Malpas Observatory: Observer’s Manual
/ Observer’s Operations ManualMalpas 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 Observatory
Union County College
1033 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ 07016
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Malpas Observatory: Observer’s ManualAugust 2014
1Table of Contents
2Overview
3Observatory
4Malpas Observatory (MO) Training
5Observatory Equipment
6Observatory Power, Outlets and Lighting
6.1Power
6.2Lighting
7Celestron C-14: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly)
7.1Celestron C-14 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
7.2Eye Piece Inventory
8Losmandy Mount / Gemini Controller Operation
8.1Overview
8.2Losmandy Gemini Controller
8.3Losmandy Gemini Hand Controller
8.4Warm Restart
8.5Cold Start
8.6Long Slews, Meridian Flips, Aborting a Slew
8.7Pointing Accuracy: Long Slews
8.8PARK Telescope
8.9Emergency PARK Telescope
9Emergency Contact Information
10Malpas Observatory: OPEN and CLOSE Observatory Checklists
Modification HistoryTheObserver’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
References
Losmandy Gemini Manual, Level 4 / www.losmandy.com/losmandygoto/gemini_manual_l4.pdf
AAI Technical Committee /
2Overview
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.
3Observatory
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.
4Malpas 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.
MO Observer Skills1 / 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.
5Observatory Equipment
The Observatory contains the following equipment.
Item / Location / NoteReference Manuals & Logbook / Computer Desk (South corner) / Logbook: Sign In, Sign Out, Notes
G11 Manual
Gemini L4 Manual
Star Atlas
RAS 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 OTA
Hyperstar compatible
D=350 mm; FL = 3910 mm
Losmandy G11 / Pier / Mount
Gemini Controller / Pier / Gemini Unit: Attached to Pier
Hand Controller: Velcro to Pier
Hair Dryer / West wall / Remove Dew from OTA, eyepieces.
Eye Pieces & Filters / Storage Unit / TV 55 mm Plossl (2 In)
TV 35 mm Panoptic (2 In)
TV 27 mm Panoptic (2 In)
TV 17 mm Nagler (2 in)
Meade Ilum. Astrometric EP
TV Nebustar (Narrow band 2 In)
ND (moon) filter (2 In)
PC / Under Monitor Desk (East corner) / WI-FI internet Supported.
6Observatory Power, Outlets and Lighting
6.1Power
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.
6.2Lighting
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.
7Celestron 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.
7.1Celestron C-14 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
OTA CharacteristicsFocal Length =3910 mm
Aperture= 355.6 mm (14 in)
F Ratio = F11
Resolution (Raleigh) = 0.39 arcsec
Resolution (Dawes) = 0.33 arcsec
Light Gathering Power = 2581x human eye
Secondary Mirror Obstruction = 114 mm
Secondary Mirror Obstruction (by diameter) = 32%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction (by area) = 10%
OTA Length = 31 in / 787 mm
OTA weight = 45 lbs / 20 kg
2 speed focuser
Hyperstar 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.
7.2Eye Piece Inventory
EyePiece / Diameter / APFOV / Magnification in C1455 mm Televue Plossl / 2 in / 50 deg / 71 x
35 mm Televue Panoptic / 2 in / 68 deg / 114 x
27 mm Televue Panoptic / 2 in / 68 deg / 145 x
17 mm Televue Nagler (Type 4) / 2 in / 82 deg / 230 x
12 mm Meade Illuminated Astrometric / 1 ¼ in / ? / 326 x
8Losmandy Mount / Gemini Controller Operation
8.1Overview
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 Checklistand 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.
8.2Losmandy 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 usingDIN cables for. RA and DEC are labeled on the Gemini Controller and the G11 Mount pictures below.
Losmandy G11 Mount Head
8.3Losmandy Gemini Hand Controller
The Hand Controllerhas 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 Controllertoggles between Telescope Control Mode and Menu Mode. After completing thestartup sequence, the Gemini System goes into Menu Mode, offering the main menuitem “Align Telescope”. After 15 seconds without any user input it will fall back intoTelescope Control Mode.
Telescope Control Mode: The four diamond shaped buttons movethe 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 beused to reverse (toggle between) the + and – functions on therespective RA and DEC (diamond) buttons. The functions of the RAand DEC buttons are not marked for this reason.
Unless reversed using RA REV or DEC REV, RA+ moves themount 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.
Whenmoving in declination, the direction does NOT change as the mount crosses the celestialpole.
Menu Mode: Press the MENU button and "MENU" is displayed. The DEC+/– buttonsscroll 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 acomputer's 'back arrow'). Pressing the MENU button again returns Gemini to TelescopeControl Mode for guiding, centering, and slewing the telescope.
Note 1: There are some commands in the menu that will switch back to TelescopeControl Mode without pressing the MENU button.
Note 2: The RA REV and DEC REV buttons affect the Hand Controller in bothTelescope Control Mode and Menu Mode. For example, if you have pressed RAREV, the left-hand RA button now selects items in the menu, and the right-hand RAbutton is used as a back-arrow key.
Note 3: After about 15 seconds of inactivity at a top-level menu item, the Hand
Controller 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 statusmessage (such as the current tracking rate) for a few seconds and then will go blank. Forexample, 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
8.4Warm 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).
WARMRESTART 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 3alignment 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 pointing
g)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 submenu
c)Mount will slew to that star
d)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.
8.5Cold Start
Cold Start is done in order to rebuild the pointing model from scratch. The OTA isfirst 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
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 pointing
n)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 submenu
k)Mount will slew to that star
l)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 usingsteps 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” onthat star.
10-You should now be ready to observe.
8.6Long 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
An Observer may quickly ABORT SLEW by pressing the MENU Button on the hand controller. This will immediately stop the motion of the scope.
8.7Pointing 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.
8.8PARK 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.