2.7M Telescope Control System

QUICK STARTUP GUIDE

This is a quick and dirty guide to get up and running with the 2.7M TCS system.  Please consult the 2.7M TCS Users Manual for complete instructions and information (found at http://nexus.as.utexas.edu:/obs_sup/man/manuals/TCS/tcs_users_manual.html).


Please note that TCS MUST be running fefore you move the telescope for any reason!

NOTE:  It is the user's responsibility to see that the telescope is operated in a safe manner.  The TCS has several safety features built into it (e.g. auto-slew only from the platform with enable switch).  However, do not count on the automation system to keep you from running the telescope into things or hanging it on cables, etc...).  Safe operation of the telescope is the observer's responsibility.

All users should fully read the 2.7M TCS Users Manual prior to running this system.

Go here for the apogee guider user's manual. Please check the magnetic board slightly above and to the right of oberon's 3 monitors to see which apogee computer to use.

Quick instructions: ssh into apogee or apogee2 as appropriate. "setenv DISPLAY oberon:0.n" (where n is monitor 0, 1, or 2). type "cagdr &" (coude) or "agdr &" (cass). The help feature of the programs has some info but they should look familiar.

To run the 2.7M TCS:

    1. Go to the old 2.7M control room (just northwest of the north telescope pier) and locate colossus (located in the electronics rack just to the left as you enter the room).

    2. Login to the system using the information sheet provided next to the screen.

    3. After logging in, the Xwindow system should start.

      • If it does not start and you are sitting at a command line prompt, issue the command "startx".

      • If the screen appears to by "scrambled" (not properly synched) after Xwindows starts, go to the computer screen by the north pier and press CTRL-ALT-+ a couple of times until the screen unscrambles. Use the "+" on the keypad, NOT on the main keyboard.

    4. If the TCS GUI is flashing a "TCS Connect Error", use the Special TCS GUI menu and choose "Restart TCS Monitor".  Wait ~15-20 seconds, then the "TCS Connect Error" message should clear and the TCS GUI should start updating. Please note that the telescope must be at the zenith when starting TCS MON. Pointing will be off if you do not.

    5. Power up the telescope amps & bearing pumps.

    6. After the telescope is powered up and the TCS GUI is up and running, turn on the telescope control console and then press RESET. (Make sure you press the RESET button and not the Emergency Stop button that is right next to it and looks about the same!)

    7. Check the mount model & obstruction mask to make sure that they are set to the desired setup (also check any instrument specific settings at this time as well).

    8. Now choose what object you want to point at via the NEXT menu on the TCS GUI.

    9. Click on the "GO NEXT" button the the TCS GUI.

    10. Press and hold the "AUTO" button on the dead man switch (located some place around the monitor or control console).

    11. Release the "AUTO" button when the telescope has reached its final destination.  (Note: if you inadvertently release the button too soon, simply depress it again and the telescope will resume its motion).

To shut down the system for the night, stow the telescope and then press any of the emergency stop buttons.

To display the TCS GUI from any other monitor (ex. oberon--any of the Suns in the control room may be used):

  1. Login to Oberon as yourself.

  2. Now start the TCSGUI by entering the command "tcsgui" in one of Oberon's windows.The full path, if necessary, is /opt/local/bin/tcsgui.

    MF 08-May-2008