Troubleshooting

Telescope - CCD - Gateway PC


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Telescope

  1. The dome is turning and won't stop.
    Did you turn AUTO DOME and DOME TRACK on before the focus initialization was finished?! (tsk, tsk)
    1. Set the "HALT MOTORS" switch in.
    2. Turn the power strip off.
    3. Turn AUTO DOME and DOME TRACK off.
    4. Turn the power strip to start over, and be more patient this time!

    5. The telescope won't move.
      Check that:
      • the "DRIVES/OFF" toggle switch is on "DRIVES" (up)
      • the "HALT MOTORS" switch is out
      • the target object is not out of range (see bottom center of display monitor)
      • the telescope is not approaching the horizon limit (see bottom center of display monitor)

    6. The telescope isn't tracking properly.
      Check that:
      • the "TRACK/OFF" toggle switch is on "TRACK" (up)
      • the "TRACK/AUX TRACK" toggle switch is on "TRACK" (up)
      • the track rates are 15.000 for R.A. and 0.000 for DEC. (in the RATES window on the telescope control monitor)
      • the "HALT MOTORS" switch is out

    7. The telescope isn't pointing properly.
      • Check the date and time. Reset if necessary.
        (Remember the date and time are UT, not local. Add 5 hours to EST, add 4 hours to EDT; advance the date if the UT is past midnight.)
      • Initialize the telescope position on a bright star.

    8. General last-ditch procedure:
      1. Return the telescope to the zenith (if possible).
      2. Depress the "HALT MOTORS" button.
      3. Turn off the power strip.
      4. Count to 10.
      5. Turn on the power strip and start up as usual.


    CCD


    Gateway PC


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