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This page contains ''lesson 1'' of controlling the ART. It explains how to gain access to the dome, switch on all the equipment, switch it all off again and safely secure the dome.
The dome is secured by a padlocked gate and the door of the dome itself is also locked. A key for both the padlock and the dome door will be needed. The dome is also protected by a burglar alarm. Access to keys and the dome alarm code must be sought from the staff members involved in getting the ART operational.
The dome alarm keypad is located to the right as an observer enters the dome. If the alarm is set when the door is opened then the alarm will sound a warning prompting the observer to enter the code. Simply enter the code to disable the alarm.
When working in the dome during the day it is not normally necessary to lock the gate again. The dome cannot be locked from the inside. For nighttime observing it is strongly advised to lock the gate so observers in the dome are safe. Always work in good light in the dome when necessary and observers should allow plenty of time for their eyes to dark adapt before moving around the dome without the lights on.
Equipment such as the mount, camera and telescope should be switched on as necessary. If an observer knows work is going to be done during the night he should switch on the camera well in advance to allow it to cool to its operating temperature of -40C.
The power switch for the mount is located on a control panel at the back of the mount. The mount will signal that it has been successfully switched on by beeping initially, followed by a low whirring sound. If there is no audible feedback from the mount, switch it off, check its control joystick is in its neutral position, check it is switched on at the extension cable and switch it on again. Observers should check that no cables are obviously disconnected from the mount, such as the 12V d.c. supply, the USB connection and the guider cable.
The camera power can only be operated by its power socket on the extension cable mounted on the side of the pier. It is the bottommost plug in the extension cable. Observers should check that a USB and power cable are firmly connected to the back of the camera.
The telescope has a power switch on its control panel underneath the camera. Again, it should have a power cable and a cable leading to the Electronic Focusing Assembly Handkit (EFA). There is also a switch which controls the fans behind the primary mirror. This can be switched on to prevent condensation from forming on the mirror during an observing session.
The remaining equipment such as the filter wheel and auto-guider are powered by a USB hub and require no power source other than the computer.
To switch off the equipment safely simply reverse the process outlined above. It is imperative that the mount not be left on overnight. This is to prevent it from continuing to track the sky during the night. This could cause damage to the mount, telescope and dome. The mount should be double checked to make sure it is not left on.
To secure the dome at the end of an observing session, when all the equipment and lights are switched off, the alarm must be set. To do this, enter the code into the keypad. The display will prompt the observer to press '0' to set the ward. This activates the alarm. The observer is given plenty of time to leave the dome. The door must be locked and the gate bolted and padlocked before the observer can leave.