CE Guider Operation

JM 20 Feb 2000

updated 02 Jun 2006 MF, WDC

The Cass Echelle Guider is operated from the PC to the left of Miranda in the 82" control room. It uses the Microluminetics CCD hardware that is mounted on the CE.

To start the program:
               Click on Start
               Click on Programs
               Click on Cryocam
               Click on Cryocam

OR click on the Cryocam icon on the Desktop

Several windows will pop up. The default settings are a 'Normal' (Full Frame) exposure, at 0.15 seconds exposure time, 2x2 binning with camera cooling set to -50 degrees.

To set camera for guiding:

Click on the Exp. Type button
- Click on Guide (bottom menu entry)
- Click on Apply
To start guiding readouts, click the Start button
To end guiding readouts, click the End button

In Guide mode, you get a crosshair cursor displayed on the image. When the camera is NOT actively exposing, you can position this cursor wherever you want by holding down the SHIFT key on the keyboard and pushing the direction arrows.

To change integration time:

If the camera is in guiding mode, click the End button
Click Edit Time
Use the up and down arrow buttons to modify the exposure time
Click Apply
If needed, click Start to start guiding at the new integration time

To do a full frame readout:
Click on Start. After the image displays, moving the cursor around the 'Image Display' window will allow you to determine the x,y location of the cursor and the associated adu value for that pixel.

To do a faster sub-frame readout of the Microluminetics camera:
On the Sun computer:

Use ice to view a readout of the science CCD (to see the slit).

(Move to position #6 defines in the fts parameter in the instruments parameter file.)
On the Win98 PC:

Simultaneously hit SHIFT, CLICK & DRAG a windows around the slit (or the area of interest) using the mouse and keyboard. A box will appear. This is the sub-frame area.
Pull down the CCD Sub-window menu and click on 'Update camera with ABOVE window setting.'
Click on exposure type; change it to Guide.
Click on Start. This does sub-frame readouts at the specified exposure time.