INTERACTIVE+observing+run+for+the+RUN+OFF+ROOF


 * To perform an INTERACTIVE observing run for the RUN OFF ROOF, follow the procedure below:-**
 * 1) Read the USER GUIDE on line.
 * 2) Gain access to the observatory PC using VNC.
 * 3) Check the status of the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to ensure that the weather is OK. If not then wait!
 * 4) Check the status of the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to ensure that the telescope is PARKED. If not STOP!
 * 5) Ensure the Enclosure ENABLED check box is ticked. The enclosure status should be CLOSED.
 * 6) Ensure the CCD power ENABLED check box is ticked and the CCD power is ON. If not goto 7. If yes goto 8.
 * 7) If not then click on the 'Enable CCD power' check box and then click the 'CCD Power' button. The CCD Power Status should change from OFF to ON. It will now take at leats 5 minutes to cool to -20 deg/C. Images taken earlier will be displayed but may not calibrate or display well.
 * 8) Check the webcam to see if it is consistent with the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen (roof closed, looks parked etc).
 * 9) Goto ACP and ensure that the telescope is connected. If ACP is connected to the telescope then the RA/DEC/ALT/AZ coordinates will be displayed. Also, the Telescope tab in the top tool bar will say 'Disconnect' and not 'Connect'. If it is Connected goto 13.
 * 10) If the telescope is not connected. Click 'Telescope' on the top tool bar of the ACP window and then click 'Connect'. NOW WAIT FOR 2 MINUTES AS THE MOUNT WILL REBOOT!
 * 11) After 2 minutes PARK the telescope in ACP. Check on the webcam it looks parked. If it does, then UNPARK in ACP. WAIT AGAIN ANOTHER 2 MINUTES!
 * 12) The above 9, 10 and 11 gives time for the mount to stabilise. Watch the webcam. You will see the telescope move in RA slightly. This is the mount initialising.
 * 13) Goto ACP and check that the camera is connected. Click on 'Camera' in the ACP tool bar. If it is connected is will report 'Disconnect'. If it is Connected goto 15.
 * 14) If the Camera is not connected, click connect. MaximDL will now start and be conneced to the camera as well.
 * 15) Goto the Plans used for ACP using explorer. These are located in C:\Documents and Settings\Datscope\My Documents\ACP Astronomy\Plans
 * 16) 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 60 or below to prevent tracking problems.
 * 17) Change the COUNT (if using AUTO STACKALIGN) to how many exposures you want. Keep this to 20 or below.
 * 18) Change the NGC reference to M if required (NOTE: a space is required between the M reference and the number e.g. M 31, M 45 etc, not M45)
 * 19) Change the NGC number to what you require (NOTE: a space is required between the NGC reference and the number e.g. NGC 1234, not NGC1234)
 * 20) Save this modified text file (Click on File and then Save for that text file window)
 * 21) Close the text file
 * 22) Go back to ACP and click on RUN on the lower right of the window.
 * 23) The telescope will now automatically slew to the object and the Run off roof will open. Use the web cam and the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to monitor the enclosure status.
 * 24) 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.
 * 25) Images are automatically saved in a folder of the days date on the Weather station hard drive. See Access to Images
 * 26) To take another image, or to change the target goto step 5.
 * 27) When observations are complete. Disconnect the camera in ACP. Then goto the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen and click on the CCD Power button. Tthe CCD Power Status should change from ON to OFF
 * 28) Park the telescope in ACP (click Telescope, in the top tool bar of ACP) and then click park.
 * 29) ACP will then Park the telescope and close the Run off roof. Use the web cam and the Observatory Auxiliary Control screen to monitor the status of the enclosure and telescope.
 * 30) 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)