startup

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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


  1. In Dome (bring cameras)
    1. Set thermostat to lowest setting (exhaust fan should turn on)
    2. Ensure all cameras to be used are connected to power/data (where applicable)
    3. Ensure instrument rotator is connected
  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)
  5. DC Open Kinesis (Thor Labs Instrument Rotator)
  6. CC Open “DFMTCS”, “TheSky6”, & “ASCOM Dome Control” (all located in Start Menu)
  7. MDC Enable “MTR DRIVER CHASSIS”, “DRIVES”, “TRACK”, “AUTO DOME”, and unpress “HALT MOTORS” button (big red, top-right)
  8. CC Set the Sidereal Tracking Rate in DFMTCS
  9. CC With 3 & 4, DFMTCS “Status” box should read “SETTING” and then clear
  10. CC Set Tracking Rates (Setting Tracking Rate in DFMTCS)
  11. CC ASCOM Dome Control: Click “Connect” on RHS; then enable checkbox “Slave Dome to Scope”
  12. CC ASCOM Dome Control: Click “Open” and confirm with BlueIris that dome shutters open correctly
  13. 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)
  14. 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
  15. DC Navigate to “Outlet Control” in browser bookmarks bar
    1. The credentials should auto-fill
    2. “Switch On” outlets for
  16. 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“)
  17. Likely next step is to move on to Pointing Procedure