UMBC Observatory Wiki!
Start-Up Procedure
Terms
DC - Data Computer
CC - Control Computer
MDC - Motor Driver Chassis (Front Panel with buttons and switches)
Zenith - Straight-Up
LHS - left Hand Side
RHS - Right Hand Side
In Dome (bring cameras)
Set thermostat to lowest setting (exhaust fan should turn on)
Ensure all cameras to be used are connected to power/data (where applicable)
Ensure instrument rotator is connected
DC & CC - Login
DC - Open browser and begin blog
DC - Load "Blue Iris Admin" (located in Start Menu) & confirm that DFM Scope is at Zenith (or close near-about)
This will need to be updooted when we add more cameras
DC - Open Kinesis (Thor Labs Instrument Rotator)
CC - Open "DFMTCS", "TheSky6", & "ASCOM Dome Control" (all located in Start Menu)
MDC - Enable "MTR DRIVER CHASSIS", "DRIVES", "TRACK", "AUTO DOME", and unpress "HALT MOTORS" button (big red, top-right)
CC - With 3 & 4, DFMTCS "Status" box should read "SETTING" and then clear
CC - Set Tracking Rates (Setting Tracking Rate in DFMTCS)
CC - ASCOM Dome Control: Click "Connect" on RHS; then enable checkbox "Slave Dome to Scope"
CC - ASCOM Dome Control: Click "Open" and confirm with BlueIris that dome shutters open correctly
CC - TheSky6 : "Telescope" > "Link" > "Establish" from top menu
Verify white crosshairs are in center (i.e., at zenith)
If they aren't: restart TheSky6 (This likely needs another page or smthn)
CC - Navigate to DFMTCS → Telescope → Misc... → Open Mirror Doors (under Switches/Mirror Door tab)
The MDC Mirror Door switch should always remain in "OPEN" position
DC - Navigate to "Outlet Control" in browser bookmarks bar
The credentials should auto-fill
"Switch On" outlets for
DC - Open two instances of "SharpCap" (located in Start Menu)
From top menu, select "Cameras" and ensure the appropriate cameras are listed (e.g., "ASi294MM Pro")
Likely next step is to move on to Pointing Procedure
Related content
Direct Questions/Concerns to Roy Prouty (roy.prouty@umbc.edu)