Atlas Startup Guide for Coudé Observing

1. Open applications left to right:

-DS9

-IRAF

-ICE

-TS GUI (TS)

-E-Meter (E-M)

-Autoguider (GDR)

-WFS

-TCS

-NR

More information regarding Atlas Programs.

2. Setup ICE:

-mytasks

-ice

-ice> tonight

-ice> pwd (verify directory is correct)

3. Check detector status:

-ice> v2 status=1

-ice> v2 VG=1,0 – turns vacuum pump on/off

4. Check paramater files:

-ice> epar obspars

-ice> epar instrpars

-ice> epar telpars

-ice> epar detpars

-ice> epar empars

-ice> epar dmode

More information regarding Parameter Files.

5. Verify eschelle and prism positions:

-enable encoder change with the 'Enable' command on TS GUI

-reset positions with 'On Blaze' function

6. Configure and focus TK3:

-ts2cfg (on first night)

-ts23foc

-ensure change is <0.01 pixels

7. Solars:

-take a zero to ensure no light blockage

-enable emeter

-power PMT

-select 500 LP filter

-irafterm max counts 1.25E5

8. Cals:

-ts2cals

-respond to prompts

9. Set Fiducial:

-use 'set' control in the Autoguider GUI

-adjust fiducial to center of slit

10. Focus Guide Camera:

-turn on dome floodlights

-point telescope at dome, not directly at lights

-using the scratches on the slit plug as a reference, adjust camera focus manually

11. Focus scope:

-slew to standard star

-guide on standard star

-insert Wavefront Sensor

-insert a filter such that star + filter ~= 7-8 mag

-30 sec exposure

-adjust telescope focus to returned value

Common Issues:

-leaving insert in beam

-forgetting to guide

-forgetting to 'logout' of ICE