Table of Contents

Start-up Procedure

Semantics

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

Procedure

General note: ASCOM commands can only be delivered one-at-a-time.

  1. In Dome (give 15-20 minutes to thermalize, could take up to hours after hatch is closed)
    1. Set thermostat to lowest setting (exhaust fan should turn on)
    2. Re-install cameras, filter wheels
    3. Remove any obstructions to main scope motion or walking (ladders to side or on roof)
  2. DC & CC - Login
  3. DC - Open browser and begin blog
  4. 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
  5. CC - Open “DFMTCS”, “TheSky6”, & “ASCOM Dome Control” (all located in Start Menu)
  6. MDC - Enable “MTR DRIVER CHASSIS”, “DRIVES”, “TRACKING”, “AUTO DOME”, and unpress “HALT MOTORS” button (big red, top-right)
  7. CC - With 3 & 4, DFMTCS “Status” box should read “SETTING” and then clear
  8. CC - Set Tracking Rate
  9. CC - ASCOM Dome Control: Click “Connect” on RHS; then enable checkbox “Slave Dome to Scope”
  10. CC - ASCOM Dome Control: Click “Open” and confirm with BlueIris that dome shutters open correctly
  11. 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)
  12. CC - (After the Dome is done opening) Open the mirror doors.
    1. Only do this while main scope is at Zenith!
    2. Navigate to DFMTCS → Telescope → Misc… → Open Mirror Doors (under Switches/Mirror Door tab)
    3. The MDC Mirror Door switch should always remain in “OPEN” position
    4. Verify that the mirror doors have opened (clicks from MDC, Blue Iris views)
  13. DC - Navigate to “Outlet Control” in browser bookmarks bar
    1. The credentials should auto-fill
    2. “Switch On”, to power all outlets
  14. 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”)
  15. CC - Before moving telescope, Open Mirror Doors via DFMTCS
  16. Before getting started, you'll likely need to point the telescope