Open the Observatory
The dome's slot is opened by engaging a hook in the cover's lower front edge and sliding the cover back up and over the side runners until the zenith position is exposed.
Laptop and Software
After switching on the laptop and the auxillary monitor the following programs are activated : Artemis Capture, Quantum filter wheel controller, PHD2, Bahtinov Grabber, USB_Focus controller and TeamViewer. In Artemis Capture set the camera to a short looping exposure of about 5 to 10 seconds and display the screen reticle.
The dome's slot is opened by engaging a hook in the cover's lower front edge and sliding the cover back up and over the side runners until the zenith position is exposed.
Laptop and Software
After switching on the laptop and the auxillary monitor the following programs are activated : Artemis Capture, Quantum filter wheel controller, PHD2, Bahtinov Grabber, USB_Focus controller and TeamViewer. In Artemis Capture set the camera to a short looping exposure of about 5 to 10 seconds and display the screen reticle.
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Start Camera Cooling
Switch the camera on and use Artemis Capture to set the required cooling point - usually minus10 degrees celcius. |
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Check Polar Alignment
Having the telescope's mount properly polar aligned ensures that field rotation will not be introduced during long exposures or a sequence of shorter exposures. Because the telescope is "permanently" mounted on the observatory pier it should not, in theory, be necessary to check the polar alignment after initial setup. But, in practice, the mount can get bumped and knocked out of alignment and so it is a good idea to re-check its alignment from time to time. Set Mount Alignment. Aligning the mount lets you easily slew to a target object. Check Camera Alignment Although not essential, and unless one has a particular reason for not doing so, it is generally a good idea to align the camera equatorially so that the edges of its imaging frame run due east-west and north-south. |
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