This is a summary of normal IGRINS use for observers at the McDonald 2.7m telescope
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Beginning of night Procedure, should be done at least an hour before opening:
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IGRINS & Atlas Computer Set Up
On Atlas
If it is not running, then start it up by...
Open a terminal window or tab
> cd ~/igrins_admin
> sh run_hk2firebase.sh
Start up the Slitview Camera Package (SCP) by clicking "Run SCP" in the IGRINS Hub
Check if you are receiving the TCS information or not (blue values on the upper right, including RA, Dec).
In the Status box, the following lines should appear:
“[time] NFS connection succeeded”
“[time] Detector Status Check”
“[time] Detector is Ready”
Start up the Data Taking Package (DTP) by clicking "Run DTP" in the IGRINS Hub
In the Status box, the following lines should appear for both the H and K detectors:
“[time] NFS connection succeeded”
“[time] Detector Status Check”
“[time] Detector is Ready”
Change the observer name to your Last Name. No single quotes or special characters. Commas are ok.
Open the Quick Look Package (QLP) – optional.
Open a terminal window or tab
> cd igrins/igrins_admin
> sh run_qlp.sh
This will open two different windows (each H and K).
In the K window, click 'OPEN' and go to the 'obs_data' directory (this folder is conveniently found in the window that opens on the top left) and find the K image that you want. Do the same with H.
Checking the "fits" button will enable you to look at a specific image, or alternatively, the "Auto Refresh" button will update with each newly obtained spectra.
Click on the thumbnail image on the right (a yellow box overlay will appear). Adjust the scale, etc. as needed and hit apply, but you must click again on the thumbnail image to update the larger image.
Take test exposures to check to make sure readout of detectors with the ICC are working
On the SCP...
Uncheck "Automatically Save"
Check to that exposure time is set to 1.63 seconds and Fowler Sampling Number is 1
Click "Single" to take a single test exposure
If you see noise pattern or low-resolution image, repeat the short exposures or contact observing support
Hopefully it will work fine
On the DTP....
Uncheck "Automatically Save"
Set exposure time to 1.63 seconds
Set Fowler Sampling Number to 1
Make sure Repeat Number is set to 1
Click "Single" to take a single test exposure
Hopefully both detectors will read out fine, you should hear the computer say "H finished" and "K finished"
If you see noise pattern or low-resolution image, repeat the short exposures or contact observing support
When finished, check "Automatically Save" so you don't forget to save your calibration frames
The ICC should now be set up for the night. Now onto taking calibrations.
Starting up the Telescope and Taking CalibrationsLog in with IGRINS account.
Ask for username and password if you do not already know it.
Open night log on Atlas
Open a terminal and type "dr"
Fill out observer name(s)
Set instrument to IGRINS
Check for any notes from the McDonald Observatory staff
Open TCS GUI on Atlas
Open a terminal and type "tcsgui"
Startup the weather station GUI (optional)
Go to a terminal, type > wx_gui
Open monitoring cameras
Open firefox and go to http://nexus.as.utexas.edu
Click "Observing support"
Click "monitoring cameras"
Right click "MONET Sky Camera" and open in new window
Right click "2.7m Tube camera" and open in new window
Right click "2.7m Dome interior" and open in new window
You can shrink size of 2.7m Dome Interior camera image by clicking "1x"
Rearrange monitoring camera windows on the Atlas screens to your preference
Wake up the Instrument Control Computer (ICC), the iMac on the left of the control console.
Close windows that are not needed by you (HKP, DTP, SCP, QLP, IGRINS Hub) on the Desktop if they happen to be open. HKP and the IGRINS Hub should have been open, make sure to close them now. Do not touch any terminals that have hk2firebase.sh (likely in a blue terminal) and mntrun running, just in case they happen to be visible. It is currently set up with three blue terminals that help guide you to the scripts you need.
Open IGRINS Proxy
Likely previously run in one of the blue terminals, you should find which one. Otherwise, open a terminal
> cd ~/igrins_admin
> sh run_tcsproxy.sh
Open IGRINS Hub
Likely previously run in one of the blue terminals, you should find which one. Otherwise, open a terminal or another tab
> cd ~/igrins_admin
> sh run_icshub.sh
Click on 'Update Obsdate'. Make sure Update Obsdate is now the correct (civil) date
Click on 'Check Mount'. If it fails, then mntrun was probably closed (This is what mounts the detector harddrives). Start it up by...
Open a terminal window or tab
> cd ~/igrins_admin
> bash mntrun
Start up the Housekeeping Package (HKP) by clicking "Run HKP" in the IGRINS Hub
In the HKP...
click "Periodic Monitoring"
Make sure "Set Alert (T > 30)" box is checked
Browser (Firefox has all of the bookmarks).
In the IGRINS bookmarks folder open the following:
SNR Quicklook: For looking at the spectra taken throughout the night to verify observations are reaching the required SNR.
Nightly Observing Record: Keeps track of all of the IGRINS observations taken in a night. (Note: The date at the end of the link must be updated to the current observing date from the bookmarked date.)
House Keeping Package: Keeps track of the instrument health--always--monitor to ensure all of IGRINS parameters are within acceptable ranges.
IGRINS Digital Night Log: A google spreadsheet that will auto populate throughout the night per frame taken.
What Target is IGRINS Observing?: Tracks the coordinates put into the TCS, the position angle of the slit, and over-plots the slit onto a 2MASS K-band image of the target. Best if used in parallel with a finder chart, but can be helpful for verifying rotation orientation and pointing.
Open weather related monitoring pages from the McDonald weather links tab in the bookmarks. We recommend the Mt. Lock Live Weather, the McDonald Observatory Clear Sky Chart, and AccuWeather or Windy for cloud monitoring.
Open the VNC Viewer to view the IGRINS computer.
Applications → Internet → VNC Viewer
Input the IGRINS computer password.
On the VNC Viewed IGRINS Computer:
Open a terminal window.
> cd IGRINS_admin
> sh ./run_icshub.sh
The IGRINS Hub should appear--verify that the date of observation is correct.
If “Check Mount” is Failing:
Open a new terminal window.
> cd IGRINS_admin
sh ./mntrun
Enter the IGRINS computer password.
Click the “Check Mount” button in the IGRINS Hub, which should hopefully return the status to “Okay”.
If “Fail” again: remote into IGRINS detector computers. If not able to login [add link], check the computers are turned on in the electronics rack. If they are turned on, there is likely an issue with the fiber optic cable--contact observing support.
Click “run HKP” & verify the health of the instrument.
Open a new terminal window.
> cd IGRINS_admin
sh ./run_all_scripts.sh
The terminal for this should take up the entire length of the screen--it runs multiple scripts with outputs that are hard to read otherwise
This script runs multiple scripts that allow for the use of the firebase apps that update throughout the night (see the IGRINS Bookmarks tab on Atlas Firefox)--these improve quality of life greatly but are not strictly required.
Open a new terminal window.
> cd IGRINS_admin
sh ./run_file_transfer_daemon.sh
This script manages the file transfer between the ICC and the IGRINS computer. Do not close the pop-up window!
On Atlas, Launch the TCS (the first of the red buttons pinned to the Atlas taskbar).
In the IGRINS Hub click “run TCSProxy”.
Verify that the top of the pop-up says “TCSProxy HJST 107””.
Verify that the coordinates from TCSProxy match those in the TCS window on Atlas.
If all of the coordinates read as 0’s, then the Colossus computer might have failed. Phone for observing support locally.
In the IGRINS Hub click “run SCP” and “run DTP”.
On the SCP (Slit Camera Viewer), click “Single” in the Detector Control.
Verify that a slit camera image is produced.
On the DTP (Data Taking Package) click “Test Exposure” on the bottom left under the K-Band image box
Verify that an image is produced in H- and K-Band
Verify that the TCSProxy coordinates are not all 0’s (that the connection between IGRINS and TCS is good).
If all coordinates read as 0’s, then the Colossus computer might have failed. Phone for observing support locally.
If for whatever reason, either of these fail, phone for help!
To enable sounds from the IGRINS observing computer in the observing room:
Open a terminal in Atlas
> cd igrins_tools
> cd play_msg
> /home/igrins/miniconda3/envs/igos3/bin/python play_msg.py (running the script the enables the notification sounds).
On the Atlas computer open the following:
The MONET sky camera (pink “SKY” button pinned to the taskbar).
The HJST dome floor camera (pink “HJST” button pinned to the taskbar).
The HJST slit camera (pink “SLIT” button pinned to taskbar).
Start up the Instrument Control Computer (ICC)
In the IGRINS Hub...
Check terminal windows to see if run_hk2firebase.sh is running (This is what updates the website monitoring IGRINS)
Taking Flats
Go out in the dome
Go to the old control room (Colossus Control Room) and press each of these buttons:
Go to the console and press "Reset". You will here hear a click as the breaks preventing the telescope from moving are released. There should be no messages on the TCS now.
Point the telescope to zenithZenith
Go to the TCS, click the "Next" menu, click "Zenith", and click "Yes" on the warning message that pops up.
Click "Go Next" at the top of the TCS window.
Push the Autoslew button in the dome to move the telescope to the zenithZenith.
Use the console to open the telescope mirror cover
Set up IGRINS and telescope for taking calibrations
Get ready for flats
Go out to the telescope dome and turn on the lights
Open the shutter on top of IGRINS for taking flat frames
Go to the console and open the telescope mirror cover, DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS! IT NEEDS TO BE OPEN FOR FLATS
Lower the platform
Point the telescope at the Flat position
Raise the east platform so you can reach the top of IGRINS
Check console to make sure telescope mirror cover is closed for taking darks
Make sure Open the shutter on top of IGRINS is closed for taking darks
Unravel the Flat lamp power cord tied to side of telescope by undoing bungee cable and the two velcro ties
Test that the Flat lamps are working by plugging in the power cord. The flat lamps should turn on.
Unplug power cord to turn flat lamps off for now because we will start by taking Darks
Turn off dome and passage lights on the console for taking Darks
You can leave the east platform raised while taking calibrations
Taking Darks
Go back to the control room
In the DTP on the ICC...
Make sure "Save Exposure" is checked at the bottom of the DTP. You want to be sure you are saving your calibration frames.
Make sure "H-band", "K-band", and "Sync" are all checked
Set object name to DARK
Set object type to DARK
Set exposure time to 5/30 seconds
Set Fowler Sample number to 3/16
Set repeat number to 10
Click "Start Exposure" to start taking your Dark frames
Dark frames should take about 10 minutes to complete. Computer will say "H finished" and "K finished" when they are done.
Be sure to record all frames taken in your observation logs
- Go to TCS, click the "Next" menu, click "Flat", and click "Yes"
flats
Be sure to secure the window cover arm using the velcro.
- Go to TCS, click the "Next" menu, click "Flat", and click "Yes"
Move the telescope to the Flat position
Go to the TCS, click the “Next” menu, click “Flat”, and click “Yes” on the warning message that pops up.
Click
"Go Next"“Go Next” at the top of the TCS window.
Push the Autoslew button to move the telescope to the Flat position.
Use the yellow hand
-paddle to move the upper
windscreenwind screen all the way down to reveal the full flat screen.
Use the
hand-paddleTCS to
manuallymove the telescope dome to the
Flat position so the black and clear tape on the east side of the dome match up. Typically you want to slow down the dome movement rate to ~50% when doing this
Taking Flat Offs
Go back into the control room“Park” position
Go to the TCS, click the “Tools”, click “Park”, and click “Yes” on the warning message that pops up.
In the Observing Room:
In the DTP on the ICC
...Set object name to FLAT OFF
Set object type to FLAT OFF
Make sure exposure time to 5/30 seconds
Make sure Fowler Sample number is set to 3/16
Make sure repeat number is set to 10
Click "Start Exposure" to start taking your Flat Off framesClick the “FLAT-OFF” button below the K-band image plot.
This will fill the Seq Bar with 10 x E frames, change the object name, object type, and set the exposure time.
Change the exposure time to 20 seconds (if not already set to that).
Change the Object Name to “FLAT 20s” (if not already set to that).
When ready to take the FLAT-OFFs, click the “Start/Resume Sequence” button.
:
Flat Off frames should take about 10 minutes to complete. Computer will say "H finished"
and, "K finished", “Sequence finished” when they are done.
Taking Flat Ons
Go out
Back to the
telescopedome
Plug in the power cable for the flat lampsto turn on the Flat lamps
onGo back in the control roomfor FLAT ON frames
Telescope set up for Flat ONs needs to be described tomorrow (written 20241113).
In the Observing Room:
In the DTP on the ICC...
.Set object name to FLAT ON
Set object type to FLAT ON
Make sure exposure time to 5/30 seconds
Make sure Fowler Sample number is set to 3/16
Make sure repeat number is set to 10
Click "Start Exposure" to start taking your Flat On framesClick the “FLAT-ON” button below the K-band image plot.
This will fill the Seq Bar with 10 x E frames, change the object name, object type, and set the exposure time.
Change the exposure time to 20 seconds (if not already set to that).
Change the Object name to “FLAT 20s” (if not already set to that).
When ready to take the FLAT-ONs, click the “Start/Resume Sequence” button.
Flat On frames should take about 10 minutes to complete. Computer will say "H finished"
and, "K finished", and “Sequence finished” when they are done.
After calibration frames are done being taken...
Go out to the telescope dome and turn on lights
Unplug the power cable to turn the flat lamps off
Raise the platform to reach IGRINS
Wrap flat lamp power cable back onto the side of the telescope and secure it tightly with the bungee cord and velcro ties so that it won't fall off the telescope as the telescope is moved around
Turning off Flat Lamps/stowing wind screen needs to be described tomorrow (written 20241113).
Close the telescope mirror cover on the console so nothing falls on the mirror when moving the upper wind screen
If you are going to dinner or not going to open for a while...
close the IGRINS shutter, the same way that you opened it
lower the platform
Move the telescope to Stow (follow the same procedure as Zenith and Flat positions)
Press E-Stop to power down the telescope motors.
Move the upper wind screen back to its original position using the hand-paddle
If you are ready to open....
lower the platform
go to Dome Opening Procedure
Later when you are ready to open, go to Dome Opening Procedure. Do not forget to go to zenith, raise the platform, and open the IGRINS shutter.
Note: If you leave the Proxy and Hub running all day, you can start the next night by clicking 'Update Obsdate' and then click down the list of Hub buttons.
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