ART - Quick Start

ART was designed to be a remote/robotic telescope which could be operated from anywhere. Since 2017, AOP internet services have been restricted, so that ART can only be accessed from an internal AOP address. External operations are still possible by setting up a remote connection to a suitable onsite machine, for example using a client such as TeamViewer, ssh -x, or otherwise, and thence to establish a remote connection to the ART services.

Remote viewing

artcam * only accessible internally or via a remote desktop connection

Remote power control

artvera * only accessible internally or via a remote desktop connection

Remote desktop connection

From within Observatory

Remote Desktop Connection: 192.168.77.???

From outside Observatory (e.g. Bailey House)

Set up a secure tunnel to your AOP desktop for either:

• rdc

  • ssh -N -f -C -L 3389:192.168.[your.mac]:3389 [user@jumpstation].armagh.ac.uk

• vnc

  • ssh -N -f -C -L 5901:192.168.[your.mac]:5900 [user@jumpstation].armagh.ac.uk

Open rdc or vnc and enter the address as 'localhost'.

• TeamViewer

Weather Checks

• Clear dark sky -- local astronomers forecast died with our old server.
• windy.com -- map visualisaton of local cloud cover and forecast
• yr - hourly forecast -- 48 hour meteogram
• MET radar -- VERY useful for showing and tracking showers in the area.

ART Logbook

• Every night

Setup (from Dome)

• Ensure telescope covers are removed
• Deactivate dehumidifier
• Check dome control switched On
• Check weather station set to Automatic
• Open logbook entry

Observing

• Power up telescope and camera (on pier or artvera)
• Startup ASCOM Dome control
• Startup ACP
  
• Start observing ...
• Finish observing
  
• Complete logbook entry
• Download data

Shutdown (in Dome)

• Park telescope
• Cover telescope
• Switch dome Off
• Reactivate dehumidifier

Common Problems

• Maxim DL fails due to filter wheel USB connection. Unplug/Replug USB connection to Filter Wheel
• COM7 not found -- ACP operated at same time as ASCOM dome control. Close ASCOM dome control

Passwords

see Simon