David's Astronomy Pages
Notes - Session 614.1  (2018-07-18, Observatory Commissioning)

   
Bullet Session Aims & Highlights
  
Bullet Operational Issues
  - Critical Issues (0),  Major Issues (0),  Minor Issues (1),  Small Defects (0),  Continuous Improvement (0)
   
Bullet Fully Automated Operation Test
- Observing Plan
- Report Log
   
Bullet No images from this session  >>
   


Session Aims & Highlights (2018-07-18)

Main Aims

This was a night-time session to continue formal commissioning of the new Dome Observatory including :

Session was intended as a live test but cloud prevented acquisition of any targets/images.

Equipment & Software

Highlights

Notes

Summary Plots & Logs

 
Executed Observing Plan
(Targets marked with Red Status failed. Initial targets failed due to missing the scheduled start time.
Later targets failed due to cloud/closed dome.
 
Image
 
Night Sky Summary Plot
Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s)
Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs)
Image
 
 

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Operational Issues (2018-07-18, S614)

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Critical Issues

Major Issues

Minor Issues

Small Defects

Continuous Improvement

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Fully- Automated Operation Test (2018-07-18)

With key hardware powered up (Observatory Laptop, Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera),  key software running (TheSky6, CCDSoft5 and CCDApp2) and key observatory services started (Observatory Manager, Weather/Cloud Sensor, ASCOM Dome, ASCOM Scope) observatory manager control was placed into 'Fully-Automated' Mode (see screenshot). This initiated the Full-Automated cycle of operation, comprising the following session states : Pending, Initiating, Starting, Equilibrating, Running (or Suspended), Closing, Housekeeping, Finished, Back to Pending. 

The Session began in the 'Pending' State, but as the Sun had already set (Sun Altitude < 0) the Session immediately moved to 'Initiating' where the routine called the  'Observing Database Tool ' (SqlForms2/Schedule Builder) to create a computer-generated optimised observing plan for the night with a scheduled start time equivalent to a sun altitude of -8 deg (default summer time setting).  Once created the observing plan was successfully loaded into the Target/Job Queue ready for execution. (See Report file)

The Session then moved to 'Starting'  where CCD Camera and Telescope were successfully connected and session setup was successfully performed (new Session ID, Session Name and Session Folders).   The Session then moved to 'Equilibrating', but since the Scheduled Plan's Start Time has already been passed the Session moved to 'Running' and began executing the Job Queue.
Since start time for first 6 targets had already been passed, they were flagged as Failed.

At this point the Observatory was placed back into Manual Mode and the Target/Job Queue aborted, in order to make a some modifications to the Fully Automated routines (including as forcing Dome Slaving to be set to ON before starting the 'Running' state)

The program was restarted and replaced into Fully-Automated Mode. The Session began in the 'Pending' State where it immediately moved to 'Initiating' State.  Database was checked for valid Observing Plans for the current night, and finding the Plan that was created earlier, the plan was successfully re-loaded into the Target/Job Queue ready for execution.

The Session then moved to 'Starting'  where CCD Camera and Telescope were successfully re-connected and session setup was successfully performed (re-using the Session ID, Session Name and Session Folders created earlier).   The Session again skipped through the 'Equilibrating' state since the Plan's scheduled start-time had already been passed, and moved to 'Running' and begun executing the Target/Job Queue. Recognising that 6 targets had already been handled, the Queue began executing with the 7th target.

The start times for 7th and 8th targets has passed and were skipped. As it was still 6 minutes before the scheduled start time for the 9th target (NGC 6886) the routine proceeded to wait 6 minutes until its start-time (00:14) was reached whereupon the telescope slew to the target and image(s) taken with CCD Camera in order to plate solve them in order to centre the telescope on the precise target coordinates. Image linking failed, as did further attempts taking additional Locate images with successively longer exposures.   After 4 attempts the CCD Camera then proceeded to take the planned 'Light Frame' images (7 x 30s) assuming that telescope was more or less pointing at the target.    
[Analysis showed the Dome Shutter had not been opened and the Locate images were simply images of the dark interior of the dome without valid stars and no possibility of image linking. ].

With the extra time used for taking and plate solving multiple locate images, the target overrun its plan observing windows, causing the 10th target to miss it's scheduled start time, and be skipped [Smarter logic needs to be employed to cut short imaging of what is very probably a compromised observing attempt and move to the next target before its scheduled start time is missed]

At this point the Observatory was placed back into Manual Mode and the Target/Job Queue aborted.

It was apparent that the Code was not behaving appropriately by moving to 'Running' state (let alone move to 'Starting' state) whilst  Shutter Safety Synopsis for the Observatory (produced by AllSky/Weather Computer) was judged as 'MUST CLOSE'  and Observing Potential was judged as 'BAD'.  On the positive side the routine prevented the Shutter from being opened which was the correct behaviour.

The Code was also not behaving appropriately by allowing a target to be executed and images taken whilst the Dome's Shutter was shut. This shouldn't have occurred in the Session had been placed in a 'Suspended' state, however the logic statement to move the state to suspended in the event of adverse weather conditions only proceeded when the Dome Shutter was Open or Opening. (the logic had assumed that the Session wouldn't have entered Running State unless that the Dome Shutter was open).  An attempt to place the session into the Suspended State by pausing the program using the Visual Studio's debugger and making on the fly code modifications,  whilst updating the Session State variable to 'Suspended' didn't suspend the Job Queue as it was designed o.

With these deficiences in the code and with the Weather Scorecard and AllSky Images showing that Cloud had conituing to develop it was decided to stop further Full-Automated Mode Testing for the night and to close up the Observatory without falling back on normal user controlled observing. 

There were no opportunites for live testing of the 'Closing', 'Housekeeping' and 'Finished' states.

 

Observing Manager placed in Fully Automated Mode (screenshot)
 
Image
 
Observing Plan automatically created for test  2018-07-18
(Targets marked with Red Status failed as the scheduled start time has passed)
 
Image
 
Report Log for Fully-Automated Operation Tests (2018-07-18)
(Whilst Report refers to Session ID S00614, this will be rolled-back as no useful images of the sky were actually taken. The '614' ID will instead be used for the next valid live session)

First Test Run


Observatory Mode                        2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
  Setting Mode...             Ok        Fully-Automated

Session Pending                         2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)

Session Initiating                      2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)
  Import Observing Plan...

Create Observing Plan                   2018-07-18 23:45 (Local)
  Request Observing Plan...   Ok
  Generate Night Plan...      Ok        SqlForms2/Schedule Builder has completed
  Selecting Plan...           Ok        2018-07-18   V1   BEST PLAN   (Plan ID: 162)
  Retrieving Targets ...      Ok        26 Targets. 
  Reading Start Time...       Ok        2018-07-18 23:16 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)

Session Starting                        2018-07-18 23:48 (Local)
  Session:                    Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)

Connect Camera                          2018-07-18 23:48 (Local)
  Connecting camera...        Ok
  Temperature Regulation...   Ok
  Temperature Set Point...    Ok        10 °C
  TempMonitor:                Ok        Already active

Connect Telescope                       2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Establishing link...        Ok
  Telescope Coords...         Ok        Az: 95.8, Alt: 3.7

Session                                 2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Session Name:               Ok        2018-07-18 S00614 (Session)
  Creating session folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-18 S00614
  Creating analysis folder ...Ok        .\...\2018-07-18 S00614
  Creating subfolders ...     Ok        .\...\2018-07-18 S00614\_RAW, \_REDUCED etc
  Stopping CCDSoft            Ok        
  Updating Setpoint...        Fail
  Setting Autosave Number     Ok        614001
  Restarting CCDSoft
  Creating Camera object...   Ok        CCDsoft.Camera
  Creating Autoguider object..Ok        CCDsoft.Camera
  Creating Folder object..    Ok        CCDSoft.Folder
  Reconnecting camera ...     Ok
  Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-18 S00614

Session Equilibrating                   2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Equilibrating ...

Session Running                         2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)

Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE)             2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Checking Plan...            Ok        2018-07-18   V1   BEST PLAN            (Plan ID= 162)
  Checking Targets...         Ok        26 targets selected
  AutoSave Folder...          Ok        C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-18 S00614
  AutoSave Start Num...       Ok        614001
  Date/Time (TheSky6)...      Ok        2018-07-18 23:49:30 (Local)
                                        2018-07-18 22:49:30 (UT)
  Lat/Long (TheSky6)...       Ok        57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
  CCD Regulation ...          Fail      Regulation is OFF (Setpoint: 0.0 °C)
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Temp [14.0 °C] is 14.0 °C above setpoint
  Airmass Cutoff...           Ok        Airmass 3.3
  Checking Targets ...        Ok        26 targets selected
  Setting Up RealTime VMA...  Ok        (1.2 Method)
  Checking VMA Folders ...    Ok        
  Reading Reference File ...  Ok        ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
  Estimated Duration...                 237.60 mins

NGC 6842  (1/26)                        2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6842 (ID: 156)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        Vul
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS BL Lac  (2/26)                     2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS BL Lac (ID: 214)
  Object Type:                          Variable Galaxy/Quasar
  Constellation:                        LAC
  Comment:                              Lac BL
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

Vega  (3/26)                            2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        Vega (ID: 200)
  Object Type:                          Star
  Constellation:                        Lyr
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

M27  (4/26)                             2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        M27 (ID: 56)
  Object Type:                          Globular Cluster
  Constellation:                        VUL
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 6772  (5/26)                        2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6772 (ID: 32)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        AQL
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS P Cyg  (6/26)                      2018-07-18 23:49 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS P Cyg (ID: 257)
  Object Type:                          Variable
  Constellation:                        Cyg
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 23:53 to commence target (4.2 mins)
  Waiting till 23:53...       
  Turn On Dome Slaving..      Ok

Observatory Mode                        2018-07-18 23:51 (Local)
  Setting Mode ...            Ok        Manual

Script Aborting ...           Aborted   (Script aborted by user)


Second Test Run

Observatory Mode                        2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  Setting Mode...             Ok        Fully-Automated

Session Pending                         2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)

Session Initiating                      2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)
  Import Observing Plan...
  Selecting Plan...           Ok        2018-07-18   V1   BEST PLAN   (Plan ID: 162)
  Retrieving Targets ...      Ok        26 Targets. 
  Reading Start Time...       Ok        2018-07-18 23:16 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)

Session Starting                        2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  Session:                    Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)

Connect Camera                          2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  Connecting camera...        Ok
  Temperature Regulation...   Ok
  Temperature Set Point...    Ok        -20 °C
  TempMonitor:                Ok        Already active

Connect Telescope                       2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  Establishing link...        Ok
  Telescope Coords...         Ok        Az: 183.8, Alt: 2.6

  A session (S00614) has already been created  in the database for 2018-07-18
  Session : 2018-07-18 S00614
  Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-18 S00614

Session                                 2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  Session Name:               Ok        2018-07-18 S00614 (Session)
  Reusing Session Folder...   Ok        .\New\2018-07-18 S00614
  Reusing Analysis Folder...  Ok        .\...\2018-07-18 S00614
  AutoSave Folder...          Ok        C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-18 S00614
  AutoSave Start Num...       Ok        614001

Session Equilibrating                   2018-07-19 00:00 (Local)
  Equilibrating ...

Session Running                         2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-18       (NightDate)

Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE)             2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
  Checking Plan...            Ok        2018-07-18   V1   BEST PLAN            (Plan ID= 162)
  Checking Targets...         Ok        20 targets selected
  AutoSave Folder...          Ok        C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-18 S00614
  AutoSave Start Num...       Ok        614001
  Date/Time (TheSky6)...      Ok        2018-07-19 00:08:21 (Local)
                                        2018-07-18 23:08:21 (UT)
  Lat/Long (TheSky6)...       Ok        57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
  CCD Regulation ...          Ok        Regulation is ON (Setpoint: -20.0 °C)
  Checking CCD Temp...        Ok        -20.4 °C (90%)
  Airmass Cutoff...           Ok        Airmass 3.3
  Checking Targets ...        Ok        26 targets selected
  Setting Up RealTime VMA...  Ok        (1.2 Method)
  Checking VMA Folders ...    Ok        
  Reading Reference File ...  Ok        ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
  Estimated Duration...                 195.22 mins

M29  (7/26)                             2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        M29 (ID: 59)
  Object Type:                          Open Cluster
  Constellation:                        CYG
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

Session Suspended                       2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-18         Info      Session suspended

PLN 85+ 4.1  (8/26)                     2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        PLN 85+ 4.1 (ID: 36)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        CYG
  Comment:                              Abell 71
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 6886  (9/26)                        2018-07-19 00:08 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6886 (ID: 40)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        SGE
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 00:14 to commence target (6.2 mins)
  Waiting till 00:14...       Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 20 12 42.799, Dec: +19 59 24.00, J2000 (NGC 6886)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 49.8 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 1.31
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec 20.05 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        4.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Cooling Capacity [92%] is > 90% (Temp -20.0 °C)
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 11.0 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        5s (Zone: 1-2, GPOffset 7.7, Alt 49.8)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00614001] 23:14:23 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed    Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
  Linking image (GSC)...      Failed    Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
  Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed    Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
  Linking image (GSC*)...     Failed    Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 0/0)
    Altitude                  49.9      deg (Airmass 1.308)
    Sky Brightness            4.16      ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 234 ADU, dark: 197.4 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      5.5       arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 5.1)
  Unable to Link Image..      Will try a longer exposure

  Checking position (2)
  Taking 20s image (C)...     Ok        [00614002] 23:14:44 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (GSC)...      Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (GSC*)...     Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 3/6)
    Normalised ZP             17.85     
    Altitude                  49.9      deg (Airmass 1.307)
    Sky Brightness            1.26      ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 242 ADU, dark: 197.7 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      5.5       arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 5.6)
  Unable to Link Image..      Will try a longer exposure

  Checking position (3)
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614003] 23:16:42 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (GSC)...      Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (GSC*)...     Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 0/5)
    Altitude                  50.0      deg (Airmass 1.305)
    Sky Brightness            1.01      ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 251 ADU, dark: 197.9 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      5.5       arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 40.2)
  Unable to Link Image..      Will try a longer exposure

  Checking position (4)
  Taking 60s image (C)...     Ok        [00614004] 23:18:09 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (GSC)...      Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (UCA/USNO*)...Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
  Linking image (GSC*)...     Failed    No Acceptable Match Found
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 0/0)
    Altitude                  50.1      deg (Airmass 1.303)
    Sky Brightness            0.78      ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 280 ADU, dark: 198.2 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      5.5       arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 5.6)
  Unable to Link Image..      Will continue on, assuming that pointing is ok


  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614005] 23:21:29 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614006] 23:22:09 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614007] 23:22:49 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614008] 23:23:29 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614009] 23:24:09 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614010] 23:24:49 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C
  Taking 30s image (C)...     Ok        [00614011] 23:25:29 (UT)  Full 3x3 30s C

IC 4997  (10/26)                        2018-07-19 00:26 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        IC 4997 (ID: 39)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        SGE
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

M73  (11/26)                            2018-07-19 00:26 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        M73 (ID: 50)
  Object Type:                          Open Cluster
  Constellation:                        AQR
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 00:30 to commence target (4.7 mins)
  Waiting till 00:30...       Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 20 58 56.002, Dec: -12 38 07.00, J2000 (M73)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 16.4 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 3.52
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec -12.56 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        2.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Cooling Capacity [100%] is > 90% (Temp -19.5 °C)
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 11.0 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        15s (Zone: 3-3, GPOffset 33.9, Alt 16.4)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 15s image (C)...     Ok        [00614012] 23:30:18 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed    No Acceptable Match Found

Observatory Mode                        2018-07-18 23:51 (Local)
  Setting Mode ...            Ok        Manual


Script Aborting ...           Aborted   (Script aborted by user)

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2018-07-22 (Commissioning)


Session Aims & Highlights (2018-07-22)

Main aims of this nighttime session was to continue commissioning of Clair3 Observatory including

1) Perform live test of Observatory System operating in Fully Automated Mode

(This follows several weeks work on new software routines for operating the Observatory in fully-automated mode (a long-term goal for Clair 3 Observatory) and following the first live test of the software routines on 2018-07-18.  Although operating in  Fully Automated Mode the session was again closely monitored to understand any issues and intervene if required)

2) Acquire some images

3) Continue checking stability of POTH.Hub (Telescope + Dome) & Observatory Control Software

Equipment & Software
- 12" LX200 and ST-10XME
- CCDApp2, TheSky6, CCDSoft 5, POTH Hub,

Highlights :

 - Cloudy Skies unfortunately prevented the acquistion of any live images during this session.   However the recognition of the adverse sky conditons by the system and its refusal to open the Dome goes down as a positive result.

- The new Fully-Automated Operation Routines (updated following results of last live test on 2018-07-18) generally worked as designed but again a few further few things were noticed that will require further correction and improvement.  The test can be judged a success  (see test notes)

- Specific successful achivements of the automated system  : 
    - a new session (session ID, session name, session folders) was created for the night
    - an optimised Observing Plan/Schedule was created for the night from a database of targets and loaded ready for observing
    - Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera were connected to
    - Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera were operated 
    - Weather and Cloud Sensor data was used to open and close the Dome Shutter several times during the session
    - Execution of Observing Plan / Target Queue proceeded according to scheduled start times.
    - Close down of the Observatory (Telescope & Dome Parking, CCD Disconnection)
    - Post Session Housekeeping (File copying etc)
    - Wait till next night
    - Commence next session
 
- No specific failures of the automated system
   (though a on-the-fly code change was required to prevent execution of Target/Job Queue Execuction
   being otherwise stuck in a Pause Loop)

- A long list of corrections/minor improvements to the routines were identified.  Major items that needed to added are
    - Autofocussing 

- There were with no major issues with the Observatory System itself

 
Observing Plan/a> automatically created for test  2018-07-22
(Targets marked with Red Status failed. Initial targets failed due to missing the scheduled start time.
Later targets failed due to cloud/closed dome.
 
Image
  
Night Sky Summary Plot - 2018-07-22
Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s)
Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs)
 
Image


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Operational Issues (2018-07-22)

Issues arising during the session:
- LX200 Telescope loosing connection with TheSky6, Error 213

 

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Fully- Automated Operation Test (2018-07-22)

With key hardware powered up (Observatory Laptop, Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera),  key software running (TheSky6, CCDSoft5 and CCDApp2) and key observatory services started (Observatory Manager, Weather/Cloud Sensor, ASCOM Dome, ASCOM Scope) observatory manager control was placed into 'Fully-Automated' Mode. This initiated the Full-Automated cycle of operation, comprising the following session states : Pending, Initiating, Starting, Equilibrating, Running (or Suspended), Closing, Housekeeping, Finished, Back to Pending. 

The Session began in the 'Pending' State, but as the Sun had already set (Sun Altitude < 0) the Session immediately moved to 'Initiating' where the Observatory Manager called the  'Observing Database Tool ' (SqlForms2/Schedule Builder) to create a computer-generated optimised observing plan for the night with a scheduled start time equivalent to a sun altitude of -9 deg. Once created the observing plan was successfully loaded into the Job Queue ready for execution. (See Report file)

The Session then moved to 'Starting'  where CCD Camera and Telescope were successfully connected and session setup was successfully performed (new Session ID, Session Name and Session Folders).   The Session then moved to 'Equilibrating', but since the Scheduled Plan's Start Time has already been passed the Session moved to 'Running' and began executing the Job Queue.
Since the scheduled start times for the first 11 targets had already been passed, they were skipped and flagged as 'Failed'.

The Job Queue then took images of EV Lac and HH And (12th and 13th targets respectively).  It was noticed that the stars were badly out of focus and rathar than waste observing time on out of focus images the Observatory was placed back into Manual Mode and the Target/Job Queue aborted, in order to manually find a suitable star and inititate an Autofocussing routine (In due course it is hoped to incorporate these Autofocussing operations within the fully-Automated Routines).

The program was restarted and placed into Fully-Automated Mode. The Session quickly moved through the initial states until it was again 'Running' and executing the Job Queue . The 14th and 15th targets were skipped as their scheduled start times had been missed whilst autofocussing etc). The 16th Target (GK Per) was then successfully acquired. A 30 minute period followed during which the dome shutter was closed due to increased cloud. During this time the scheduled time slots for 4 targets were missed.  Finally an slight improvement in conditions saw the dome shutter open and the queue continued with the 21st target (NGC 7094)., 5 x 90s C images were taken, over an interval of 22 minutes during which the dome shutter opened and closed several times as Cloud (clarity and number of visible AllSky stars) and Observing Potential both oscillated either side of their respective levels.

Whilst waiting for the 21st target to finish all of its images, the next 3 targets each missed their scheduled start times and were skipped. Job execution finished by acquiring the 25th target (WDS GRB 34).

With Job Execution completed the Session moved to 'Closing' and proceeded to close the dome, park the dome, park the telescope and disconnect the CCD camera (turning off temp regulation). The Session then moved to 'Housekeeping' and proceed to clean up raw files and move them to 'analysis/raw' folder, and to move log files to 'analysis/log' folder, before moving to 'Finished'.
(several corrections need to be made to code to ensure closing of observatory equipment is fully completed before moving to the housekeeping stage , and to not repeat/duplicate certain housekeeping chores).

At 09:00 the Session moved to 'Pending' for the next Night, and waited until sunset where it should have moved the session to 'Initiating', however for some reason the Session moved to 'Starting' but without going through SetState_Starting routine. With setup incomplete the session was unable to progress (why did Session move directly to 'Starting' - needs fixing !)

An on the fly coding fix was made to drop the Session back to 'Initiating' at which point the Session began to create an Observing Plan for the night. Unfortunately the CCDApp2 program interface froze at thus point and the process was stopped using the Stop Debugging button in VS 2017.

The program was restarted and Observatory Services Started( ASCOM DOme and ASCOM Scope objects created ok, I thought they might fail as POTH.Hub was left open when the CCDApp2 program was stopped ). The Session quickly moved through the initial states ('Pending', 'Initiating' & 'Starting'), loading the Observing Plan created a little earlier), creating a new session for the night (new session id and name etc), successfully unparking the Scope (this was a significant milestone archievement), and connecting to the Scope and CCD Camera.  (Upon reconnecting to scope it reported  Az: 89.0, Alt: -0.6 rather than expected value of Az 180, Alt 2 deg , glitch ?, Coordinates look ok in TheSky Virtual Sky and in POTH window. During the live test session on 2018-07-18 the routine reported  Az: 95.8, Alt: 3.7 and Az: 183.8, Alt: 2.6 on the 1st and 2nd tests respectively.  Making a on-the-fly code change to make an ad-hoc call to fetch Telescope coordinates reported them as  Az: 185.2, Alt: 2.6. Suggests that a wait interval is required between connecting the scope and making an enquiry).

The session then moved to 'Equilibrating'.  where it recognised that it would have to wait on acceptable weather conditions, however it nevertheless proceeded with trying to open the Dome Shutter. Fortunately other monitoring safety rules kicked in to immediately close the dome again - shutter partially open for not more than 6 to 9 secs ). (There is clearly a major coding error that allows Dome Shutter to be opened whilst rain and cloud conditions were flagged as critical. This needs to be fixed before the next session)

Since adverse rain conditions may last for some time (perhaps all night). Telescope Tracking was manually set to Off (Fully Automated routine needs to turn off telescope tracking immediately after unparking & reconnecting to scope) .

With weather conditions not looking good and to ensure safety of the observatory whilst continuing to test 'Fully-Automated' operations whilst I went to bed the Dome Lock was set to ON.  This will ensure that Open Shutter routine is disabled even if the code makes a call to it.

 

Report Log for Fully-Automated Operation Tests (2018-07-22)
(Whilst Report refers to Session ID S00616, this will be rolled-back as no useful images of the sky were actually taken. The '614' ID will instead be used for the next valid live session)

First Test Run

Observatory Mode                        2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
  Setting Mode...             Ok        Fully-Automated
  Checking Observing Tool...
  Starting SQLForm2           Ok        CCDApp2_ObservingTool.exe (a delay may occur)

Session Pending                         2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)

Session Initiating                      2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)
  Import Observing Plan...

Create Observing Plan                   2018-07-23 00:45 (Local)
  Request Observing Plan...   Ok
  Generate Night Plan...      Ok        SqlForms2/Schedule Builder has completed
  Selecting Plan...           Ok        2018-07-22   V1   BEST PLAN   (Plan ID: 164)
  Retrieving Targets ...      Ok        25 Targets. 
  Reading Start Time...       Ok        2018-07-22 23:21 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)

Session Starting                        2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
  Session:                    Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)

Connect Camera                          2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
  Connecting camera...        Ok
  Temperature Regulation...   Ok
  Temperature Set Point...    Ok        10 °C
  TempMonitor:                Ok        Already active

Connect Telescope                       2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
  Establishing link...        Ok
  Telescope Coords...         Ok        Az: 113.1, Alt: 14.1

Session                                 2018-07-23 00:52 (Local)
  Session Name:               Ok        2018-07-22 S00616 (Session)
  Creating session folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-22 S00616
  Creating analysis folder ...Ok        .\...\2018-07-22 S00616
  Creating subfolders ...     Ok        .\...\2018-07-22 S00616\_RAW, \_REDUCED etc
  Stopping CCDSoft            Ok        
  Setting Autosave Number     Ok        616001
  Restarting CCDSoft
  Creating Camera object...   Ok        CCDsoft.Camera
  Creating Autoguider object..
  Updating Setpoint...        Ok        CCDsoft.Camera
  Creating Folder object..    Ok        CCDSoft.Folder
  Reconnecting camera ...     Ok        -15 °C
Ok
  Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-22 S00616

Session Equilibrating                   2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Scheduled Start Time...     Ok        Equilibration step will be skipped 
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...

Session Running                         2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)
  Turn On Dome Slaving..      Ok
  Turn On Telescope Tracking..Ok        Telescope Tracking is ON

Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE)             2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Checking Plan...            Ok        2018-07-22   V1   BEST PLAN            (Plan ID= 164)
  Checking Targets...         Ok        25 targets selected
  AutoSave Folder...          Ok        C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-22 S00616
  AutoSave Start Num...       Ok        616001
  Date/Time (TheSky6)...      Ok        2018-07-23 00:53:11 (Local)
                                        2018-07-22 23:53:11 (UT)
  Lat/Long (TheSky6)...       Ok        57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
  CCD Regulation ...          Ok        Regulation is ON (Setpoint: -15.0 °C)
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Temp [12.6 °C] is 27.6 °C above setpoint
  Airmass Cutoff...           Ok        Airmass 3.3
  Checking Targets ...        Ok        25 targets selected
  Setting Up RealTime VMA...  Ok        (1.2 Method)
  Checking VMA Folders ...    Ok        
  Reading Reference File ...  Ok        ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
  Estimated Duration...                 204.85 mins

NGC 6772  (1/25)                        2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6772 (ID: 32)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        AQL
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

Delta Cyg  (2/25)                       2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        Delta Cyg (ID: 37)
  Object Type:                          Star
  Constellation:                        Cyg
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 6842  (3/25)                        2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6842 (ID: 305)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        Vul
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 5112  (4/25)                        2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 5112 (ID: 83)
  Object Type:                          Spiral Galaxy
  Constellation:                        CVn
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 5421  (5/25)                        2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 5421 (ID: 90)
  Object Type:                          Spiral Galaxy
  Constellation:                        CVn
  Comment:                              ARP 111
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

Vega  (6/25)                            2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        Vega (ID: 200)
  Object Type:                          Star
  Constellation:                        Lyr
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS CI Cyg  (7/25)                     2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS CI Cyg (ID: 14)
  Object Type:                          Variable
  Constellation:                        CYG
  Comment:                              CI Cyg
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS P Cyg  (8/25)                      2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS P Cyg (ID: 207)
  Object Type:                          
  Constellation:                        Cyg
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

PLN 85+ 4.1  (9/25)                     2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        PLN 85+ 4.1 (ID: 36)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        CYG
  Comment:                              Abell 71
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS BL Lac  (10/25)                    2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS BL Lac (ID: 17)
  Object Type:                          Variable Galaxy/Quasar
  Constellation:                        LAC
  Comment:                              Lac BL
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

UGC 11919  (11/25)                      2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        UGC 11919 (ID: 157)
  Object Type:                          Spiral Galaxy
  Constellation:                        LAC
  Comment:                              PSN J22081243+411
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS EV Lac  (12/25)                    2018-07-23 00:53 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS EV Lac (ID: 18)
  Object Type:                          Nearby Star
  Constellation:                        Lac
  Comment:                              GJ 873
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 01:01 to commence target (8.8 mins)
  Waiting till 01:01...       
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (45s)
Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 22 46 49.703, Dec: +44 20 02.00, J2000 (GCVS EV Lac)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 60.6 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 1.15
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec 44.43 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        3.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Ok        -15.2 °C (81%)
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 13.7 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        5s (Zone: 1-1, GPOffset 13.1, Alt 60.6)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00616001] 00:01:58 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 40, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 27/42)
    Normalised ZP             20.65     
    Altitude                  60.7      deg (Airmass 1.147)
    Sky Brightness            17.03     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 350 ADU, dark: 199.4 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      8.0       arc sec (bright: 7.8, next4: 8.5)
  Reviewing position (1)...   Ok        Position error: 7.7 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     8.1 arc mins 

  Checking position (2)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00616002] 00:03:09 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 31, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 19/32)
    Normalised ZP             20.64     
    Altitude                  60.7      deg (Airmass 1.147)
    Sky Brightness            15.89     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 340 ADU, dark: 199.6 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      8.5       arc sec (bright: 6.9, next4: 7.9)
  Reviewing position (2)...   Ok        Position error: 0.1 arc mins
  Acceptance test ...         Passed    Pointing within 1.5 arc mins

  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616003] 00:03:42 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V
  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616004] 00:04:07 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V
  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616005] 00:04:32 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V
  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616006] 00:04:57 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V
  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616007] 00:05:19 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V
  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616008] 00:05:43 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V
  Taking 10s image (V)...     Ok        [00616009] 00:06:05 (UT)  Full 2x2 10s V

GCVS HH And  (13/25)                    2018-07-23 01:06 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS HH And (ID: 19)
  Object Type:                          Nearby Star
  Constellation:                        And
  Comment:                              Ross 248
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 01:07 to commence target (1.5 mins)
  Waiting till 01:07...       Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 23 41 54.999, Dec: +44 10 38.99, J2000 (GCVS HH And)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 53.9 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 1.24
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec 44.28 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        2.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Ok        -14.8 °C (83%)
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 14.0 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        10s (Zone: 2-2, GPOffset 16.9, Alt 53.9)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 10s image (C)...     Ok        [00616010] 00:07:38 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 56, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 29/57)
    Normalised ZP             20.96     
    Altitude                  53.9      deg (Airmass 1.237)
    Sky Brightness            12.52     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 421 ADU, dark: 199.5 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      5.5       arc sec (bright: 7.8, next4: 8.8)
  Reviewing position (1)...   Ok        Position error: 10.6 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     12.0 arc mins 

Script Aborting ...           
Script Aborting ...           

Script Aborting ...           Aborted   (Script aborted by user)
           

Job Queue aborted at this point in order to run Software routine to better focus the telescope

Second Test Run
 



Observatory Mode                        2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Setting Mode...             Ok        Fully-Automated

Session Pending                         2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)

Session Initiating                      2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)
  Import Observing Plan...
  Selecting Plan...           Ok        2018-07-22   V1   BEST PLAN   (Plan ID: 164)
  Retrieving Targets ...      Ok        25 Targets. 
  Reading Start Time...       Ok        2018-07-22 23:21 (Scheduled StartTime, Local)

Session Starting                        2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Session:                    Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)

Connect Camera                          2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Connecting camera...        Ok
  Temperature Regulation...   Ok
  Temperature Set Point...    Ok        -15 °C
  TempMonitor:                Ok        Already active

Connect Telescope                       2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Establishing link...        Ok
  Telescope Coords...         Ok        Az: 91.1, Alt: 56.9

Session                                 2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Session Name:               Ok        2018-07-22 S00614 (Session)
  Creating session folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-22 S00614
  Creating analysis folder ...Ok        .\...\2018-07-22 S00614
  Creating subfolders ...     Ok        .\...\2018-07-22 S00614\_RAW, \_REDUCED etc
  Stopping CCDSoft            Ok        
  Setting Autosave Number     Ok        614001
  Restarting CCDSoft
  Creating Camera object...   Ok        CCDsoft.Camera
  Creating Autoguider object..Ok        CCDsoft.Camera
  Creating Folder object..    Ok        CCDSoft.Folder
  Reconnecting camera ...     Ok
  Setting AutoSave Folder ... Ok        .\New\2018-07-22 S00614

Session Equilibrating                   2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Scheduled Start Time...     Ok        Equilibration step will be skipped 

Session Running                         2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  NightDate:                  Ok        2018-07-22       (NightDate)
  Turn On Dome Slaving..      Ok
  Turn On Telescope Tracking..Ok        Telescope Tracking is ON

Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE)             2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Checking Plan...            Ok        2018-07-22   V1   BEST PLAN            (Plan ID= 164)
  Checking Targets...         Ok        12 targets selected
  AutoSave Folder...          Ok        C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-07-22 S00614
  AutoSave Start Num...       Ok        614001
  Date/Time (TheSky6)...      Ok        2018-07-23 01:27:52 (Local)
                                        2018-07-23 00:27:52 (UT)
  Lat/Long (TheSky6)...       Ok        57 19 09.00 N / 02 00 24.99 W
  CCD Regulation ...          Fail      Regulation is OFF (Setpoint: 0.0 °C)
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Temp [14.0 °C] is 14.0 °C above setpoint
  Airmass Cutoff...           Ok        Airmass 3.3
  Checking Targets ...        Ok        25 targets selected
  Setting Up RealTime VMA...  Ok        (1.2 Method)
  Checking VMA Folders ...    Ok        
  Reading Reference File ...  Ok        ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
  Estimated Duration...                 92.83 mins

Hickson 8  (14/25)                      2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        Hickson 8 (ID: 158)
  Object Type:                          Galaxy Cluster
  Constellation:                        AND
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS RX And  (15/25)                    2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS RX And (ID: 20)
  Object Type:                          Variable
  Constellation:                        AND
  Comment:                              RX And
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS GK Per  (16/25)                    2018-07-23 01:27 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS GK Per (ID: 71)
  Object Type:                          Variable
  Constellation:                        PER
  Comment:                              GK Per
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 01:30 to commence target (3.0 mins)
  Waiting till 01:30...       
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (4s)
  Updating Setpoint...        Ok        -15 °C
Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 03 31 12.500, Dec: +43 54 17.99, J2000 (GCVS GK Per)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 28.1 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 2.12
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec 43.96 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        2.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Temp [-4.8 °C] is 10.2 °C above setpoint
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 13.7 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        5s (Zone: 1-2, GPOffset 10.1, Alt 28.1)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00614001] 00:30:33 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 45, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.5°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 32/47)
    Normalised ZP             20.70     
    Altitude                  28.2      deg (Airmass 2.119)
    Sky Brightness            29.72     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 473 ADU, dark: 209.1 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      3.5       arc sec (bright: 3.4, next4: 38.5)
  Reviewing position (1)...   Ok        Position error: 5.3 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     5.0 arc mins 

  Checking position (2)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00614002] 00:31:42 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 59, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.5°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 48/61)
    Normalised ZP             21.18     
    Altitude                  28.3      deg (Airmass 2.105)
    Sky Brightness            29.13     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 463 ADU, dark: 204.1 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      3.0       arc sec (bright: 3.2, next4: 3.1)
  Reviewing position (2)...   Ok        Position error: 0.7 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     0.4 arc mins 
  Acceptance test ...         Passed    Pointing within 1.5 arc mins

  Image Group 1/3 [GSet 2]
  Taking 15s image (V)...     Ok        [00614003] 00:32:45 (UT)  Full 3x3 15s V
  Taking 10s image (R)...     Ok        [00614004] 00:33:17 (UT)  Full 3x3 10s R
  
  Image Group 2/3 [GSet 3]
  Taking 15s image (V)...     Ok        [00614005] 00:33:51 (UT)  Full 3x3 15s V
  Taking 10s image (R)...     Ok        [00614006] 00:34:24 (UT)  Full 3x3 10s R
  
  Image Group 3/3 [GSet 4]
  Taking 15s image (V)...     Ok        [00614007] 00:34:58 (UT)  Full 3x3 15s V
  Taking 10s image (R)...     

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 01:35 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 01:35 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
Ok        [00614008] 00:35:30 (UT)  Full 3x3 10s R
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Shutter Can Open
  Session: 2018-07-22           Script Paused ...
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 01:46 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (10s)

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 01:46 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 01:46 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (45s)

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 01:49 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 01:49 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 01:49 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (35s)

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 01:51 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 01:51 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
(..)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (65s)

SAC Berk  10  (17/25)                   2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        SAC Berk  10 (ID: 171)
  Object Type:                          Open Cluster
  Constellation:                        CAM
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

Hickson 60  (18/25)                     2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        Hickson 60 (ID: 132)
  Object Type:                          Galaxy Cluster
  Constellation:                        UMa
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 6905  (19/25)                       2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6905 (ID: 52)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        DEL
  Comment:                              Herschel IV-16
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 7009  (20/25)                       2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 7009 (ID: 58)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        AQR
  Comment:                              Caldwell 55
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 7094  (21/25)                       2018-07-23 02:05 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 7094 (ID: 34)
  Object Type:                          Pl. Neb
  Constellation:                        PEG
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 02:09 to commence target (3.8 mins)
  Waiting till 02:09...       Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 21 36 52.999, Dec: +12 47 22.00, J2000 (NGC 7094)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 45.1 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 1.41
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec 12.87 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        4.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Temp [-12.7 °C] is 2.3 °C above setpoint
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 13.5 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        10s (Zone: 2-2, GPOffset 28.2, Alt 45.1)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 10s image (C)...     Ok        [00614009] 01:09:49 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 24, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.7°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 22/24)
    Normalised ZP             20.33     
    Altitude                  45.1      deg (Airmass 1.412)
    Sky Brightness            29.05     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 717 ADU, dark: 201.1 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      3.5       arc sec (bright: 3.3, next4: 3.8)
  Reviewing position (1)...   Ok        Position error: 11.6 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     11.1 arc mins 

  Checking position (2)
  Taking 10s image (C)...     Ok        [00614010] 01:11:20 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 31, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.7°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 26/31)
    Normalised ZP             20.45     
    Altitude                  45.2      deg (Airmass 1.409)
    Sky Brightness            30.04     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 734 ADU, dark: 201.1 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      3.0       arc sec (bright: 3.6, next4: 4.1)
  Reviewing position (2)...   Ok        Position error: 0.6 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     0.5 arc mins 
  Acceptance test ...         Passed    Pointing within 1.5 arc mins

  Taking 90s image (C)...     Ok        [00614011] 01:12:39 (UT)  Full 3x3 90s C
  Taking 90s image (C)...     

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:15 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 02:15 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
Ok        [00614012] 01:14:24 (UT)  Full 3x3 90s C
  Script Paused ...
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (45s)
  Taking 90s image (C)...     

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:18 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 02:18 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:18 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (10s)

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:19 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter

Session Suspended                       2018-07-23 02:19 (Local)
  Session: 2018-07-22         Info      Session suspended
Ok        [00614013] 01:18:03 (UT)  Full 3x3 90s C
  Script Paused ...
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (45s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is opening...

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:25 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:25 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (35s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:27 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:27 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:27 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (10s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:28 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closing...
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:28 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:28 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter

Observatory Alert                       2018-07-23 02:29 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions:    Alert     Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (30s)
Observatory Manager:          Info      Opening Shutter
  Open Shutter...             Ok        Shutter is open (154s)
  Taking 90s image (C)...     Ok        [00614014] 01:32:15 (UT)  Full 3x3 90s C
  Taking 90s image (C)...     Ok        [00614015] 01:34:00 (UT)  Full 3x3 90s C

NGC 6834  (22/25)                       2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 6834 (ID: 62)
  Object Type:                          Open Cluster
  Constellation:                        CYG
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

NGC 7128  (23/25)                       2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        NGC 7128 (ID: 60)
  Object Type:                          Open Cluster
  Constellation:                        CYG
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

GCVS Z And  (24/25)                     2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        GCVS Z And (ID: 23)
  Object Type:                          Symbiotic variable
  Constellation:                        AND
  Comment:                              And Z
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Fail      Planned Start Time has been missed. Target will be skipped

WDS GRB 34  (25/25)                     2018-07-23 02:35 (Local)
  Target:                     Ok        WDS GRB 34 (ID: 204)
  Object Type:                          
  Constellation:                        AND
  Comment:                              
  Observation Type:                     1
  Checking Start Time ...     Ok        Wait till 02:41 to commence target (5.8 mins)
  Waiting till 02:41...       Ok        Continue
  Checking Target ...         Ok        RA: 00 18 22.900, Dec: +44 01 22.99, J2000 (WDS GRB 34)
  Checking Altitude ...       Ok        Altitude 61.5 degs
  Checking Airmass ...        Ok        Airmass 1.14
  Checking Declination...     Ok        Dec 44.12 degs
  Slewing ...                 Ok        
  Waiting for scope...        Ok        3.0s
  Delay (1s) ...              Ok        
  Checking Dome Position ...  Ok
  Checking CCD Temp...        Warning   Temp [-12.3 °C] is 2.7 °C above setpoint
  Checking Focuser ...        Ok        Tube Temp: 13.1 °C
  Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok        Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
  Selecting N/W offset ...    Ok        N 0.0, W 0.0 [arc mins]
  Selecting Locate Exp ...    Ok        5s (Zone: 2-1, GPOffset 18.4, Alt 61.5)

  Checking position (1)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00614016] 01:41:18 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 41, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.7°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 36/41)
    Normalised ZP             21.53     
    Altitude                  61.6      deg (Airmass 1.137)
    Sky Brightness            47.09     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 619 ADU, dark: 201.2 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      3.0       arc sec (bright: 6.2, next4: 2.8)
  Reviewing position (1)...   Ok        Position error: 2.5 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     2.2 arc mins 

  Checking position (2)
  Taking 5s image (C)...      Ok        [00614017] 01:42:45 (UT)  Full Locate C
  Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok        Stars 45, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.7°
    Analysing stars ...       Ok        (Stars= 39/45)
    Normalised ZP             21.54     
    Altitude                  61.8      deg (Airmass 1.135)
    Sky Brightness            44.11     ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 593 ADU, dark: 201.5 ADU(C)
    FWHM                      3.0       arc sec (bright: 5.8, next4: 2.8)
  Reviewing position (2)...   Ok        Position error: 1.4 arc mins
  Jogging ...                 Ok        Correction:     1.2 arc mins 
  Acceptance test ...         Passed    Pointing within 1.5 arc mins

  Taking 2s image (S)...      
  Updating Setpoint...        Ok        -10 °C
Ok        [00614018] 01:44:23 (UT)  Full 3x3 2s S
  Taking 2s image (S)...      Ok        [00614019] 01:44:37 (UT)  Full 3x3 2s S
  Taking 2s image (S)...      Ok        [00614020] 01:44:52 (UT)  Full 3x3 2s S
  Taking 2s image (S)...      Ok        [00614021] 01:45:06 (UT)  Full 3x3 2s S
  Taking 2s image (S)...      Ok        [00614022] 01:45:20 (UT)  Full 3x3 2s S

Operation...                  Completed

Session Closing                         2018-07-23 02:45 (Local)
  Closing Session...

Closing Down Observatory                2018-07-23 02:45 (Local)
  Turnoff CCD cooling ...     Ok
  Dome Slaving:               Off

Park Dome                               2018-07-23 02:45 (Local)
  Park Telescope ...          Ok        Parking Scope via POTH.Telescope command
  Disconnect Telescope ...    Ok
  Disconnect focuser ...      Ok
  Wait for CCD to re-warm ...
  Wait for CCD to re-warm ... Ok
  Disconnect Camera ...       Ok
(..)
  Close Shutter...            Ok        Shutter is closed (1,062s)
Park Dome...                  Ok        Dome is Parked
  Park Scope ..               
  Park Scope ..               Ok        Scope is parked

Session Housekeeping                    2018-07-23 02:46 (Local)
  Finishing Session...        Info      2018-07-22

Cleanup FITS file names in ./New folder
  Preparing to clean-up file names
   22 fits files have been cleaned up
Create FITS summary file of ./New folder
  Preparing to transfer New files
   22 fits files have been examined in ./New folder
Transfer New Files to ./_Raw folder
  Preparing to transfer New files
  Copying .fits files ...
  Copying Fits Summary.dat
   22 fits files have been copied to the ./_RAW folder  (Total : 15.1 MB)
   0 images have been copied to the ./_RAW/_FOCUS folder (Total : 0.0 MB)

Operation...                  Completed

Archive Session Log Files
  Archive Files               

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