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--- chara:operating_procedures [2019/06/06 21:35]
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+++ chara:operating_procedures [2019/12/17 00:24]
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 [[:chara:remote_observing|Remote Observing]]\\
 [[:chara:power_outage|Power Outage]]\\
+{{:chara:files:dailylabcheck.pdf|Daily Alignment Check Procedure}} \\
 {{:chara:files:co-phase2019.pdf|Co-phasing with the CHARA phase reference}} \\
 [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w1Ppi21b0Uh37R52btCgwsX6dNYUfEE5hUhncDlNvYQ/edit#|Instructions for using the Six Telescope Simulator (STS)]]\\
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 [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b1f0pgeeKOx5NO-jUOCbFM-e7b9GL8iBMFijD1B3Qc8/edit#|Telescope AO User Manual]]\\
 [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TnLxWaAw42DZwh7l6_wPfe_CpIfT935_aShK0ymBX1o|WFS TT Alignment and Usage]]\\
-[[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UY5C8Pkbi_yd448aF_TXXE9KFkwjd5VK3LALvkFahjQ/|WFS TT Alignment and Usage]]\\
+[[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UY5C8Pkbi_yd448aF_TXXE9KFkwjd5VK3LALvkFahjQ/|Coude alignment (daytime)]]\\
 {{:chara:files:s2_new_finder_camera-r1.docx|New S2 Finder Instructions}} \\
 [[:chara:night_time_pop_changes|Night-time POP Changes]]\\
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 \\
 CHARA Array Operating Procedures\\
-Copyright © 2005-2018 The CHARA Team\\
+Copyright © 2005-2019 The CHARA Team\\
 Last updated: 2018-01-11\\
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@@ Line 53: / Line 54: @@
 _\\
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-**Chapter 1:** === = Lab Protocol ====\\
+**Chapter 1: ** Lab Protocol \\
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-Picture_28.png Picture_29.png === 1.1 Lab Rules Intro ===\\
+.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. === 1.2 The Metrology Laser ===\\
+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.
-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 ===\\
+.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.
+.3 General Lab Rules\\
 Please remember that:\\
 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. * Lab booties/shoe covers must be worn by all. Throw out booties that have holes in them. The traction tape on the steps are particularly rough on booties so examine them before and after using them. * 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. Besides, with too many people, it is too easy to bump into each other and the equipment. * If you bump, hit, move or just tap anything in the slightest way, let us know. * 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 sounds, sights, movement of equipment, etc., should be noted. * You must know the path of the laser beams, metrology or alignment. Stay out of their way especially right before observing. If you must go into the lab during this time don’t forget to put on IR-protective goggles. * 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.\\
+* Before entering the lab, you must have a reason or tasks at hand.
+* Lab booties/shoe covers must be worn by all. Throw out booties that have holes in them. The traction tape on the steps are particularly rough on booties so examine them before and after using them. * 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. Besides, with too many people, it is too easy to bump into each other and the equipment. * If you bump, hit, move or just tap anything in the slightest way, let us know. * 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 sounds, sights, movement of equipment, etc., should be noted. * You must know the path of the laser beams, metrology or alignment. Stay out of their way especially right before observing. If you must go into the lab during this time don’t forget to put on IR-protective goggles. * 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.\\
 [[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]]\\
 \\
 \\
-**Chapter 2:** Version 2. August 27, 2012 by Judit, Version 3 January 2015 by Norm, Version ? October 2017 by Norm ==== Preparations in the Lab Prior to Observing ====\\
+**Chapter 2:** Version 2.
-These are routine tasks to be performed in and around the lab every evening to prepare the array for regular observations. === 2.1 Starting the vacuum pump for the light pipes === Go into vacuum pump shack * flip on power switch for pump (wait for blower to go on) * open valve slowly (parallel to pipe means open) * 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.\\
-Go into 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 around 10 and 20 Torr. 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 the highest ones down first as stated above. === 2.2 Filling IR cameras with LN2 ===\\
+August 27, 2012 by Judit, Version 3 January 2015 by Norm, Version 4 October 2017 by Norm
+Preparations in the Lab Prior to Observing\\
+These are routine tasks to be performed in and around the lab every evening to prepare the array for regular observations.  Note that there is a new alignment protocol for configurations that do not change night to night.  Use it instead of the full alignment given here.
+.1 Starting the vacuum pump for the light pipes
+Go into vacuum pump shack.  Flip on power switch for pump (wait for blower to go on)  Open valve slowly (parallel to pipe means open)  Note if fan cords are plugged into 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.\\
+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 around 10 and 20 Torr. 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 the highest ones down first as stated above.
+.2 Filling IR cameras 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.\\
 \\
-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 camera in the log book, noting time and camera filled. Note also the vacuum measurement for the MIRCX camera.  If you do not observe due to weather, fire or closure, make sure someone on the mountain will fill it for you.
-\\
-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 Alignment of the light path to the telescopes ===\\
+.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 two tablets inside lab. Tablets are the newest hand held units and are located on the west and south walls plugged into chargers.\\
 \\
-.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.\\
+.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.
-.3.2 Check the laser spots on the E table (at North wall of Beam Switching area) * on Laser Filter gui, select ND 0.0 * make sure VEGA periscope is UP * 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 is more efficient.\\
-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.\\
+.3.2 Laser alignment to east table
+Check the laser spots on the E table target at North wall of Beam Switching area.  On Laser Filter gui, select ND 0.0  Make sure VEGA periscope is UP.  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 is more efficient.\\
+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.\\
 \\
-.3.3 Next check the dichroic target on the beam sampler tables for each telescope. NOTE: As of 2017Jul05, please align the dichroics following the instructions in {{:chara:files:setup_with_labao-1.pdf|Setup with LABAO document}}. * Send the beam sampler for each telescope to the requested beam according to the configuration for the night. * Move VISBEAMS to have laser light in the beam to be checked. * At each telescope to be used place the dichroic target against the appropriate stops and check the laser spot on that target. * 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.\\
+.3.3 dichroic alignments with labao
-.3.4 Check the spot on the rail target * Put the rail target onto delay lines (toward back of the room from home sensor) * make sure carts are at back of the room * check spot on back side of target * if alignment is bad at the back, follow instructions for BRT adjustments. (Printed sheet on metrology table. )\\
-.3.5 The periscope covers are not used anymore so nothing to remember here.\\
+NOTE: As of 2017Jul 05, please align the dichroics following the instructions in {{:chara:files:setup_with_labao-1.pdf|Setup with LABAO document}}.
+\\
+.3.4 Checking the alignment to the rail target
+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)
+.3.5  IR alignments are below in 2.4\\
+\\
+.3.6 M10 Alignment
+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] 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.  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
 \\
-.3.6 M10 Alignment:\\
-Go to a computer anywhere to check the beam remotely at the telescopes. * look at Vacuum Monitor, check that the vacuum is below 20 torr * open telescope gui from pull down menu * click TV [ON] to open the camera window * click [M10AL] to change view to the M10 alignment view, click [M7 open] to open the M7 mirror cover * 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\\
 .3.7 Labao wfs camera covers and labao shutters\\
-The labao camera covers should be kept off, but put the covers on gently any time when you need to put the small corner cubes in place at the BRTs to work with the internal sources to protect the cameras.\\
 \\
-**Covers on** when doing the following alignment steps in the lab: * IR mirror check to CLIMB or MIRC with alignment laser * beam combiner alignments with white light source * tiptilt Zabers alignment with alignment laser **Covers off** after you removed the corner cubes from their bases.\\
+**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.\\
 \\
-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. === 2.4 Alignment of the IR light toward beam combiners ===\\
+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.
+.4 Alignment of the IR light toward beam combiners
 The IR mirrors on the beam samplers can be adjusted using Pico 2 controller to targets depending on which IR beam combiner is to be used.\\
 \\
 For CLIMB 1 and CLIMB 2, the removable 6-beam target should be placed in the clamps on the CLIMB table. This also applies to aligning CLIMB for fringe tracking for VEGA or fringe finding for PAVO.\\
 \\
-For MIRC or JouFLU, the same target should be placed in the clamps on the MIRC table. * Place the target to the appropriate table, making sure it seats firmly in the clamps. * 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 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/CLIMB table and remove corner cubes from their stands and place them to the side of the beam path. === 2.5 Starting up OPLE and Metrology ===\\
+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. * 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 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/CLIMB table and remove corner cubes from their stands and place them to the side of the beam path.
-Go to OPLE racks * turn on OPLE Power on top unit (top of left most rack) This is the VME. * 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 * Once the server comes up, type in "syncople" in the server, and make sure the ople time matches the CHARA time.\\
+.5 Starting up OPLE and Metrology
-Go inside lab to check carts * from pull-down menu, under GTK, open Primary OPLE GUI * 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\\
+Go to OPLE racks and turn on OPLE Power on top unit (top of left most rack) This is the VME. 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.\\
+To test cart motions: On computer outside lab, bring up Primary Ople Server, type in "syncople" in the server, and make sure the ople time matches the CHARA time.  Go inside lab to check carts.  From pull-down menu, under GTK, open Primary OPLE GUI, 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, make sure nothing is on tracks\\
+\\
+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.
+.6 Final steps in the lab
+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.   After lab is completely setup, you need to take off tiptilt cover if using lab tiptilt, but do so with only the dim lights on and the laser shutter closed so as not to blast CCD with light.
 \\
-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 === 2.6 Final steps in the lab === * 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. * 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.\\
+**Chapter 3: **
-Back To Main Menu **Chapter 3: ** (edited 2012Aug29 by Gail and Chris) ==== Setting up Computer in the Control Room === = === 3.1 General Overview of Computer Setup === * There are six computer screens which are now horizontally arrayed.\\
-fig_monitors_new.jpg * Things should be arranged as follows: * 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 3: Telescope, GPS, and Metrology servers, Shutters, filters, Metrology, Visbeams, Beam Samplers, PoPs, Iris, Pico2, and other small guis * Screen 4: Cosmic Debris, Power, Enclosures, and weather guis * Screen 5: Telescope guis, tiptilt gui * Screen 6: OPLE, Classic/Climb, Tiptilt servers and guis === 3.2 After aligning the lab, you can turn on the following from the POWER GUI: === * To change the setting on the power GUI, unclick LOCK, make change, re-click LOCK * 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 required for observing === * Open servers from the pop up menu at bottom of screen 5, using the black platter icon. * 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 6) * 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 Monitor (METROL) gui, (upper right of screen 3), this gui usually remains open. * Open Metrology Laser (METLAS) gui, (upper right of screen 3), this gui usually remains open. === 3.4 Open Telescope GUIs from the menu === * Open needed Telescope guis, put on screen 5. All 6 scope guis can fit on one screen, but the TV windows will overlap slightly if all 6 are used for MIRC observing. * On the main tab for each telescope gui, click [ON] under Television to turn on the TV screen === 3.5 Open GUIs required for observing from the menu under GTK: === * Open Primary OPLE gui (move to right side of 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 ===\\
+(edited 2012Aug29 by Gail and Chris)
+Setting up Computer in the Control Room
+.1 General Overview of Control Room computer setup
+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 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.
+.2 After aligning the lab, you can turn on the following from the POWER GUI:  To change the setting on the power GUI, unclick LOCK, make change, re-click LOCK * 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 required for observing === * Open servers from the pop up menu at bottom of screen 5, using the black platter icon. * 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 6) * 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 Monitor (METROL) gui, (upper right of screen 3), this gui usually remains open. * Open Metrology Laser (METLAS) gui, (upper right of screen 3), this gui usually remains open. === 3.4 Open Telescope GUIs from the menu === * Open needed Telescope guis, put on screen 5. All 6 scope guis can fit on one screen, but the TV windows will overlap slightly if all 6 are used for MIRC observing. * On the main tab for each telescope gui, click [ON] under Television to turn on the TV screen === 3.5 Open GUIs required for observing from the menu under GTK: === * Open Primary OPLE gui (move to right side of 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 ===\\
 Open Cosmic Debris, CD for short, - Primary from the menu and move to screen 4 * On the CONFIGURE tab, check to make sure the PoPs and telescope beam assignments agree with the white board * If the POPs are wrong on CD, then open the "PoPs" GUI from the menu * 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 "Configure" * 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 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 and beam\\
@@ Line 114: / Line 165: @@
 \\
 \\
-**Chapter 4: ** ===  = Observing Conditions ====\\
+**Chapter 4: ** === = Observing Conditions ====\\
 \\
-Picture_4.png     === 4.1 Observing Conditions Intro ===\
+Picture_4.png === 4.1 Observing Conditions Intro ===\ \ In opening the CHARA Array, conditions should be, for the most part, ideal. If the weather is questionable, 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 10 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. Soon this application will also issue warnings. 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 16% 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. === 4.2 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 it drops to below 75% and stays there for at least 30 minutes. If you do open after that, be wary and watch the RH, and if it starts rising, be prepared to close. Closing up takes about 10 minutes, so be ready for that. The array operator is in charge of protecting the telescopes and makes the final decision on whether the conditions are safe to open. If the RH is low at the beginning of the night, and rises after you are already open, the array operator should inform the PI around 70-75%, and start closing between 80-85%. Other humidity warning signs are: 1) water dripping oﬀ the OPLE building (or wet spots on the asphalt straight down from the eaves); 2) cold, clammy feel to metal objects such as railings; and 3) dew forming on the parked cars. It is important to note that the humidity can rise from 50% to 80% in as little as 10 minutes, so please keep a close eye on the rate of change of the humidity plots. It can also rain from passing clouds when the humidity is quite low, even 50% RH or lower. If in doubt, stay closed. === 4.3 Dust ===\ \ Gauging the airborne dust is problematic because you need a bright light and a relatively dark night. In general, you want to look in the bottom 0.5 meter of the light column. There will be a diﬀuse column lit up by the beam – don’t worry about it, just follow the dust glints. If you can count the dust glints, the conditions are safe to observe. If it looks like a blizzard, close up. If any of the dust glints shine with an orange or a peach hue, or the dust glints look abnormally large, the dust is probably ash – close up immediately. Ash seriously degrades bare aluminum coatings. Dust and wind go together. But, just because it is calm, the dust conditions might still be bad. If it was windy a few days earlier, it could have kicked up a lot of dust, which can take several days to settle. Finally, during late spring to early summer, conifer tree pollen can be problematic. If particulates are borderline please email the CHARA day staﬀ so they can clean the optics as soon as possible. === 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 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, it is too windy to observe. If you hear whistling from the light pipe supports, it is too windy to observe. If you hear the signs on 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 ===\\
-\
-In opening the CHARA Array, conditions should be, for the most part, ideal. If the weather is questionable, 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 10 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. Soon this application will also issue warnings. 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 16% 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. === 4.2 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 it drops to below 75% and stays there for at least 30 minutes. If you do open after that, be wary and watch the RH, and if it starts rising, be prepared to close. Closing up takes about 10 minutes, so be ready for that. The array operator is in charge of protecting the telescopes and makes the final decision on whether the conditions are safe to open. If the RH is low at the beginning of the night, and rises after you are already open, the array operator should inform the PI around 70-75%, and start closing between 80-85%. Other humidity warning signs are: 1) water dripping oﬀ the OPLE building (or wet spots on the asphalt straight down from the eaves); 2) cold, clammy feel to metal objects such as railings; and 3) dew forming on the parked cars. It is important to note that the humidity can rise from 50% to 80% in as little as 10 minutes, so please keep a close eye on the rate of change of the humidity plots. It can also rain from passing clouds when the humidity is quite low, even 50% RH or lower. If in doubt, stay closed. === 4.3 Dust ===\
-\
-Gauging the airborne dust is problematic because you need a bright light and a relatively dark night. In general, you want to look in the bottom 0.5 meter of the light column. There will be a diﬀuse column lit up by the beam – don’t worry about it, just follow the dust glints. If you can count the dust glints, the conditions are safe to observe. If it looks like a blizzard, close up. If any of the dust glints shine with an orange or a peach hue, or the dust glints look abnormally large, the dust is probably ash – close up immediately. Ash seriously degrades bare aluminum coatings. Dust and wind go together. But, just because it is calm, the dust conditions might still be bad. If it was windy a few days earlier, it could have kicked up a lot of dust, which can take several days to settle. Finally, during late spring to early summer, conifer tree pollen can be problematic. If particulates are borderline please email the CHARA day staﬀ so they can clean the optics as soon as possible. === 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 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, it is too windy to observe. If you hear whistling from the light pipe supports, it is too windy to observe. If you hear the signs on 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 ===\\
 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). === 4.6 Essential Observing Links === * 150-Foot Solar Tower Current TowerCam Image ([[http://www.astro.ucla.edu/%7Eobs/towercam.htm|http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~obs/towercam.htm]]) a live view of the mountain. Check the clock when viewing the page as it can sometimes fail to refresh. * 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. * 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 * CHARA telescopes spy cams and weather graph ([[http://astro.gsu.edu/~weather/chara_scopes.html|http://www.astro.gsu.edu]]) Status of each CHARA telescope * Mount Wilson HP Wren Cameras ([[http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/wilson.html|http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/wilson.html]]) * Aerospace Corporation weather station ([[http://www.weatherlink.com/user/mocam/index.php?view=summary&headers=1|http://www.weatherlink.com/user/mocam]]) Another local station, always current. * Jet stream forecast ([[http://squall.sfsu.edu/scripts/jetstream_modelsml_fcst.html|http://squall.sfsu.edu/scripts/jetstream_modelsml_fcst.html]]) Monitors high level winds which degrade seeing * IR satellite loop ([[http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/scripts/animate.php?root=sat_4km&list=IR4.GIF.3.jpg,IR4.GIF.4.jpg,IR4.GIF.5.jpg,IR4.GIF.6.jpg,IR4.GIF.7.jpg,IR4.GIF.8.jpg|http://www.wrh.noaa.gov]]) 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\\
-[[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]]\
+[[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]]\ \ {{:chara:files:picture_6.png|Picture_6.png}}\\
-\
-{{:chara:files:picture_6.png|Picture_6.png}}\\
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 [[:chara:operating_procedures|Back to Main Menu]]\\
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-**Chapter 6:** ===  = Procedure for Shutting Down at the End of the Night ==== === 6.1 End Night Sequence Introduction ===\\
+**Chapter 6:** === = Procedure for Shutting Down at the End of the Night ==== === 6.1 End Night Sequence Introduction ===\\
 \\
 The End Night sequence on Cosmic Debris can be used to end observing and stow the telescopes, carts, and domes. It will only stow the active scopes, carts, and domes, so if there are other scopes open, make them active in the Configure tab of CD or stow them manually with the procedure below, 6.4 Manually Stowing the Telescopes === 6.2 Start the end night sequence on Cosmic Debris === * 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 mirror covers, send the 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 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.\\
@@ Line 160: / Line 201: @@
 \\
 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 the CHARA archive:\\
-CHARA Electronic Logs   === 6.3 Shutdown Checklist Introduction ===\\
+CHARA Electronic Logs === 6.3 Shutdown Checklist Introduction ===\\
 \\
 It is important to make sure the array gets shutdown properly at the end of the night. This includes stowing the telescopes, closing the mirror covers and domes, powering down equipment, and covering the cameras. Each day many employees are working on various systems from any number of diﬀerent locations around the Array. Any CHARA equipment left on or exposed, can cause damage to other systems or be damaged itself. It is critical that the array is shut down consistently from night to night. Listed below are the procedures for shutting down the array. Please make sure that the Array is secure at the end of the night. === 6.4 Manually stowing the telescopes === * 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. * M1 CLOSE * M3 CLOSE * 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 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. * 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 === * 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 "X". * 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 === * If using Classic or CLIMB, check to make sure the dither is off by looking at the dither status in the CLASSIC/CLIMB server. If necessary, this can be turned off from the dither tab on the Classic/CLIMB GUI. They are off when gray. * Shut off [METSCOPE], [NIRO CPU], and [CLS-DITH], or [CLM-DITH] if used on the POWER gui. * Close the OPLE, Tiptilt, CLIMB/CLASSIC GUIs * Close the OPLE, Tiptilt, and CLIMB/CLASSIC servers, type CTRL+C, then Y * 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 ===\\

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