Daytime Checkout#
To ensure the Auxiliary Telescope is fully operational and ready for nighttime use, we have created a series of SAL Scripts that successively checkout each of the major components, culminating in a full test of the system involving slewing to a target, tracking, and taking a test image with LATISS. The goal of these scripts is to test the functionality of each component within the current software environment, and alert the daytime staff to any operational issues before going on-sky. These tests are designed to be run using the script queue on LOVE during the daytime with an Observing Specialist or other personnel available to verify their results.
The scripts are intended to be run in order, but offer some flexibility in what state to leave the Auxiliary Telescope (e.g. ready to take calibrations, ready to observe at night, or simply parked and shutdown). They can also be run individually if a single component is undergoing maintenance and requires a check of basic functionality.
None of the scripts require configuration.
Important
The daytime checkout scripts involve Telescope, Dome, and Instrument component movement. Before running, ensure that the area surrounding the telescope is and dome is clear for movement. You MUST announce that you are running the checks on the #summit-announce channel before execution.
The scripts can all be found under the standard scripts panel in the LOVE ATQueue view. The order of script execution is nominally:
auxtel/enable_latiss.py- Can be skipped if LATISS enabledauxtel/enable_atcs.py- Can be skipped if ATCS already enabledauxtel/daytime_checkout/latiss_checkout.pyauxtel/daytime_checkout/atpneumatics_checkout.pyauxtel/daytime_checkout/telescope_and_dome_checkout.pyauxtel/daytime_checkout/slew_and_take_image_checkout.py
auxtel/enable_latiss.py#
Bring LATISS to an enabled state to prepare for checkout.
auxtel/enable_atcs.py#
Bring the ATCS into an enabled state to prepare for checkout.
auxtel/daytime_checkout/latiss_checkout.py#
This script will take a bias and an engineering frame with LATISS and ensure that they are ingested by the OODS.
Verify that the bias appears on the summit’s RubinTV. In case the image fails to appear, promptly communicate the issue in the channel #summit-auxtel.
You can also check if images are arriving correctly at Rubin’s SLAC facility using USDF RubinTV.
auxtel/daytime_checkout/atpneumatics_checkout.py#
This script will first turn on the valves and check that the line pressure is sufficient for operations. Next, the telescope will be slewed to the park position, if it is not already there. Then, it will turn on/off the ATAOS corrections before lowering the mirror back down onto its hard points. Finally, the mirror cover and vents are opened and closed.
auxtel/daytime_checkout/telescope_and_dome_checkout.py#
This script starts by performing a slew of the telescope without dome movement. Then, sidereal tracking for the telescope is enabled and the system is left to track for a few minutes. Tracking is disabled and then the dome is commanded to move to a new position, without telescope movement. Finally, the telescope and dome are returned to a park position and left enabled.
auxtel/daytime_checkout/slew_and_take_image_checkout.py#
This script will slew the telescope and dome to two different targets, track each target for 3 minutes and take a single verification image. The mirror covers remain closed during the duration of the script. At the end of the script, the telescope and dome are parked.
Check that the verification image pop up in the monitor at summit’s RubinTV.
auxtel/daytime_checkout/prepare_for/flat.py#
This is the default end-of-checkout script. It will leave the telescope in position to start taking afternoon calibrations. If you are not sure how you want to leave the telescope, consider running this script as it will further exercise the system.
Other options include: prepare_for/onsky.py, prepare_for/vent.py or shutdown_all.py
This procedure was last modified on Oct 23, 2024.