night before and can read higher than 30 Torr. Pump down the highest ones first as stated above.
  
 2.2 Filling NIRO with LN2\\ 2.2 Filling NIRO with LN2\\
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 2.3.1 In the lab (Beam Combination area) Turn on power switch for alignment laser, and turn the key. Above the tiptilt camera, turn on the Pico 3 controller. 2.3.1 In the lab (Beam Combination area) Turn on power switch for alignment laser, and turn the key. Above the tiptilt camera, turn on the Pico 3 controller.
  
-2.3.2 Laser alignment to east table+2.3.2 Laser alignment to east table. (New hardware installed in 2022)
  
-Check the laser spots on the E table target at North wall of Beam Switching area. On Laser Filter gui, select ND 0.0 Open LASER shutter on the SHUTTERS gui and open shutters for the beams you are going to use. 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. 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 at the same spot, but different pieces of optics are involved) Use the Beam Samplers gui to put telescopes back on the appropriate beams. Note that when multiple telescope/beam configurations are requested, aligning to the secondary configuration or back up telescopes first, then finishing with the primary configuration may be more efficient.\\+Check the laser spots on the E table target at North wall of Beam Switching area. Use the laptop that resides in the corner by the East telescopes table. On Laser Filter gui, select ND 0.0 Open LASER shutter on the SHUTTERS gui and open shutters for the beams you are going to use. 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. 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 at the same spot, but different pieces of optics are involved) MIRCX alignment usually uses B1&2, B3&4, and B5&6 without the middle options of B2&3 and B4&5. 
 + 
 +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 to see B2 illuminated by the proper beam. When you are done, use the Beam Samplers gui to put telescopes back on the appropriate beams. Note that when multiple telescope/beam configurations are requested, aligning to the secondary configuration or back up telescopes first, then finishing with the primary configuration may be more efficient. This can apply to Classic, Climb or PAVO programs.\\
 If the telescopes were used on the same beam on the previous night, the next steps may be very close and should not need much if any adjustment.\\ If the telescopes were used on the same beam on the previous night, the next steps may be very close and should not need much if any adjustment.\\
 \\ \\
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 Put the Covers on gently when doing the following alignment steps in the lab: IR mirror check to CLIMB or MIRC with alignment laser or beam combiner alignments with white light source or tiptilt Zabers alignment with alignment laser. Put the Covers on gently when doing the following alignment steps in the lab: IR mirror check to CLIMB or MIRC with alignment laser or beam combiner alignments with white light source or tiptilt Zabers alignment with alignment laser.
  
-Covers off after you remove the corner cubes from their bases.\\+Take covers off after you remove the corner cubes from their bases.\\
 \\ \\
 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 on the labao cameras (just like in the tiptilt camera) whenever ND=0 alignment laser is going through the system, but this is not harmful as long as the labao shutters are closed. While observing none of the labao shutters need to be or should be opened. As usual, dim the laser after you are done with the pop change to protect any camera in the lab from ghost reflections and scattered laser light. 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 on the labao cameras (just like in the tiptilt camera) whenever ND=0 alignment laser is going through the system, but this is not harmful as long as the labao shutters are closed. While observing none of the labao shutters need to be or should be opened. As usual, dim the laser after you are done with the pop change to protect any camera in the lab from ghost reflections and scattered laser light.
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 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 to aligning CLIMB for fringe finding for PAVO.\\ 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 to aligning CLIMB for fringe finding for PAVO.\\
 \\ \\
-For MIRCX, the same target should be placed in the clamps on the MIRCX table. Place the target to the appropriate table, making sure it seats firmly in the clamps. Cover the labao cameras if the labao server is running. Place the small corner cubes (labeled) on their bases at the BRTs. Make sure they seat firmly and correctly. 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 in the menu 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. Note that the IR picos move the beam the opposite direction that is labeled. When done for all telescope to be used, remove target and place it above the CLASSIC/CLIMB table and remove corner cubes from their stands and place them to the side of the beam path. Remove the labao camera covers after you remove the corner cubes from their bases+For MIRCX, the same target should be placed in the clamps on the MIRCX table. Place the target to the appropriate table, making sure it seats firmly in the clamps. Cover the labao cameras if the labao server is running. Place the small corner cubes (labeled) on their bases at the BRTs. Make sure they seat firmly and correctly. 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 in the menu 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. Note that the IR picos move the beam the opposite direction that is labeled. Clicking of the picos can be heard when they are moving. When done for all telescope to be used, remove target and place it above the CLASSIC/CLIMB table or behind the MIRCX target clamps and remove corner cubes from their stands and place them to the side of the beam path. Remove the labao camera covers after you remove the corner cubes from their bases
  
 \\ \\
-2.3.6 M10 Alignment+2.3.6 M10 Alignment if there is no pop change 
 + 
 +If there is a pop change, these steps will be performed in the control room. Skip ahead to Section 2.4.
  
-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. Center bright spot in beam on the black reference spot. (Note that S2 has a double spot in the center and a single spot to the lower right. The double spot is the correct one.) You may need to adjust the IRIS or the TV brightness 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. These alignments can also be done in the control room or by the observer. If they are not done with the other alignments, please let the observer know they need to be done before observing.+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 spot in beam on the black reference spot. (Note that S2 has a double spot in the center and a single spot to the lower right. The double spot is the correct one.) You may need to adjust the IRIS or the TV brightness 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. These alignments can also be done in the control room or by the observer. If they are not done with the other alignments, please let the observer know they need to be done before observing.
  
 \\ \\
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 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 so it might be beneficial to power the computer on using the NIRO CPU button Rack 2 on the POWER gui. If all 3 LED's on the back of the computer are lit, with the green LED's blinking slowly and quickly, then the clock is likely correct. 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 so it might be beneficial to power the computer on using the NIRO CPU button Rack 2 on the POWER gui. If all 3 LED's on the back of the computer are lit, with the green LED's blinking slowly and quickly, then the clock is likely correct.
  
-If using MIRCX/MYSTIC, be sure to confirm the correct Prism or Grism is in as requested in the setup request email.+If using MIRCX/MYSTIC, be sure to confirm the correct Prism or Grism is in as requested in the setup request email or be prepared to change it after the flux is found on the currently installed prism. MIRCX users differ in wanting that done before or after they come online.
  
 On the Metrology table inside the lab, turn on two blue amplifiers for metrology laser (on button is labeled "line") The units will hum when on. Turn the key to ON on the laser power box to put metrology laser on standby. On the Metrology table inside the lab, turn on two blue amplifiers for metrology laser (on button is labeled "line") The units will hum when on. Turn the key to ON on the laser power box to put metrology laser on standby.
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 3.3 Servers required for observing 3.3 Servers required for observing
  
-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 server and the METROL server 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 gui, 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.+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 server and the METROL server 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.
  
 3.4 Open Telescope guis, or obsgtks from icons on desktop 3.4 Open Telescope guis, or obsgtks from icons on desktop
  
-3.5 Open GUIs required for observing from the menu under GTK or the desktop icons: Open Primary OPLE gui, Open Classic, Climb1, or Climb2 gui if needed, Open LDC1 and LDC2 if PAVO program is observing. If using Lab Tiptilt, open Tiptilt GUI. Check that the pops are set by confirming the POP Overview window or Popperi gui has the same pops as the setup request email. Confirm the M10 mirrors are aligned by using the green lab alignment laser before homing the carts. The procedure is above in Section 2.3.6 M10 Alignment.+3.5 Open GUIs required for observing from the menu under GTK or the desktop icons: Open Primary OPLE gui, Open Classic, Climb1, or Climb2 gui if needed, Open LDC1 and LDC2 if PAVO or SPICA program is observing. If using Lab Tiptilt, open Tiptilt GUI. Check that the pops are set by confirming the POP Overview window or Popperi gui has the same pops as the setup request email. If the pops are not changed, do them now before homing the carts to get the best alignment. Confirm the M10 mirrors are aligned by using the green lab alignment laser before homing the carts. The procedure is above in Section 2.3.6 M10 Alignment.
  
 3.6 Metrology laser and homing the carts 3.6 Metrology laser and homing the carts
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 3.9. Beacon Alignments 3.9. Beacon Alignments
  
-The beacons wil<font 14px/Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;;inherit;;inherit>l need to be aligned before g</font>oing on sky and are usually done after the lab is aligned, before sunset and before slewing. It consists of opening the proper mirror, beacon and fiber covers, turning on the beacons and tel WFS cameras and labao displays, and aligning and focusing the red and blue beacons to the respective boxes on the tel WFS and labao. The obsgtk will display a green message at the bottom to confirm each alignment sequence has completed.+The beacons wil<font 14px/Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;;inherit;;inherit>l need to be aligned before g</font>oing on sky and are usually done after the lab is aligned, after the pops have been changed and M10 mirrors aligned, before sunset and again before slewing. Make sure the carts are not at the front when performing these alignments or the labao alignments will be off. Move the carts to 5m or farther from the home switch. The beacon alignments consist of opening the proper mirror, beacon and fiber covers, turning on the beacons and tel WFS cameras and labao displays, and aligning and focusing the red and blue beacons to the respective boxes on the tel WFS and labao. The obsgtk will display a green message at the bottom to confirm each alignment sequence has completed.
  
 In the WFS tab of the telescope GUI or the CONTROL tab of the obsgtk, turn on the red LED, open the fiber covers, then beacon flat covers. The CAMERALINK and WFS server are now part of Bootlaunch script and the ANDOR camera power should always be on in the POWER gui. Open M5 and M7 covers. In the WFS tab of the telescope GUI or the CONTROL tab of the obsgtk, turn on the red LED, open the fiber covers, then beacon flat covers. The CAMERALINK and WFS server are now part of Bootlaunch script and the ANDOR camera power should always be on in the POWER gui. Open M5 and M7 covers.
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 You can start the control GUI for the blue beacons from a terminal on a CHARA computer by: You can start the control GUI for the blue beacons from a terminal on a CHARA computer by:
  
-  * Navigate to directory: cd /chara/rainer/tunable_beacon +  * Navigating to directory: cd /chara/rainer/tunable_beacon 
-  * start GUI: ./tubea_gtk &+  * starting the GUI: ./tubea_gtk &
  
-In the WFS GUI or obsgtk, turn the cooler on (COOL ON) and open the camera shutter (SOPEN) or SHUTTER (OPEN/CLOSE), then CameraLink on (CL ON) if it is off, Camera on (CAM ON), and start TWFS display (MOVIE). For the scopes with DMs, use the POWER ON button on the WFS GUI (WFS/AO tab) to power the DM on, make sure that the DM current and temperature are displaying numbers. Press LAST FLAT to make sure that the last sky flat is loaded. If for some reason that flat is not good, going back to DEF FLAT will load the original default flat from the lab.+In the WFS GUI or obsgtk, turn the cooler on (COOL ON) and open the camera shutter (SOPEN) or SHUTTER (OPEN/CLOSE), then CameraLink on (CL ON) if it is off, Camera on (CAM ON), and start TWFS display (MOVIE). For the scopes with DMs, use the POWER ON button on the WFS GUI (WFS/AO tab) to power the DM on, make sure that the DM current and temperature are displaying numbers.
  
 Turn on the ACQ camera in the obsgtk. Make sure that the beacon is going through the hole in the acquisition display. If not, use Beacon UP/DOWN etc buttons on a HUT gui or WFS tab on the obsgtk to move it into the hole. Look for spots to be in boxes on the WFS display. Turn on the boxes on the obsgtk (NOBOX) to see how the alignment is. The boxes may be in the default position or may be moved to a position that worked better when observing. Align to whichever gives a more even illumination of spots in the boxes. As the red beacon is bright, use low gains, ie. 30-50 for the BARE dichroic or 200/300 for the IR dichroic, to make these alignments. If the red beacon spots on the WFS display are in the boxes, press (ALIGN BEACON) on the ALIGN tab on the TWFS GUI or (ALIGN) TELWFS: on the obsgtk, wait for completion. The values should reach zero in both the X and Y axes. The default maximum number of tries is 10 so if it is not aligned before it ends, repeat the step if needed. Turn on the ACQ camera in the obsgtk. Make sure that the beacon is going through the hole in the acquisition display. If not, use Beacon UP/DOWN etc buttons on a HUT gui or WFS tab on the obsgtk to move it into the hole. Look for spots to be in boxes on the WFS display. Turn on the boxes on the obsgtk (NOBOX) to see how the alignment is. The boxes may be in the default position or may be moved to a position that worked better when observing. Align to whichever gives a more even illumination of spots in the boxes. As the red beacon is bright, use low gains, ie. 30-50 for the BARE dichroic or 200/300 for the IR dichroic, to make these alignments. If the red beacon spots on the WFS display are in the boxes, press (ALIGN BEACON) on the ALIGN tab on the TWFS GUI or (ALIGN) TELWFS: on the obsgtk, wait for completion. The values should reach zero in both the X and Y axes. The default maximum number of tries is 10 so if it is not aligned before it ends, repeat the step if needed.
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 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 that are not from the beacon. Use the Dichroic controls to make the laser spots match the blue beacon spots on the ACQ camera view. Up is to the upper right in the ACQ view. If they are way off or not visible in the ACQ, you can hit the button for the appropriate dichroic in the HUT gui and it will set the dichroic to its last saved default position. 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 that are not from the beacon. Use the Dichroic controls to make the laser spots match the blue beacon spots on the ACQ camera view. Up is to the upper right in the ACQ view. If they are way off or not visible in the ACQ, you can hit the button for the appropriate dichroic in the HUT gui and it will set the dichroic to its last saved default position.
  
-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) LABAO: on obsgtk, wait until the procedure finishes. Then use the (FOCUS WFS) button on the ALIGN tab of the TWFS GUI or (FOCUS) TELWFS: 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.+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) LABAO: on obsgtk, wait until the procedure finishes. Then use the (FOCUS WFS) button on the ALIGN tab of the TWFS GUI or (FOCUS) TELWFS: 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.
  
 See the instruments page for information about starting different instruments at the beginning of the night: \\ [[:chara:instruments|Instruments: CLASSIC, CLIMB, MIRC-X/MYSTIC, PAVO]] \\  \\ [[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]] \\  \\  \\ **Chapter 4: ** See the instruments page for information about starting different instruments at the beginning of the night: \\ [[:chara:instruments|Instruments: CLASSIC, CLIMB, MIRC-X/MYSTIC, PAVO]] \\  \\ [[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]] \\  \\  \\ **Chapter 4: **
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 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 of the road and the trail to the eastern telescopes is a good place to gauge conditions. To be on the safe side, we only observe under calm to light breeze conditions (gusts less than about 10 knots, or 15 kph). Windy conditions we try to avoid. If you can hear the gusts from your desk, whistling from the light pipe supports, or the chain banging, it is too windy to observe. Occasionally you will hear the wind rustling the tops of the tall trees, but it is calm at ground level. This is a symptom of chaotic wind conditions, and almost always happens during windy episodes (Santa Anas, onshore flows, etc.), during which you shouldn’t observe – the seeing will be bad anyway. Be cautious about opening if wind gusts are above 15-20 kph; winds this high are usually correlated with bad seeing and poor data quality. Telescopes and domes should be closed if the wind gusts get up to 30 kph. This will protect the optics from branches and debris that can be blown in from the surrounding trees. 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 of the road and the trail to the eastern telescopes is a good place to gauge conditions. To be on the safe side, we only observe under calm to light breeze conditions (gusts less than about 10 knots, or 15 kph). Windy conditions we try to avoid. If you can hear the gusts from your desk, whistling from the light pipe supports, or the chain banging, it is too windy to observe. Occasionally you will hear the wind rustling the tops of the tall trees, but it is calm at ground level. This is a symptom of chaotic wind conditions, and almost always happens during windy episodes (Santa Anas, onshore flows, etc.), during which you shouldn’t observe – the seeing will be bad anyway. Be cautious about opening if wind gusts are above 15-20 kph; winds this high are usually correlated with bad seeing and poor data quality. Telescopes and domes should be closed if the wind gusts get up to 30 kph. This will protect the optics from branches and debris that can be blown in from the surrounding trees.
  
-4.5 Snow+4.5 Snow and cold weather
  
-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. 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).+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.
  
-4.6 Essential Observing Links+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.
  
-Mount Wilson HP Wren Cameras ([[http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/wilson.html|http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/wilson.html]]) 360º view of mountain in color and IR+Temp_warning: T_tel <= 2C or T_outside <= -3C
  
-Caltech Millikan Library Camera ([[http://library.caltech.edu/milcam/|http://library.caltech.edu/milcam/]]) A view of Mt. Wilson from the south, good for watching low clouds and fog that cling to the mountain.+Hard_limit: T_tel <= 0C or T_outside <= -5C 
 + 
 +4.6 Essential Observing Links 
 + 
 +Mount Wilson HP Wren Cameras ([[http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/S/SD/wilson.html|http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/S/SD/wilson.html]]) 360º views of mountain in color and B&W IR modes
  
 National Weather Service ([[http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=lox&textField1=34.2231&textField2=-118.0587&smap=1#.VKsuq2TF8rO|http://forecast.weather.gov]]) Mount Wilson weather and 5 day forecast National Weather Service ([[http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=lox&textField1=34.2231&textField2=-118.0587&smap=1#.VKsuq2TF8rO|http://forecast.weather.gov]]) Mount Wilson weather and 5 day forecast
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 IR satellite loop [[https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G17&sector=psw&band=GEOCOLOR&length=12|https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G17§or=psw&band=GEOCOLOR&length=12]] Keeps an eye on storms and clouds coming in IR satellite loop [[https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G17&sector=psw&band=GEOCOLOR&length=12|https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector_band.php?sat=G17§or=psw&band=GEOCOLOR&length=12]] Keeps an eye on storms and clouds coming in
- 
-California Regional Weather Server ([[http://squall.sfsu.edu/|http://squall.sfsu.edu/]]) A variety of weather links 
  
 Clear Sky Clock ([[http://cleardarksky.com/c/MtWilsonOBCAkey.html|http://cleardarksky.com/c/MtWilsonOBCAkey.html]]) a forecasting tool, but be aware that the humidity forecast is often incorrect on this site as it incorporates the marine layer forecast for the valley below, which does not affect us 80-90% of the time Clear Sky Clock ([[http://cleardarksky.com/c/MtWilsonOBCAkey.html|http://cleardarksky.com/c/MtWilsonOBCAkey.html]]) a forecasting tool, but be aware that the humidity forecast is often incorrect on this site as it incorporates the marine layer forecast for the valley below, which does not affect us 80-90% of the time
- 
-CHARA telescopes spy cams and weather graph ([[http://astro.gsu.edu/~weather/chara_scopes.html|http://www.astro.gsu.edu]]) Not updating. 
  
  \\ [[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]]\ \ {{:chara:files:picture_6.png|Picture_6.png}} \\  \\  \\ **Chapter 5:**  \\ [[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]]\ \ {{:chara:files:picture_6.png|Picture_6.png}} \\  \\  \\ **Chapter 5:**
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 5.4 Turn on the telescope power \\  \\ 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  \\+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). \\ 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. 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.
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 If the flux is low on telescopes on pop 5 or 4, there can be a misalignment of the IR starlight with respect to the blue beacon due to low elevation and the long distance to the lab. If this is the case, follow these steps to improve the flux. If the flux is low on telescopes on pop 5 or 4, there can be a misalignment of the IR starlight with respect to the blue beacon due to low elevation and the long distance to the lab. If this is the case, follow these steps to improve the flux.
  
-On the obsgtk, set the beacon step size to 222 or 333.  Click the Left button while watching the MIRCX flux plot or the STST image display. If watching the MIRCX flux plot, look for increases in flux after a click or two.  Allow the DM AUTO function to adjust the blue beacon after each step by not moving the beacon out of the boxes.  Remap the fiber to see if the flux is further increased when the labao has recentered the beacon.  If using the STST, move the image flux towards the reference position set by the STS or CHARA beams.+On the obsgtk, set the beacon step size to 222 or 333. Click the Left button while watching the MIRCX flux plot or the STST image display. If watching the MIRCX flux plot, look for increases in flux after a click or two. Allow the DM AUTO function to adjust the blue beacon after each step by not moving the beacon out of the boxes. Remap the fiber to see if the flux is further increased when the labao has recentered the beacon. If using the STST, move the image flux towards the reference position set by the STS or CHARA beams.
  
 5.6 Locking Lab Tiptilt (only used in special cases) 5.6 Locking Lab Tiptilt (only used in special cases)
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 Close the OPLE server. Close the OPLE server.
  
-Press the shutdown button on the OPLE System Control gui, wait until all 6 dots are grey, press the Metro button, and wait until it is grey, turn off the metrology laser.+Press the shutdown button on the OPLE System Control gui, wait until all 6 dots are grey, press the Metro button, and wait until it is grey. Close the gui on Wazoo. Turn off the metrology laser.
  
 6.7 Shutting down the Lab \\  \\ 6.7 Shutting down the Lab \\  \\
 Go to the lab and close the vacuum valves for all telescope lines (valve handle turned perpendicular to the tube). 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 Craig, Victor or Steve know of any concerns. Lock the padlock. \\ Go to the lab and close the vacuum valves for all telescope lines (valve handle turned perpendicular to the tube). 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 Craig, Victor or Steve know of any concerns. Lock the padlock. \\
-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 "line") * Turn off the key for the metrology laser and place it on top of the laser box. 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.+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 "line") * Turn off the key for the metrology laser and place it on top of the laser box. 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. 
 + 
 +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. \\  \\ 6.8 Odds and ends. \\  \\
chara/operating_procedures.txt · Last modified: 2023/09/01 02:50 by gail_stargazer

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