This Quick-Start tutorial assumes the user is operating the telescope from the Haystack Control Room.
| 1. Obtaining a user password and data processing disk space | ||
| User passwords must be obtained from the observatory to operate the 37-meter telescope. Passwords are usually issued for a limited time to allow for planned observation and subsequent data processing. Disk space usage is limited only by the size and scope of the project. The observatory requires the user to follow certain naming conventions for directories and sub-directories to allow the system administrator to manage the available space and make summary judgments when there is need to clear the disk. The users will be informed when the data area will be cleared and archived but we strongly urge all users to format and port their data at the time of their observations since we do not guarantee the availability of their working data files for any extended period nor can we guarantee timely retrieval of their raw data from archive tape. Login to the telescope control computer (named "new" Fourier) in the Haystack control room. At the X-window system prompt type: user@fourier> USThis will open two X-windows (one titled Xterm Log and the other Xterm Umbrla) and a TCL/TK window entitled WatchThis. The Xterm Log window reports output from two telescope control programs Upoint and Dop. The Xterm Umbrla window is the user interface to the telescope using the Umbrella script program to send discreet commands and automatic schedule files to the telescope control programs. When the windows have been opened the user then must "set up" the necessary radiometer equipment, adjacent to the control room, appropriate to the receiver being used in the observing program. |
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| 2. Setup of radiometer equipment | ||
In most cases, the radiometer setup will be complete prior to the user's arrival. Telescope users should consult with observatory staff about the status of the radiometer setup.Radiometer SetupThe setup book contains digital images of the equipment racks annotated with instructions on the specific switch settings and meter adjustments necessary to operate at specific frequency ranges. The instructions are listed only as needed, in other words, the user should take all actions listed and nothing more. There are NO implied actions. All switch settings and setup parameters are clearly marked and explained. The radiometer equipment bays in the hallways and in the Haystack control room are sequentially numbered with the label at the top of each rack.
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| 3. Secure the 37-meter telescope for operation | ||
After the radiometer hardware setup is completed, the next action is securing the 37-meter antenna for operation. This requires a series of safety checks and inspections and then the transfer of the telescope from manual to computer control. Radome walkaroundA walk through of the 37-meter telescope radome to verify that crane equipment is stowed, there are no obstructions to antenna motion, there are no obvious equipment or system failures and that all personnel have vacated the telescope structure and motion area. Check for personnelAfter the radome walk around, ensure that all telescope tower access keys are in place and that any person whose name remains on the tower access list is located and informed of the commencement of operations. |
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| 4. Enter Setup Parameters into Umbrella and Initialize Pointing | ||
The next step is to go back to the telescope control computer called "4ea" (Fourier) and enter the setup parameters for your observations in the Umbrella X-term window. This can be entered as a defined Umbrella macro or as discreet Umbrella primitives. The user should set the minimum number of primitives listed below and it is suggested that the user list the primitives in the order given. (See the Umbrella manual for detailed explanations of each primitive)
Please enter the following commands IN ORDERYou have now initialized the pointing program. You may now return to the telescope control console and enable the azimuth and elevation drives to computer control. |
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| 5. Initialize Telescope Motion | ||
| Having completed the radiometer and Umbrella setup, you must now clear the telescope motion interlocks and enable computer control. Please follow these steps in order. Go to the telescope control panel microphone and announce: "The Haystack telescope will be moved in Azimuth and Elevation!"Above the sloped telescope control panel is a flat panel with a 1 inch diameter red knob with a circular arrow pattern Release the round arrow switch 1/4 turn to the rightThe Azimuth Interlock and Personal Safety Interlock lights will turn from RED to GREEN The On the slanted panel to the upper left: Push the "Stowed/Unstowed" buttonThe button will blink until the stow pin is retracted (the upper "green" light panel will show ALL GREEN now) When the telescope is unstowed AND the light panel shows ALL GREEN, at the SLANTED panel: Push the Elevation Drive ONThe telescope should now slew to the source you entered in section 4. |
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