INTERACTIVE+observing+run+for+the+DOME


 * To perform an INTERACTIVE observing run for the DOME, follow the procedure below:-**
 * 1) Read the USER GUIDE on line
 * 2) Gain access to the observatory PC using VNC.
 * 3) Look at the LED indicator panel lights in the web cam to see if it is OK to observe. Also, check the status of the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to ensure that it is consistent with the web cam. If not then wait!
 * 4) Goto ACP and ensure that the telescope and camera are connected by clicking (top tool bar of the ACP window) on Telescope and then Camera in turn. If they are Disconnected then click it to change them to Connected. The telescope driver will connect to ACP. MaxImDL (the camera control software) will start up (if it was not Connected). Power to the camera is automatically applied when the dome is opened.
 * 5) Goto the Plans used for ACP using explorer. These are located in C:\Documents and Settings\Datscope\My Documents\ACP Astronomy\Plans
 * 6) There are two plans that are useful for interactive use. SINGLE IMAGE and AUTO STACKALIGN. Open the appropriate plan by double clicking. Change the INTERVAL (this is the exposure time) if required, but keep to 20 or below to prevent tracking problems.
 * 7) Change the COUNT (if using AUTO STACKALIGN) to how many exposures you want. Keep this to 20 or below.
 * 8) Change the NGC reference to M if required
 * 9) Change the NGC number to what you require (NOTE: a space is required between the NGC, or M reference and the number e.g. NGC 1234, not NGC1234)
 * 10) Save this modified text file (Click on File and then Save for that text file window)
 * 11) Close the text file
 * 12) Go back to ACP and click on RUN on the lower right of the window.
 * 13) The telescope will now automatically slew to the object and the dome will open. Use the web cam and the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to monitor the enclosure status. Look at Cartes Du Ciel to monitor the telescope position on sky.
 * 14) ACP/MaxImDL will take the required images automatically when ontarget. Use MaxImDL to monitor the images. Do not interrupt the programme or stop it from imaging.
 * 15) Images are automatically saved in a folder of the days date on the Weather station hard drive. See Access to Images
 * 16) To take another image, or to change the target goto step 5.
 * 17) When observations are complete. Disconnect the camera in ACP.
 * 18) Park the telescope in ACP (click Telescope, in the top tool bar of ACP) and then click park.
 * 19) ACP will then Park the telescope and close the dome. Use the web cam and the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to monitor the status of the enclosure and telescope.
 * 20) If the enclosure does not close. Use the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to try and close the enclosure by first clicking on Operate Enclosure, or by un-checking the Enable Enclosure box.

Any issues check USER GUIDE (20 inch F4) FAILURE RECOVERY For other modes of operation see USER GUIDE (20 inch F4)