Start Up Procedure

Last updated: March 27th, 2023

Terms:

DC - Data Computer

CC - Control Computer

MDC - Motor Driver Chassis (Front Panel with buttons and switches)

Zenith - Straight-Up (no ice)

LHS - left Hand Side

RHS - Right Hand Side

1. DC & CC - Login
2. DC - Load "Blue Iris Admin" (located in Start Menu) & confirm that DFM Scope is at Zenith (or close near-about)
   1. This will need to be updooted when we add more cameras
3. CC - Open "DFMTCS", "TheSky6", & "ASCOM Dome Control" (all located in Start Menu)
4. MDC - Enable "MTR DRIVER CHASSIS", "DRIVES", "TRACKING", "AUTO DOME", and unpress "HALT MOTORS" button (big red, top-right)
5. CC - With 3 & 4, DFMTCS "Status" box should read "SETTING" and then clear
6. CC - DFMTCS → "Telescope" → "Rates" → set RA track rate to 15.042 arcsec/sec, click apply
   1. Verify tracking rate on the center status panel "Rates" that 15.042 had been successfully applied
7. CC - ASCOM Dome Control: Click "Connect" on RHS; then enable checkbox "Slave Dome to Scope"
8. CC - ASCOM Dome Control: Click "Open" and confirm with BlueIris that dome shutters open correctly
9. CC - TheSky6 : "Telescope" > "Link" > "Establish" from top menu
   1. Verify white crosshairs are in center (i.e., at zenith)
   2. If they aren't: restart TheSky6 (This likely needs another page or smthn)
10. CC - Navigate to DFMTCS → Telescope → Misc... → Open Mirror Doors (under Switches/Mirror Door tab)
    1. The MDC Mirror Door switch should always remain in "OPEN" position
11. DC - Navigate to "Outlet Control" in browser bookmarks bar
    1. The credentials should auto-fill
    2. "Switch On" outlets 1-4
12. In Dome
    1. Set thermostat to lowest setting (exhaust fan should turn on)
    2. Install on-axis camera to DFM Scope via GAM-lite, note the camera type (e.g., "ASI294MM Pro")
       1. Plug-in USB cable "on-axis cam data" to this camera
       2. If necessary, plug-in power for this camera via cable "on-axis cam power"
13. DC - Open two instances of "SharpCap" (located in Start Menu)
    1. From top menu, select "Cameras" and ensure the appropriate cameras are listed (e.g., "ASi294MM Pro")
14. CC - Before moving telescope, Open Mirror Doors via DFMTCS