82" Observer's Checklist

Note 1: Watch the video tutorials and then get proper on-site training and authorization before using OST.

Note 2: Always complete the Daily (Night) Report using the program dr, regardless of whether or not there was observing. Complete all mandatory fields labeled in RED. Note problems in the Observer’s comment field, and use the Request Help button to get telephone contact information and to file a Work Request in our maintenance system. You may Submit your own report at the end of the night or let Observing Support do it for you. Normally dr is kept running and there's no need to exit.

EVENING PREPARATION

Check weather monitor in control room and obey any closure message. Do not power up the telescope if there’s lightning in the area. Do not open the dome if the weather monitor warns of nearby precipitation.
Check that Track82 is running in dome and control room.
Create work list in control room Track82. See OST videos on Track82.
Power on the console using the green power button. Note: Use only the SHIFT key for commanding a move from Track82. Use the console foot pedal or SHIFT key when commanding a move from the console.
Wait about 10 seconds for Track82's greeting before attempting to move anything.
Raise the upper curtain to dump any water and debris onto the west mezzanine, i.e. with the dome at 6H east.
Move telescope to zenith using the Zenith button in Track82 for access to instrument/eye-piece. Raise the platforms with caution.
Open dome if conditions permit.
Open the mirror cover and extend the baffle tube. Note: Mirror cover can only be opened at ZD>50º. The mirror cover and baffle tube are interlocked: you cannot extend the baffle tube until the mirror cover is open, and you cannot close the mirror cover until the baffle tube is retracted.

OBSERVING

Lower platforms to ensure SAFE clearance.
Turn RA tracking on in Track82. Track82 will not let you use GO without RA tracking on.
Turn on passage lights so you can safely watch the telescope and dome motion.
Click on desired line in work list and check Limit Minutes above the work list for availability.
Hold down the SHIFT key click GO on Track82. Keep the SHIFT key down for the whole move. The telescope will stop on target and give an audible cue. Note: each Track82 has an independent work list. However, if you select your target in the control room Track82 and click GO, the position will be transferred to the registers in the dome Track82, ready for SHIFT+GO.
While the telescope is moving, rotate the dome using the value in the ephemera above the work list. In the dome control box, the "Set dome to" value is for the current position of the telescope. When dome is within one hour of desired position, click "Follow Telescope" to enable dome automation. Note: Observers using Track82 in the control room must enable dome automation only in the control room.
Turn off passage lights - the monitor in the dome will blank after 1 minute.

SAFETY (COLLISION)

Main hazards are the catwalk stairs, pulpits, crane/bridge, bridge support cables, and north pier.
Absolute DEC limit is -40° in Tube East.
Dome response can be slow. If the dome sticks - most likely in the northeast - move the other way and then resume motion. Dome automation will disengage if the dome rotation is stalled.

SHUTDOWN

Turn on passage lights for safety.
Retract the baffle tube and close the mirror cover.
Close the dome, stow the lower curtain, center the upper curtain at the zenith, and rotate the dome to 6H east.
Click STOW in Track82. This will safely move the telescope to prevent the declination chain from derailing.
Turn OFF console power (green button).
Complete Daily (Night) Report (see above.)

82” OPERATIONAL TIPS/NOTES

FOCUS counts: BFR 60,000. ProEM 38,000. ETSI 52,000.
E-STOP procedure: First step should be hitting green console POWER button. If this fails to stop the telescope, then try E-STOP. If this fails, try E-STOP in breaker room.
To recover from E-STOP, press the green RESET button in the breaker room. This will produce a LOUD BANG.
Zeroing may only be necessary if the instrument was just mounted and the pointing seems far off. Use Zenith Stars button in Track82 to select a bright star, and follow the directions given by Track82.

82” Observing Limits and Safety