malpas observatory: observer’s manual€¦ · web viewthe gemini controller is powered by an...

Observer’s Operations Manual

Malpas Observatory

(LAT: 40⁰ 54.4 N LON: 74⁰55.4 W)′ ′

UACNJ at Jenny Jump State Park

Amateur Astronomers Inc

Amateur Astronomers Inc

William Miller Sperry ObservatoryUnion County College

1033 Springfield AvenueCranford, NJ 07016

Malpas Observatory: Observer’s Manual August 2014

1 Table of Contents

2 Overview......................................................................................................................................3

3 Observatory.................................................................................................................................3

4 Malpas Observatory (MO) Training.............................................................................................3

5 Observatory Equipment...............................................................................................................4

6 Observatory Power, Outlets and Lighting....................................................................................5

6.1 Power.......................................................................................................................................5

6.2 Lighting....................................................................................................................................5

7 Celestron C-14: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly).............................................................................5

7.1 Celestron C-14 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)..........................................................................5

7.2 Eye Piece Inventory..................................................................................................................6

8 Losmandy Mount / Gemini Controller Operation........................................................................6

8.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................6

8.2 Losmandy Gemini Controller...................................................................................................7

8.3 Losmandy Gemini Hand Controller..........................................................................................8

8.4 Warm Restart...........................................................................................................................9

8.5 Cold Start...............................................................................................................................10

8.6 Long Slews, Meridian Flips, Aborting a Slew..........................................................................11

8.7 Pointing Accuracy: Long Slews..............................................................................................11

8.8 PARK Telescope.....................................................................................................................11

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8.9 Emergency PARK Telescope...................................................................................................12

9 Emergency Contact Information................................................................................................12

10 Malpas Observatory: OPEN and CLOSE Observatory Checklists................................................12

Modification History

The Observer’s Manual was created as part of Marcus Valdez, III’s Eagle Project as a member of BSA Troop 33, Fanwood Presbyterian Church, Fanwood New Jersey. The editor would like to acknowledge the substantial input and guidance provided by AAI’s Technical Committee to this document.

30-Aug-2014 v 1.0 M. Valdez, III&

AAI Tech Comm.

Editor

Create v1.0

ReferencesLosmandy Gemini Manual, Level 4 www. losmandy .com/ losmandy goto/ gemini _ manual _l4.pdf AAI Technical Committee [email protected]

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2 Overview

The Malpas Observatory is AAI’s Dark Site Observatory located at the United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey site at Jenny Jump State Park in Hope, New Jersey. This document is the Observatory Operations Manual for the benefit of AAI Observers taking the Malpas Observatory (MO) Training Course. AAI observers who successfully complete training will become certified to independently operate the Malpas Observatory. AAI will award the Field Observer Certificate in recognition of the completion of MO training. AAI’s Qualified Observer’s (QO) Certification is a pre-requisite to the Malpas Observatory course.

3 Observatory

The Malpas Observatory is a 10 ft x 10 ft wooden shed with a roll-off roof. Scaffolding on the North side of the MO supports the roof when it is rolled open. The Observatory has electrical service and interior lighting. The Malpas observatory houses a Celestron 14 inch (C14) Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector on a Losmandy G11 mount with GOTO support. The Losmandy G11 mount is interfaced to the Gemini Control System which is used to select and GOTO targets. Unlike the 24” and 10” scopes at the Sperry Observatory, targets are selected with the Gemini Hand Controller and the OTA is not pointed by hand.The key to the observatory is kept in AAI locker inside the UACNJ observatory.

4 Malpas Observatory (MO) Training

MO training is conducted during hands on sessions at the Malpas Observatory. Candidates are expected to have general astronomy knowledge and telescope operating skills at the level provided by AAI’s QO course. The MO course focuses on the practical skills of opening the observatory, setting up the scope for observation, conducting an observing session for members of the public, shutting down the scope and closing down the observatory. Successful completion of the MO training will require multiple sessions at the MO to learn and demonstrate mastery of the skill set. Successful completion of the course requires the instructor to certify the candidate is qualified to safely open, operate and properly close the MO in a lead observer capacity.

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MO Observer Skills

1 Open Observatory: Follow Opening Protocol and Checklist.2 Operate Telescope

- Perform War Start – Retain pointing model. Add alignment points on both sides of the Meridian

- Perform Cold Start – Build new pointing model from scratch. Add multiple alignment points on both sides of Meridian

3 Conduct Public Session guiding the scope to multiple targets.4 Perform Scope Shut down

- Shut down scope, store in PARK position- Remove Optical Accessories, store equipment properly

5 Close Observatory: Follow Closing Protocol and Checklist.6 Recover from non-sunny day scenarios.

5 Observatory Equipment

The Observatory contains the following equipment.

Item Location Note

Reference Manuals & Logbook Computer Desk (South corner) Logbook: Sign In, Sign Out, NotesG11 ManualGemini L4 ManualStar AtlasRAS Observer Guide

Breaker Box West Side wall Controls power to “everything above your knees”. Observatory lights, wall outlets, PC.EXCEPTION: Outlet at Pier Base is NOT controlled by breaker box.

Storage Unit North Corner Eyepieces, filters, Diagonal, Optec TCF focuser, other equipment.

Celestron C14 Pier Schmidt-Cassegrain OTAHyperstar compatibleD=350 mm; FL = 3910 mm

Losmandy G11 Pier MountGemini Controller Pier Gemini Unit: Attached to Pier

Hand Controller: Velcro to PierHair Dryer West wall Remove Dew from OTA,

eyepieces.Eye Pieces & Filters Storage Unit TV 55 mm Plossl (2 In)

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TV 35 mm Panoptic (2 In)TV 27 mm Panoptic (2 In)TV 17 mm Nagler (2 in)Meade Ilum. Astrometric EPTV Nebustar (Narrow band 2 In)ND (moon) filter (2 In)

PC Under Monitor Desk (East corner)

WI-FI internet Supported.

6 Observatory Power, Outlets and Lighting

6.1 Power

Observatory power is controlled by Breaker box on West Wall. The box controls lighting and outlets “above your knees”. The Breaker must be thrown to ON position when opening the observatory and is set to OFF position when closing the observatory.

The outlet at the base of the pier, used to power the scope, is not controlled by the Breaker Box. The Losmandy Power Cable must be plugged in to the Pier outlet as part of the Opening Procedure. The Power Cable is always disconnected at the end of an observing session. Failure to do so may cause electronic components to burn out due power surges during electrical storms.

6.2 Lighting

The observatory roof light is connected to a dedicated outlet on the West side of observatory. It must be disconnected prior to opening the roof. Wrapping the cord around the rafter will prevent damage when moving the roof. The Red lights in each corner are controlled by separate dimmer switches.

7 Celestron C-14: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly)

The C-14 OTA is a wonderful scope, affording deep sky views. At f11, it will have a narrow field of view.

7.1 Celestron C-14 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

OTA CharacteristicsFocal Length = 3910 mm

Aperture= 355.6 mm (14 in)F Ratio = F11

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Resolution (Raleigh) = 0.39 arcsecResolution (Dawes) = 0.33 arcsec

Light Gathering Power = 2581x human eyeSecondary Mirror Obstruction = 114 mm

Secondary Mirror Obstruction (by diameter) = 32%Secondary Mirror Obstruction (by area) = 10%

OTA Length = 31 in / 787 mmOTA weight = 45 lbs / 20 kg

2 speed focuserHyperstar Compatible Secondary

The C14 is equipped with a 2 speed focuser. “Bob’s Knobs” have been used to upgrade the allen set screws on the secondary, making collimation much easier. The visual back is a 2in Baader Click Lock, which allows the diagonal to be secured by twisting the ring on the Baader (i.e. no set screws). This is useful for public night viewing as the diagonal can be easily flipped to either side of the OTA. It is important to securely lock the diagonal, or it will fall out of the scope and crash on the floor! The OTA has a dew shield and dew strap heating system with a “Thousand Oaks” controller mounted on the right side of the Gemini Controller. It is suggested the dew strap heater be left on permanently. The Dew shield should always be put on the OTA, unless it is windy.

The OTA has a Celestron 10 x 50 finder with a cross hair sight.

7.2 Eye Piece Inventory

EyePiece Diameter APFOV Magnification in C1455 mm Televue Plossl 2 in 50 deg 71 x35 mm Televue Panoptic 2 in 68 deg 114 x27 mm Televue Panoptic 2 in 68 deg 145 x17 mm Televue Nagler (Type 4) 2 in 82 deg 230 x12 mm Meade Illuminated Astrometric 1 ¼ in ? 326 x

8 Losmandy Mount / Gemini Controller Operation

8.1 Overview

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The Losmandy Gemini Controller is mounted on the South side of the pier, facing the door. The Thousand Oaks Dew Heater Controller is mounted on the right side of the Gemini Controller. The Gemini Controller is powered by an 18VDC power supply. The Dew Heater is powered by a 12VDC power supply. A common power plug provides power to both devices. This power cable is plugged into outlet at pier base as part of the OPEN Observatory Checklist and disconnected from the outlet as part of the OPEN Observatory Checklist.

It is recommended that the 55 mm Plossl eyepiece be used for adding targets to the pointing model when the Scope is first started. The relative wide field of view will make it easier to find Bright Stars for alignment.

8.2 Losmandy Gemini Controller

The Losmandy Gemini Controller is shown in pic below. The Losmandy G11 mount head is shown in the following picture. INPUT to the controller consists of a DIN plug delivering 18VDC power connecting at the bottom of the controller. The Hand Controller connects to the left edge of the Gemini unit.

The Gemini connects to the G11 RA and DEC servo motors using DIN cables for. RA and DEC are labeled on the Gemini Controller and the G11 Mount pictures below.

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Losmandy Gemini Controller


Losmandy G11 Mount Head

8.3 Losmandy Gemini Hand Controller

The Hand Controller has two main functions. It is used to move the telescope in RA and Dec, and to access the Menu. Pressing the MENU button on the Hand Controller toggles between Telescope Control Mode and Menu Mode. After completing the startup sequence, the Gemini System goes into Menu Mode, offering the main menu item “Align Telescope”. After 15 seconds without any user input it will fall back into Telescope Control Mode.

Telescope Control Mode: The four diamond shaped buttons move the telescope in RA and Dec. The upper diamond button is DEC+, the lower one is DEC–, the right one is RA+ and the left one is RA–. At power-up, the RA and DEC buttons default to these functions. The square RA REV and DEC REV buttons on the bottom can be used to reverse (toggle between) the + and – functions on the respective RA and DEC (diamond) buttons. The functions of the RA and DEC buttons are not marked for this reason.Unless reversed using RA REV or DEC REV, RA+ moves the mount west in RA while RA- moves the mount east.

DEC+ moves the declination axis of the mount counterclockwise (when viewed from the top), while DEC- moves it clockwise.

When moving in declination, the direction does NOT change as the mount crosses the celestial pole.

Menu Mode: Press the MENU button and "MENU" is displayed. The DEC+/– buttons scroll through the possible selections, the RA+ button selects items (like a computer's 'enter' key), and the RA– button usually goes back to the previous selection (like a computer's 'back arrow'). Pressing the MENU button again returns Gemini to Telescope Control Mode for guiding, centering, and slewing the telescope.

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Note 1: There are some commands in the menu that will switch back to Telescope Control Mode without pressing the MENU button.

Note 2: The RA REV and DEC REV buttons affect the Hand Controller in both Telescope Control Mode and Menu Mode. For example, if you have pressed RA REV, the left-hand RA button now selects items in the menu, and the right-hand RA button is used as a back-arrow key.

Note 3: After about 15 seconds of inactivity at a top-level menu item, the HandController will automatically switch back to Telescope Control Mode.

Display: When in Menu Mode, the display shows the menu items and data for each item.When you enter the Telescope Control Mode, the display will usually show a status message (such as the current tracking rate) for a few seconds and then will go blank. For example, after a GoTo operation, the display will show “FINISHED” for a few seconds, and then go blank. However, selecting some menu items such as “Show Date/Time” and “RA/DEC Display” will display the requested data (date/time or RA/Dec. coordinates), then go into Telescope Control Mode, but will not blank the display.

Gemini Hand Controller

8.4 Warm Restart

Warm Restart is the usual mode for initializing the telescope. Warm Restart assumes the telescope is starting from the Park @HOME position, the scope has not been moved by hand, and the observer wants to begin observing using the pointing model established and stored by the previous user.

The logbook contains entries from previous user. Observers should always note in the log if the next user needs to rebuild the pointing model from scratch (Cold Start procedure).

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WARM RESTART Procedure

1- Warm Restart procedure is done with the scope in the PARK @HOME position. The OTA is facing the West wall and it has not been moved by hand.

2- Move power switch to the “on” position on the Gemini controller.3- After seeing several system messages, select “Cold Start”. 4- Validate the displayed Date/Time (YYMMDD), Latitude and Longitude during the cold start

sequence. Use GMT Date and Time! Update these values if not accurate.5- Choose 3 alignment stars from the Bright Star List which are on the same side of the meridian

and are well separated in RA.6- Align the mount on the first star using the following sequence:

a) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star.”b) Select your first alignment star from the submenu. c) Mount will slew close to that star.d) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece. Note: Press and hold a

direction button on the hand controller to move the telescope. To move the telescope faster, momentarily press and release the opposite button while continuing to depress the original button.

e) Select “Align Telescope→Synchronize”f) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointingg) Press RA+ to complete the initial alignment

7- For each of your other alignment stars selected in step 5: a) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star”b) Select the alignment star from the submenuc) Mount will slew to that stard) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece e) Select “Align Telescope→Additional Align” Note: Do NOT use the “Additional Align”

command until you have first slewed to the next star using steps 7a-7d above. Doing so will result in the message “Sorry, rejected.”

f) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointing g) Press RA+ to complete the alignment h) Gemini will display 2 numbers indicating the calculated offset in arcseconds from the pole in

Azimuth (A) and Elevation (E). (e.g. “A:+15 E:-10”) 8- Choose an alignment star on the opposite side of the meridian. 9- Perform the same operations as in step 7 to complete an “Additional Align” on that star. 10- You should now be ready to observe.

8.5 Cold Start

Cold Start is done in order to rebuild the pointing model from scratch. The OTA is first moved by hand to point to the North Star and the counter weight is adjusted to point straight down (CWD Position). Unlike the Sperry 24, the clutches do not have to be loosened to move the scope in the RA or DEC axes.

COLD START Procedure

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1- Position RA and Dec. axes so that the counterweight shaft is pointing down, and the Dec. axis is at 90° (OTA pointing at the celestial pole). This position will be called “Startup Position” or “Counterweight Down” position, abbreviated “CWD”.

2- Move power switch to the “on” position on the Gemini controller.3- After seeing several system messages, select “Cold Start”. 4- Enter date/time (YYMMDD), Latitude and Longitude during the cold start sequence. Use GMT

Date and Time!5- Choose 3 to 5 alignment stars from the Bright Star List which are on the same side of the

meridian and are well separated in RA.6- Align the mount on the first star using the following sequence:

h) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star.”i) Select your first alignment star from the submenu. j) Mount will slew close to that star.k) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece. Note: Press and hold a

direction button on the hand controller to move the telescope. To move the telescope faster, momentarily press and release the opposite button while continuing to depress the original button.

l) Select “Align Telescope→Synchronize”m) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointingn) Press RA+ to complete the initial alignment

7- For each of your other alignment stars selected in step 5: i) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star”j) Select the alignment star from the submenuk) Mount will slew to that starl) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece m) Select “Align Telescope→Additional Align” Note: Do NOT use the “Additional Align”

command until you have first slewed to the next star using steps 7a-7d above. Doing so will result in the message “Sorry, rejected.”

n) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointing o) Press RA+ to complete the alignment p) Gemini will display 2 numbers indicating the calculated offset in arcseconds from the pole in

Azimuth (A) and Elevation (E). (e.g. “A:+15 E:-10”) 8- Choose an alignment star on the opposite side of the meridian. 9- Perform the same operations as in step 7 to complete an “Additional Align” on that star. 10- You should now be ready to observe.

8.6 Long Slews, Meridian Flips, Aborting a Slew

The Observer must make sure the RA and DEC cables to not get caught on the G11 motors when slewing. This is especially important during long slews and Meridian Flips. Prior to slewing, the Observer should double check the fit of the diagonal and eyepiece to make sure they are secure.

Abort Slew

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An Observer may quickly ABORT SLEW by pressing the MENU Button on the hand controller. This will immediately stop the motion of the scope.

8.7 Pointing Accuracy: Long Slews

When slewing to a new target located at a significant distance from present position, it is best to slew to a nearby bright star, add that object to the model and then slew a short distance to the desired object. This is especially useful if the new target is a hard to see galaxy or nebula.

8.8 PARK Telescope

The telescope is stored in the PARK position (OTA facing West wall) when shutting down the observatory. It is necessary to PARK the scope in this position to prevent the roof from hitting the OTA when it is closed. When opening or closing the roof, please check OTA clearance. Note that the scope will hit the roof if the diagonal and eyepiece are left in the OTA visual back or if the Dew Shield is left on the front of the scope. All accessories must be removed before the roof can be opened or closed.

Parking the Scope

PRESS & HOLD Menu Button until Park Mount! Dialog appears. The 4 commands below will begin looping continuously.

Park Mount!- Exit w/o Change- Park at CWD pos!- Park @HOME pos!- Stop Tracking!

PRESS Menu button when Park @HOME Pos! is displayed.Scope will slew to park position facing West wall.

8.9 Emergency PARK Telescope

It’s quite late. Too late to rebuild the pointing model with a Cold Start. The PARK @ HOME Pos! Command didn’t work or the scope is not parked in the correct orientation to safely close the observatory roof. Under these circumstances, move the OTA by hand to the correct orientation (facing West wall) to allow the roof to close without hitting the OTA.

Add note to logbook stating: Scope moved by hand, Cold Start needed.

9 Emergency Contact Information

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In case a serious issue arises while using the Malpas Observatory, you may reach out to the following

AAI members for advice.

Marcus Valdez [email protected] (908) 759-3903Aaron Zuckerman [email protected] (908) 410-0442Chris Callie [email protected] (610) 628-0522AAI Technical Committee [email protected]

10 Malpas Observatory: OPEN and CLOSE Observatory Checklists

OPEN and CLOSE checklists follow. Checklists are formatted to fit on a single page each, so they may be printed as reference cards.

Malpas Observatory: OPEN Observatory ChecklistAction Note

1 Unlock Observatory. Keys: AAI Hallway Locker in house.2 Turn on Observatory Power. Breaker box on west (left) wall.3 Sign in to Log Book. Check notes from previous entry.

Sign In – add notes if any issues4 Remove and store plastic telescope cover. Don’t move OTA!5 Remove Eye Pieces, diagonal and filters from

storage unit. Stage on computer desk.1- Cover exposed eyepieces with cap

(dew and dust).2- Eyepiece lens cap => bolt case.3- Other caps, plugs => diagonal box.

6 Unplug roof light. Wrap dangling cord on rafter.7 Remove locking pin from roof. Rear Right of sliding roof (North side)8 Open Observatory roof. Check Clearance of scope and roof!9 Replace Locking Pin. Prevent wind from closing roof!10 Plug in Scope Power Plug at Pier Base. Pier Base outlet always on - NOT

controlled by breaker box.11 Turn on Gemini Controller Rocker switch on Gemini controller12 Validate Dew Strip heater is on. Dew heater Controller attached to

right side of Gemini Controller.13 Remove OTA Corrector Plate cover. Store face down (prevent dew & dust)14 Place dew shield on Scope. Don’t move OTA!

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15 Remove finder scope caps. Store in diagonal box16 Remove Visual back plug. Store in diagonal box17 Insert Diagonal and eyepiece Use 55mm Plossl for alignment

(Aaron’s favorite eyepiece!)18 Store diagonal box and bolt cases Store in Storage Unit19 Power cycle Gemini controller. Rocker switch on Gemini Controller.20 Gemini Hand Controller: Validate Date, Time, LAT

& LON.

Note: Cell phone is good time source

Malpas LAT: 40⁰ 54.4 N′Malpas LON: 74⁰55.4 W′TZ = GMT; GMT= EST + 5H or DST + 4HGMT Date: Might be tomorrow!

21 Select Start Up process. Follow one of:1- Warm Restart: Scope parked properly at HOME Position. Keep current model (usual method).2- Cold Start: Build new model from CWD Position.3- Warm Start: Scope was moved by hand, but want to keep current model.

20 Follow Align on Bright Star Process Add to existing or Build new model.

Malpas Observatory: CLOSE Observatory Checklist1- Park Telescope 1- PRESS & HOLD Menu Button until

Park Mount! menu appears.2- PRESS Menu button when Park

@HOME Pos! is displayed.3- Scope will slew to park position

facing West wall.2- Power down scope, disconnect Power Cable 1- Turn off Gemini Controller using

rocker switch.2- Disconnect Power Plug from Pier

Base Outlet [IMPORTANT!]3- Remove empty Bolt Cases and diagonal box from

storage.1- Remove empty bolt cases and

diagonal box from storage unit4- Remove and store accessories from OTA. Replace OTA

caps and covers.1- Remove, disassemble and store

diagonal, eye pieces, optical filters from scope and accessories on desk. Store in storage unit. Remove dew from eyepieces – use hair dryer!

2- Apply caps to eyepieces.3- Remove dew shield from OTA. Don’t

move the scope!4- Remove dew from OTA corrector

plate and metal cover using hair dryer. Cover OTA.

5- Insert plug in OTA visual back.

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Double check for firm fit!6- Apply caps to finder scope.

5- Cover scope with plastic telescope cover and tie off. 1- Cover scope with plastic telescope cover. Two people will make this easier.

2- Wrap and tie rope to secure cover to mount. Can you tie a square knot?

6- Close Roof 1- Remove roof locking pin2- Close roof. Check for OTA

clearance!3- Replace roof locking pin.

[IMPORTANT!]7- Reconnect overhead light Plug into outlet on West wall8- Update logbook Update logbook with close time and any

Notes.9- Close Observatory 1- Empty garbage – take it home.

2- Store any remaining equipment.3- Take personal possessions.4- Turn off Breaker panel.5- Lock observatory

10- Replace KEY in AAI Locker Don’t take key home!

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