This is a summary of normal IGRINS use for observers at the McDonald 2.7m telescope 

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1. On Atlas

   1. Log in with IGRINS account.

      1. Ask for username and password if you do not already know it.

   2. Open Browser (Firefox has all of these bookmarked).

      1. In the IGRINS bookmarks folder open the following:

         1. SNR Quicklook (http://192.168.2.2/?obsdate=date): For looking at the spectra taken throughout the night to verify observations are reaching the required SNR. Note: The date at the end of the link must be updated to the current observing date from the bookmarked date.

         2. Nightly Observing Record (https://igrins-status.firebaseapp.com/night/date) : Keeps track of all of the IGRINS observations taken in a night. Note: The date at the end of the link must be updated to the current observing date from the bookmarked date.

         3. House Keeping Package: Keeps track of the instrument health--always--monitor to ensure all of IGRINS parameters are within acceptable ranges.

         4. IGRINS Digital Night Log: A google spreadsheet that will auto populate throughout the night per frame taken.

         5. What Target is IGRINS Observing?: Tracks the coordinates put into the TCS, the position angle of the slit, and over-plots the slit onto a 2MASS K-band image of the target. Best if used in parallel with a finder chart, but can be helpful for verifying rotation orientation and pointing.

      2. Open weather related monitoring pages from the McDonald weather links tab in the bookmarks. We recommend the Mt. Lock Live Weather, the McDonald Observatory Clear Sky Chart, and Hodar or National Weather Service for cloud/rain monitoring.

      3. If you want a double check on closing for weather, we recommend keeping the HETSky and HET Night Report Reader pages open. You can monitor when HET closes for weather throughout the night. Note: HET has stricter opening conditions and is on a different peak, keep this in mind.

      4. If you want to see some estimates of live seeing on Mt. Fowlkes (if the LCO telescopes are open and running) check out this link.

   3. Open the VNC Viewer to view the IGRINS computer.

      1. Applications → Internet → VNC Viewer

      2. Connect to the IGRINS ICC. Should only require a double click, but you can follow the steps below if needed.

         1. From atlas use the internal ip address 198.168.2.2 but if connecting from outside the network use the external ip address (might need to use McDonald VPN): 198.214.229.87

         2. Port: 5902

         3. Username: admin

         4. Password: [ask someone if you don’t know it. It is the standard IGRINS password]

      3. Input the IGRINS computer password.

2. On the VNC-viewed IGRINS Computer (ICC):

   1. Note: If you are not the first observer in an IGRINS observing block, most of these scripts will already be running. Be sure to check that they are at the beginning of every night. Regardless if IGRINS is on or off the telescope the ICC should always be running the run_icshub.sh script since this enables the House Keeping Package (monitoring the health of IGRINS). Never close the terminal running run_icshub.shat the end of a night of observing. We include how to run all of the scripts IGRINS requires to function for a night of observing for clarity, even though most of them run on the ICC at all times.

   2. Open a terminal window.

      1. > cd ~/igrins_admin

      2. > sh ./run_icshub.sh

         1. The IGRINS Hub should appear--verify that the date of observation is correct.

         2. Click “check Mount”. It should say “Okay.” If “Check Mount” is Failing:

            1. Open a new terminal window.

            2. > cd ~/igrins_admin

            3. sh ./mntrun

            4. Enter the IGRINS computer password.

            5. Click the “Check Mount” button in the IGRINS Hub, which should hopefully return the status to “Okay”.

               1. If “Fail” again: remote into IGRINS detector computers. If not able to login [add link], check the computers are turned on in the electronics rack. If they are turned on, there is likely an issue with the fiber optic cable--contact observing support.

         3. Click “run HKP” & verify the health of the instrument.

   3. Open a new terminal window.

      1. > cd ~/igrins_admin

      2. sh ./run_all_scripts.sh

         1. The terminal for this should take up the entire length of the screen--it runs multiple scripts with outputs that are hard to read otherwise

         2. This script runs multiple scripts that allow for the use of the firebase apps that update throughout the night (see the IGRINS Bookmarks tab on Atlas Firefox)--these improve quality of life greatly but are not strictly required.

   4. Open a new terminal window.

      1. > cd ~/igrins_admin

      2. sh ./run_file_transfer_daemon.sh

         1. This script manages the file transfer between the ICC and the IGRINS computer. Do not close the pop-up window!

3. On Atlas, Launch the TCS. Make sure you are using the '2.7m Cass F/9' mount model.

4. In the IGRINS Hub click “run TCSProxy”.

   1. Verify that the top of the pop-up says “TCSProxy HJST 107””.

   2. Verify that the coordinates from TCSProxy match those in the TCS window on Atlas.

      1. If all of the coordinates read as 0’s, then the Colossus computer might have failed. Phone for observing support locally.

5. In the IGRINS Hub click “run SCP” and “run DTP”.

   1. On the SCP (Slit Camera Viewer), click “Single” in the Detector Control (box 13).

      1. Verify that a slit camera image is produced (box 5).

   2. On the DTP (Data Taking Package) click “Test Exposure” on the bottom left under the K-Band image box (box 1)

      1. Verify that an image is produced in H- and K-Band

      2. Verify that the TCSProxy coordinates are not all 0’s (that the connection between IGRINS and TCS is good).

         1. If all coordinates read as 0’s, then the Colossus computer might have failed. Phone for observing support locally.

   3. If for whatever reason, either of these fail, phone for help!

6. To enable sounds from the IGRINS observing computer in the observing room:

   1. Open a terminal in Atlas (NOT the ICC! Open the terminal on ATLAS!)

   2. > cd igrins_tools

   3. > cd play_msg

   4. > /home/igrins/miniconda3/envs/igos3/bin/python play_msg.py (running the script the enables the notification sounds).

7. On the Atlas computer open the following:

   1. The MONET sky camera (pink “SKY” button pinned to the taskbar).

   2. The HJST dome floor camera (pink “HJST” button pinned to the taskbar).

   3. The HJST slit camera (pink “SLIT” button pinned to taskbar).

   4. The Night Report (enter name info and add report content throughout the night).

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1. Go out in the dome

   1. Go to the old control room (Colossus Control Room) and press each of these buttons:

      

   2. Go to the console and press "Reset".  You will hear a click as the breaks preventing the telescope from moving are released. There should be no messages on the TCS now.

      

   3. Move the telescope to the Flat position

      1. On the TCS monitor in the dome, click the “Next” menu, click “Flat”, and click “Yes” on the warning message that pops up.

      2. Click “Go Next” at the top of the TCS window.

      3. Push the Autoslew button to move the telescope to the Flat position.

      4. Use the yellow hand paddle to move the upper wind screen all the way down to reveal the full flat screen.

         

   4. If the dome is not in the “Park” position, use the TCS to move the telescope dome to the “Park” position

      1. Using the TCS monitor in the dome, click the “Tools”, click “Park”, and click “Yes” on the warning message that pops up.

   5. Set up IGRINS and telescope for taking calibrations

      1. Raise the east platform so you can reach the top of IGRINS

      2. Open the shutter on top of IGRINS is for taking flats

      3. Be sure to secure the window cover arm using the velcro.

         

      4. Lower the east platform back down.

      5. Use the console to open the telescope mirror cover.

   6. Turn off all the lights in the dome and cover the TCS monitor in the dome with the blackout fabric.

2. In the Observing Room:

   1. In the DTP on the ICC:

      1. Click the “FLAT-OFF” button below the K-band image plot (box 1).

         1. Click “Yes” on the pop-up that appears (this just fills in the Object Name and Exposure Time in the DTP).

         2. This will fill the Seq Bar with 10 x E frames, change the object name, object type, and set the exposure time (boxes 7, 3, and 6).

      2. If there are 3 flat lamps working you will need 30 second exposures, if all 4 are working then 20 second exposures will do.

      3. Change the exposure time to 30 seconds (box 6; if not already set to that).

      4. Change the Object Name to “FLAT 30s” (box 3; if not already set to that).

      5. Verify that Frametype is “OFF”.

      6. When ready to take the FLAT-OFFs, click the “Start/Resume Sequence” button (box 8).

   2. FLAT OFF frames should take about 10 minutes to complete.  Computer will say "H finished", "K finished", “Sequence finished” when they are done.

3. Back to the dome to turn on the Flat lamps for FLAT ON frames

   1. Turn on the dome passage lights for safety.

   2. Move the rolling stairs from their stowed location to platform east near the telescope

      1. Ensure the location you place the rolling stairs is clear of the telescope and not off the moving platform entirely.

         

   3. Raise the platform using the yellow hand paddle until you will be able to reach the plug for the flat lamps on the side of the telescope

      1. !! Make sure you do not get close enough to bump IGRINS with the raising platform !!

   4. Plug the flat lamp power cable into the side of the telescope, see images below

      

   5. Turn off the dome passage lights.

4. In the Observing Room:

   1. In the DTP on the ICC...

      1. Click the “FLAT-ON” button below the K-band image plot (box 1).

         1. Click “Yes” on the pop-up that appears (this just fills in the Object Name and Exposure time in the DTP).

         2. This will fill the Seq Bar with 10 x E frames, change the object name, object type, and set the exposure time (boxes 7, 3, and 6).

      2. If there are 3 flat lamps working you will need 30 second exposures, if all 4 are working then 20 second exposures will do.

      3. The peak counts per FLAT exposure should be between 6,000 and 12,000 counts (H-band will always be higher than K-band). Inspect the FLATS in DS9 or check the peak flux counts in the SNR quicklook tool (see 1.b. in the Setup above).

      4. Change the exposure time to 30 (or 20) seconds (box 6; if not already set to that).

      5. Change the Object name to “FLAT 30s” (box 3; if not already set to that).

      6. Verify that Frametype is “ON”.

      7. When ready to take the FLAT-ONs, click the “Start/Resume Sequence” button (box 8).

      8. Check the counts using the SNR Quicklook applet (see Step 1b) for the first Flat ON. Counts should be around 10k in H-band (and a little lower in K-band).

         1. If the counts are significantly below 10k, leave a note in the night log for the day crew to inspect the flat lamps and retake the flats with a higher exposure time. Note the correct flats to use in the IGRINS digital log (see Step 1b).

   2. FLAT ON frames should take about 10 minutes to complete.  Computer will say "H finished", "K finished", and “Sequence finished” when they are done.

   3. If you changed the FLAT exposure time in the FLAT ON process, then retake the FLAT OFF exposures with the same exposure time.

   4. When the sequence is finished, in the dome turn off flat lamps and return the upper wind screen to its stow position using the hand paddle.

      1. Close the telescope mirror cover on the console so nothing falls on the mirror when moving the upper wind screen.

         

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The Data Taking Package is used to acquire IGRINS spectra throughout a night of observing. Check out the simple instructions on how to use the DTP here and for a more detailed description of all the button options check out the DTP GUI outline here.

!! Taking a 300s SKY Frame each night !!

The PLP requires a 300s SKY frame for deriving the wavelength solution. If you do not observe a sky frame your wavelength solution will not be as accurate and you will frustrate whoever ends up reducing your data. A sky frame should be observed near the middle of the night if possible.

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Finally, calculate the exposure time using the K-band magnitude in SIMBAD required to reach at least the desired SNR of your target observation(s) using the equation found in the SNR Estimates and Guidelines at McDonald. If your A0V star does not meet the required SNR for your observations, even if your target reaches the required SNR, your final reduced data will not reach your required SNR.

Once your standard is observed, it is good practice to note what standard goes with what target in the IGRINS Digital Night Log in the comments field for the target and in your personal notes for the night. This is helpful when crafting recipe files for reductions to ensure the correct standard is paired with the correct target, especially in cases where multiple targets will share the same standard.

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1. Move the telescope to Zenith

   1. Using the TCS select Next → Zenith and click yes on all of the pop-up windows.

   2. Click “Go Next” at the top of the TCS window.

2. Slew the telescope to Zenith by holding down the Autoslew botton on the dome floor console.

3. NEW METHOD FOR NOW: Find the pipe titled “IGRINS ROTATOR TOOL” which might be behind and place it on the East Platform floor in a way to ensure it won’t roll off. You will use it as a lever to turn the instrument.

   

4. Ensure the rolling ladder for plugging in the flat lamps is not under the telescope.

5. Use the yellow hand paddle to raise platform east until you can comfortably reach the mount that connects IGRINS to the telescope.

   1. Not so high that IGRINS or the electronics rack will hit the platform floor!

6. OLD METHOD IGNORE FOR NOW: Get the wheel attachment and wrench from the red tool box on the opposite side of platform east (see image in step 7 below; found near the ladder that brings you to the second floor in the dome) or kept on the dome console.

7. There are four screws on the IGRINS rotator plate that need to be loosened.

   1. 3 should have star-like handles (boxed in pink in the image below) you can manually loosen (unless a Darrin has been applied recently… then good luck)

   2. The last screw is a large hex screw (on the corner of the rotator plate near the calibration unit; boxed in orange in the image below) that needs to be unscrewed using the large hex wrench (pointed to with the red arrow in the image below) kept on the top of the dome control console.

      

8. OLD METHOD IGNORE FOR NOW: Once all of the screws on the rotator plate are loosened, attach the wheel attachment to the rotator peg on the rotator plate.

   1. This can be a little fussy to attach because the wheel and peg have interlocking parts, so a headlamp or flashlight can be helpful for getting the right orientation of the wheel.

   2. You’ll know the wheel is in position when it is near flush against the rotator peg.

      

9. OLD METHOD IGNORE FOR NOW:Turn the wheel to rotate IGRINS in the appropriate direction.

   1. This requires some elbow grease!

   2. If you have difficulty moving IGRINS with the wheel alone, attempt applying some pressure on the edges of the electronics rack to loosen the rotator plate.

   3. DO NOT PUSH ON THE CRYOSTAT

10. NEW METHOD FOR NOW: Close the IGRINS shutter to ensure no dust or debris falls in when rotating with the pipe.

    

11. NEW METHOD FOR NOW: Place the IGRINS ROTATOR TOOL pipe between holes in the black bracket that mounts IGRINS to the telescope in such a way that you can then use the pipe as a lever to turn the instrument on the backend of the telescope. Place the pipe in the mounting bracket from on the side of IGRINS opposite of fromthe cold head and readout electronics to avoid accidently damaging those components and to be on the same side as the encoder. There are a couple ways you could place the pipe, but the location pictured below keeps the pipe angled below the back end of the telescope.

    

12. NEW METHOD FOR NOW: Push on the end of the pipe using it as lever to rotate the instrument to your desired position angle. This might require some strength. Be very careful not to run into hoses, wires, or the backend of the telescope. You might need to readjust the placement of the pipe Check the encoder to ensure you rotate IGRINS to the desired position angle.

    

13. Encoder settings for different position angles can be found here.

    1. Once you think you are close to your desired rotation position check the value on the encoder and adjust as needed.

14. Once you reach the desired position

    1. OLD METHOD IGNORE FOR NOW:Remove the wheel and return it to the tool box. NEW METHOD FOR NOW: Slowly remove the pipe and place it carefully on the floor of the East Platform. DO NOT FORGET: Reopen the IGRINS shutter.

    2. Screw in the 3 star-handled screws on the rotator plate. They should be tight!

    3. Use the wrench to tighten the last special screw and return the wrench to it’s found location.

15. Verify that the cooling cables are NOT UNDER THE PLATFORM before using the hand paddle on the dome floor console to lower platform east.

    1. This may require that you lower the platform a little, jump off, adjust the cables, and continue lowering the platform (repeat as needed).

16. NEW METHOD FOR NOW: Return the IGRINS ROTATOR TOOL pipe to where you originally found it.

17. In the control room:

    1. In the ICC on the SCV GUI change the the rotator value (box 10) and on the TCSProxy change the rotator value.

    2. Resume observing!

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1. Close the Mirror Window Cover

   1. Using the button on the Colossus Console (the console in the dome with all the red buttons). You should hear the motor stop when it is fully closed.

2. Move the telescope to Zenith

   1. Using the TCS select Next → Zenith and click yes on all of the pop-up windows

3. Close the IGRINS window cover

   1. Rotate IGRINS back to a PA of 90 degrees, if needed

   2. Raise the east platform using the yellow hand paddle

   3. Close the IGRINS window cover using the handle

   4. Be sure to secure the handle using the velcro strip

4. Stow the telescope

   1. Using the TCS select Next → Stow and click yes on all of the pop-up windows

   2. Press and hold the button on the dome floor console to move the telescope to the stow position

5. Close the dome

   1. Using the button on the Colossus Console. There will be a loud sound when it finishes closing.

6. Put any wind screens that are over the dome slit back to their stow positions using the hand paddle

7. Park the dome

   1. Using the TCS select Tools → Park Dome and click yes on all of the pop-up windows

8. Close the dome doors

9. Close the dome vents

   1. Using the control panel on the East side of the dome near the door

10. Turn on the passage lights (only once dome is closed fully)

    1. Using the button on the Colossus Console

11. E-stop the telescope

    1. Using the button on the Colossus Console

12. From the control room

    1. If you are observing for multiple nights in a row, it is okay to leave all of the ICC terminals and ATLAS internet tabs open from night to night, they will reopen in their same positions when you login for following nights. On ATLAS you will have to reopen TCS, VNC Viewer for ICC, and run the IGRINS sound script again between nights.

       1. X out the IGRINS SVC GUI and the DTP GUI. Do not close the IGRINS Hub. If the SVC and DTP are not X-ed out the civil date and frame number for observations will not reset automatically.

    2. If it is your last night, close all of the ATLAS tabs and the data taking GUIs on the ICC (leave the IGRINS Hub running). Leave the HKP running on the ICC.

13. Fill out the Night Report!

    1. Record night hours observed, leave notes for the daytime team if you ran into technical issues, and then DO NOT SUBMIT the night report--instead click “Exit”. This allows the daytime team to respond to any concerns/report any fixes made during the day, they will submit the report.

    2. Logout of ATLAS.

14. Turn off the heater/AC in the observing room if used.

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