David's Astronomy Pages
Notes - Session 621 (2018-08-23)
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Main aims
Equipment & Software
Highlights
Targets.
Images were successfully acquired from 20 targets
Target Centering.
Target Centering worked exceedingly well.
Shutter Operations.
Shutter opening & closing worked without any problem
Automated Operations.
Automated Observatory Operations
worked as expected, apart from a few small issues
Autoguiding.
Autoguiding initiated automatically for just those targets with longer
exposures (> 20s), as expected.
System Stability.
Observatory operations were pretty stable throughout apart from
instances where the Observatory Control Program CCDApp2 would lock-up /hang. Importantly there were no instances of
"Error code=213(0xd5)" Summary Plots & Logs
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Observing Result (2018-08-23, S621) Observatory Operations started at 23:40, Fully-Automated Mode from 23:43 1st Job Queue started at 23:49, Shutter closed at 00:22 due to Cloud 2nd Job Queue started at 01:07. Software interruptions/restarts at 01:45 (10 mins), 02:06 (4 mins), 02:47 (5 mins) Job Queue ended 03:58. Session finished 04:01 |
 |
| (Observation Status : Green=Completed, Yellow= Partially Completed, Red= Failed) |
|
Night Sky Summary Plot -
2018-08-23 Top axis: Sky Brightness at Zenith (in ADU/s) Lefthand axis: Local Time (hh LT). Righthand axis: Sun Altitude (degs) |
 |
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Resolved in due course (AstroMain, Observatory Computer)
Resolved in due course (AstroMain) Fixed (AstroMain)
Fixed (AstroMain, PHD2)
Fixed (AstroMain, AstroAllSky)
Fixed (AstroMain, AstroPlan)
Fixed (AstroPlan)
Fixed (AstroMain)
Fixed (AstroPlan)Fig 1. Switching COM Port for Pulsar Observatories Dome
Fig 2. Job Queue Frozen after checking GCVS SS Cyg coordinates
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With key hardware powered up (Observatory Laptop, Dome, Telescope and CCD Camera), key software running (TheSky6, CCDSoft5 and CCDApp2), key observatory services started (Observatory Manager, Weather/Cloud Sensor, ASCOM Dome, ASCOM Scope, PHD2) the observatory manager control was placed into 'Fully-Automated' Mode.
Observatory Mode 2018-08-23 23:43 (Local)
Setting Mode... Ok Fully-Automated
This initiated the Fully-Automated Cycle of Operation, comprising the following session states : Pending, Initiating, Starting, Equilibrating, Running (or Suspended), Closing, Housekeeping, Finished, Back to Pending.
The Session then moved to 'Equilibrating'. By end of allotted time CCD temperature had just about reached the regulated set point of -20°C. Observatory to Ambient Temperature Difference rose from +1.7 to +1.9°C during the allotted time rather than fell
Session Equilibrating 2018-08-23 23:45 (Local)
Dome Equilibration: Started 2018-08-23 23:45 (Local)
Rotating Dome into wind Wind Direction 270°
Temperatures at 23:45 Open Amb. 7.3°C, Obs. 9.0°C (+1.7°C), Scope 8.5°C, CCD + 5.8°C (+ 5.8°C)
Open Shutter... Opening (<<<< Shutter should be
opened fully before equilibration starts)
Temperatures at 23:46 Opening Amb. 7.3°C, Obs. 9.0°C (+1.7°C), Scope 8.6°C, CCD -7.7°C (+12.3°C)
Open Shutter... Ok Shutter is open (45s)
Rotating Dome into wind Wind Direction 270°
Temperatures at 23:48 Open Amb. 7.2°C, Obs. 9.0°C (+1.8°C), Scope 8.6°C, CCD -15.7°C (+ 4.3°C)
Temperatures at 23:49 Open Amb. 7.1°C, Obs. 9.0°C (+1.9°C), Scope 8.5°C, CCD -20.9°C ( -0.9°C)
Dome Equilibration: Stopped 4.1 mins (4.1 mins total)
After the allotted equilibration time the session moved to 'Running' and begun executing the Job Queue. The first 14 targets were skipped as their schedule start times had already been missed. Imaging commenced with SS Her but images were poor due to residual flush of frost
Session Running 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
NightDate: Ok 2018-08-23 (NightDate)
Turn on Dome Slaving... Ok Dome Slaving is ON
Turn On Tracking.. Ok Telescope Tracking is ON
Take Frame Jobs (Live MODE) 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
Checking Plan... Ok 2018-08-23 V1 BEST PLAN (Plan ID= 186)
Checking Targets... Ok 23 targets selected
AutoSave Folder... Ok C:\Data\CCD Imaging\New\2018-08-23 S00621
AutoSave Start Num... Ok 621001
Date/Time (TheSky6)... Ok 2018-08-23 23:49:58 (Local)
2018-08-23 22:49:58 (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... Warning Temp [-21.3 °C] is 1.3 °C below setpoint
Airmass Cutoff... Ok Airmass 3.3
Checking Targets ... Ok 23 targets selected
Setting Up RealTime VMA... Ok (1.2 Method)
Checking VMA Folders ... Ok
Reading Reference File ... Ok ..\Reference\ProjectStars.txt
GCVS RX And (1/23) 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Main Variables (ID: 12)
Target: Ok GCVS RX And (ID: 20)
Object Type: Ok Variable
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time (22:09) has been missed. Target will be skipped
[ lines removed for brevity ]
GCVS R CrB (14/23) 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Main Variables (ID: 12)
Target: Ok GCVS R CrB (ID: 98)
Object Type: Ok Variable
Checking Start Time ... Fail Planned Start Time (23:47) has been missed. Target will be skipped
GCVS SS Her (15/23) 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Main Variables (ID: 12)
Target: Ok GCVS SS Her (ID: 172)
Object Type: Ok Mira variable
Constellation: Ok HER
Observation Type: Ok Monitor
Filters: Ok VR
Comment: Ok Her SS
Checking Start Time ... Ok
Waiting to Start... Wait Wait till 23:53 to commence target (3.1 mins)
Continue.. Ok 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS SS Her (ID: 172)
Continue.. Ok 2018-08-23 23:49 (Local)
Target: Ok GCVS SS Her (ID: 172)
Checking Target ... Ok Sidereal Target (GCVS SS Her)
Checking Coordinates ... Ok RA: 16 32 55.502, Dec: +06 51 30.00, J2000 (GCVS SS Her)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 19.5 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 2.99
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 6.82 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 4.0s
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 15s
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -20.4 °C (65%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 8.5 °C
Checking position (1)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621001] 22:50:46 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
Unable to Link Image.. Info Will try a longer exposure
Checking position (2)
Taking 30s image (C)... Ok [00621002] 22:51:15 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 4)
Unable to Link Image.. Info Will try a longer exposure
Checking position (3)
Taking 60s image (C)... Ok [00621003] 22:52:06 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 2)
Unable to Link Image.. Info Will try a longer exposure
Checking position (4)
Taking 60s image (C)... Ok [00621004] 22:53:29 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Failed Too few stars (SmartStarCount 2)
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 0/0)
Altitude 19.1 deg (Airmass 3.055)
Sky Brightness 73.12 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 7912 ADU, dark: 198.2 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.0 arc sec (bright: 5.1, next4: 5.1)
Unable to Link Image.. Info Maximum number of attempts reached
Acceptance Test ... Failed Will continue on, assuming that pointing is ok
Current AllSky Meas... Ok Clear (Cloud ADU rate: 69.6)
Image Group 1/3 [GSet 2]
Taking 20s image (V)... Ok [00621005] 22:54:57 (UT) Full 3x3 20s V
Taking 10s image (R)... Ok [00621006] 22:55:34 (UT) Full 3x3 10s R
Image Group 2/3 [GSet 3]
Taking 20s image (V)... Ok [00621007] 22:56:09 (UT) Full 3x3 20s V
Taking 10s image (R)... Ok [00621008] 22:56:47 (UT) Full 3x3 10s R
Image Group 3/3 [GSet 4]
Taking 20s image (V)... Ok [00621009] 22:57:22 (UT) Full 3x3 20s V
Taking 10s image (R)... Ok [00621010] 22:57:59 (UT) Full 3x3 10s R
Current AllSky Meas... Ok Clear (Cloud ADU rate: 82.4)
GCVS Z And (16/23) 2018-08-23 23:58 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Main Variables (ID: 12)
Target: Ok GCVS Z And (ID: 23)
Object Type: Ok Symbiotic variable
Constellation: Ok AND
Observation Type: Ok Monitor
Filters: Ok BVR
Comment: Ok And Z
Current AllSky Meas... Ok Clear (Cloud ADU rate: -2.1)
Checking Start Time ... Ok
Checking Target ... Ok Sidereal Target (GCVS Z And)
Checking Coordinates ... Ok RA: 23 33 39.999, Dec: +48 49 05.99, J2000 (GCVS Z And)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 65.6 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.10
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 48.86 degs
Including Offset ... Ok W 3.5, N -3.7 [arc mins]
Updating Target ... Ok RA: 23 33 18.737, Dec: +48 45 23.99, J2000
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 3.0s
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 5s
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -20.4 °C (76%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 7.9 °C
Checking position (1)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00621011] 22:59:44 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 19, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
Linking Time: Info 3.9s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 19/19)
Normalised ZP 21.56
Altitude 65.8 deg (Airmass 1.097)
Sky Brightness 13.98 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 321 ADU, dark: 197.4 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 4.1, next4: 2.9)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Pointing Error: 9.49 arc mins (W: 8.00', N: 5.10')
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Jog Required: 9.49 arc mins (W= -8.00', N= -5.10')
Jogging ... Ok Scope Change: 10.00 arc mins (W= -8.54', N= -5.20')
Checking position (2)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00621012] 23:00:52 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 20, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
Linking Time: Info 4.1s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 20/20)
Normalised ZP 21.62
Altitude 65.8 deg (Airmass 1.097)
Sky Brightness 13.76 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 319 ADU, dark: 197.4 ADU(C)
FWHM 2.5 arc sec (bright: 4.1, next4: 3.1)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Pointing Error: 1.74 arc mins (W: -0.62', N: -1.62')
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Jog Required: 1.74 arc mins (W= 0.62', N= 1.62')
Jogging ... Ok Scope Change: 1.42 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= 1.42')
Checking position (3)
Taking 5s image (C)... Ok [00621013] 23:02:02 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok (1) Stars 21, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.9°
Linking Time: Info 6.3s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 22/22)
Normalised ZP 21.60
Altitude 65.9 deg (Airmass 1.095)
Sky Brightness 13.97 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 321 ADU, dark: 197.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 2.5 arc sec (bright: 4.0, next4: 3.6)
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Pointing Error: 0.87 arc mins (W: -0.84', N: 0.22')
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Jog Required: 0.87 arc mins (W= 0.84', N= -0.22')
Jogging ... Ok Scope Change: 0.17 arc mins (W= 0.16', N= -0.05')
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Current AllSky Meas... Ok Clear (Cloud ADU rate: 0.4)
Image Group 1/3 [GSet 6]
Taking 15s image (B)... Ok [00621014] 23:03:21 (UT) Full 3x3 15s B
Taking 5s image (V)... Ok [00621015] 23:03:53 (UT) Full 3x3 5s V
Taking 5s image (R)... Ok [00621016] 23:04:16 (UT) Full 3x3 5s R
Image Group 2/3 [GSet 7]
Taking 15s image (B)... Ok [00621017] 23:04:45 (UT) Full 3x3 15s B
Taking 5s image (V)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Taking 5s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Image Group 3/3 [GSet 8]
Taking 15s image (B)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Taking 5s image (V)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Taking 5s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
WDS GRB 34 (17/23) 2018-08-24 00:05 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Nearby Stars (ID: 11)
Target: Ok WDS GRB 34 (ID: 24)
Object Type: Ok Nearby Star
Constellation: Ok AND
Alias Names: Ok Groombridge 34
Observation Type: Ok Monitor
Filters: Ok R
Comment:
Checking Start Time ... Ok
Checking Target ... Ok Sidereal Target (WDS GRB 34)
Checking Coordinates ... Ok RA: 00 18 22.900, Dec: +44 01 22.99, J2000 (WDS GRB 34)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 57.5 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 1.19
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 44.12 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 3.0s
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 10s
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -20.0 °C (77%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 8.1 °C
Checking position (1)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00621018] 23:05:50 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 17, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.8°
Linking Time: Info 4.1s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 17/17)
Normalised ZP 21.74
Altitude 57.6 deg (Airmass 1.185)
Sky Brightness 12.81 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 424 ADU, dark: 197.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.5 arc sec (bright: 3.6, next4: 3.6)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Pointing Error: 9.43 arc mins (W: 8.92', N: 3.08')
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Jog Required: 9.43 arc mins (W= -8.92', N= -3.08')
Checking position (2)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00621019] 23:07:09 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok (1) Stars 17, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.8°
Linking Time: Info 7.4s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 17/17)
Normalised ZP 21.74
Altitude 57.7 deg (Airmass 1.183)
Sky Brightness 12.75 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 423 ADU, dark: 197.6 ADU(C)
FWHM 2.5 arc sec (bright: 2.5, next4: 2.6)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Pointing Error: 8.28 arc mins (W: 8.28', N: 0.02')
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Jog Required: 8.28 arc mins (W= -8.28', N= -0.02')
Checking position (3)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00621020] 23:08:13 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 20, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.8°
Linking Time: Info 3.6s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 20/20)
Normalised ZP 21.70
Altitude 57.7 deg (Airmass 1.182)
Sky Brightness 12.81 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 424 ADU, dark: 197.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 9.7, next4: 3.4)
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Pointing Error: 0.79 arc mins (W: -0.79', N: 0.03')
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Jog Required: 0.79 arc mins (W= 0.79', N= -0.03')
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Current AllSky Meas... Ok Clear (Cloud ADU rate: -1.7)
Taking 5s image (R)... Ok [00621021] 23:09:16 (UT) Full 2x2 5s R
Taking 5s image (R)... Ok [00621022] 23:09:35 (UT) Full 2x2 5s C
Taking 5s image (R)... Ok [00621023] 23:09:52 (UT) Full 2x2 5s R
Taking 5s image (R)... Ok [00621024] 23:10:09 (UT) Full 2x2 5s R
Taking 5s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Taking 5s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Taking 5s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
GCVS TT Ari (18/23) 2018-08-24 00:10 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Main Variables (ID: 12)
Target: Ok GCVS TT Ari (ID: 114)
Object Type: Ok Variable
Constellation: Ok Ari
Observation Type: Ok Monitor
Filters: Ok VR
Comment: Ok TT Ari
Checking Start Time ... Ok
Checking Target ... Ok Sidereal Target (GCVS TT Ari)
Checking Coordinates ... Ok RA: 02 06 53.100, Dec: +15 17 41.99, J2000 (GCVS TT Ari)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 21.4 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 2.74
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 15.38 degs
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 2.0s
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 15s
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -20.0 °C (83%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 8.1 °C
Checking position (1)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621025] 23:11:13 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok (1) Stars 4, Scale 1.329, Angle 179.6°
Linking Time: Info 29.6s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 5/6)
Normalised ZP 21.09
Altitude 21.5 deg (Airmass 2.725)
Sky Brightness 23.81 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 829 ADU, dark: 197.7 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.0 arc sec (bright: 5.6, next4: 4.8)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Pointing Error: 6.78 arc mins (W: 5.99', N: -3.18')
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Jog Required: 6.78 arc mins (W= -5.99', N= 3.18')
Checking position (2)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621026] 23:13:24 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 8, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.6°
Linking Time: Info 3.7s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 8/8)
Normalised ZP 21.14
Altitude 21.7 deg (Airmass 2.696)
Sky Brightness 23.32 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 818 ADU, dark: 197.7 ADU(C)
FWHM 4.5 arc sec (bright: 4.3, next4: 4.7)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Pointing Error: 2.11 arc mins (W: -2.02', N: -0.62')
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Jog Required: 2.11 arc mins (W= 2.02', N= 0.62')
Checking position (3)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621027] 23:14:40 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 8, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.6°
Linking Time: Info 3.4s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 8/8)
Normalised ZP 21.07
Altitude 21.9 deg (Airmass 2.676)
Sky Brightness 22.64 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 798 ADU, dark: 197.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 5.5 arc sec (bright: 4.7, next4: 5.4)
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Pointing Error: 3.07 arc mins (W: -3.06', N: -0.18')
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Jog Required: 3.07 arc mins (W= 3.06', N= 0.18')
Jogging ... Ok Scope Change: 2.64 arc mins (W= 2.64', N= 0.00')
( <<<<< Why no Checking position (4) ? Pointing Error
3.07, Allowed Tolerance 1.5 )
Activate Guidescope Guiding
Checking Connection ... Ok Using PHD2 (ZWO ASI178MC)
Start Looping ... Ok Exposure 3s
Send Guide Request
Guiding ... Ok Guide Request Returned
Lock Position OK X: 2877.1, Y: 268.4
Star Selected OK X: 2877.1, Y: 268.4
Lock ... Fail Lock Position Lost
Star ... Fail Star lost - low SNR
Lock Position OK X: 2888.9, Y: 269.2
Star Selected OK X: 2888.9, Y: 269.2
Guiding ... Ok Guiding Started
Settling Begun Ok
Unknown Event ... Info Event : GuidingStopped
Unknown Event ... Info Event : LoopingExposuresStopped
Lock ... Fail Lock Position Lost
Settling... Fail Error: Image capture stopped
Review Guiding ... Fail Guiding failed to start
Image Group 1/3 [GSet 18]
Taking 45s image (V)... Ok [00621028] 23:16:14 (UT) Full 3x3 45s V
Taking 45s image (R)... Ok [00621029] 23:17:17 (UT) Full 3x3 45s R
Image Group 2/3 [GSet 19] ( <<<
Autoguiding manual initiated here)
Taking 45s image (V)... Ok [00621030] 23:18:26 (UT) Full 3x3 45s V
Guide Stats rms error 3.6" 3.5", 0.5", SNR:8.0, SM: 141, Guide: 20% (Lost: 80%), n:10 (8)
Taking 45s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Image Group 3/3 [GSet 20]
Taking 45s image (V)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Taking 45s image (R)... Failed Image cancelled to prevent observation from overrunning its time slot
Guiding Results 0.4 mins (elapsed)
Guide Stats rms error 3.6" 3.5", 0.5", SNR:8.0, SM: 141, Guide: 20% (Lost: 80%), N:10 (8
At 00:22 the Observatory Manager intervened to suspend the Job Queue and
Close the Shutter because of overhead cloud.
This was despite the fact that
the sky is clear at the current target (GSC 1224:29)
Overhead
GSC 1224:29 (19/23) 2018-08-24 00:19 (Local)
Observing Program: Ok Nearby Stars (ID: 11)
Target: Ok GSC 1224:29 (ID: 122)
Object Type: Ok Nearby Star
Constellation: Ok ARI
Alias Names: Ok Teegardens Star
Observation Type: Ok Monitor
Filters: Ok C
Comment:
Checking Start Time ... Ok
Checking Target ... Ok Sidereal Target (GSC 1224:29)
Checking Coordinates ... Ok RA: 02 52 47.078, Dec: +16 57 13.64, J2000 (GSC 1224:29)
Checking Altitude ... Ok Altitude 17.8 degs
Checking Airmass ... Ok Airmass 3.27
Checking Declination... Ok Dec 16.99 degs
Including Offset ... Ok W -1.6, N -2.5 [arc mins]
Updating Target ... Ok RA: 02 52 53.769, Dec: +16 54 43.64, J2000
Slewing ... Ok
Waiting for scope... Ok 4.0s
Checking Dome Position ... Ok
Selecting Pointing Mode ... Ok Higher Precision Pointing (up to 4 locate images)
Selecting Locate Exp ... Ok 15s
Checking CCD Temp... Ok -20.0 °C (85%)
Checking Focuser ... Ok Tube Temp: 7.9 °C
Checking position (1)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621031] 23:20:03 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 8, Scale 1.332, Angle 179.5°
Linking Time: Info 3.3s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 8/8)
Normalised ZP 21.05
Altitude 17.8 deg (Airmass 3.263)
Sky Brightness 25.54 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 877 ADU, dark: 197.7 ADU(C)
FWHM 4.5 arc sec (bright: 4.6, next4: 4.5)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Pointing Error: 6.19 arc mins (W: 4.05', N: -4.68')
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Jog Required: 6.19 arc mins (W= -4.05', N= 4.68')
Jogging ... Ok Scope Change: 6.17 arc mins (W= -4.33', N= 4.40')
Checking position (2)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621032] 23:21:23 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 8, Scale 1.333, Angle 179.5°
Linking Time: Info 3.7s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 8/8)
Normalised ZP 21.08
Altitude 18.0 deg (Airmass 3.225)
Sky Brightness 25.09 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 866 ADU, dark: 197.7 ADU(C)
FWHM 4.5 arc sec (bright: 4.7, next4: 4.5)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Pointing Error: 0.79 arc mins (W: -0.61', N: -0.49')
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Jog Required: 0.79 arc mins (W= 0.61', N= 0.49')
Jogging ... Ok Scope Change: 0.36 arc mins (W= 0.21', N= 0.29')
Acceptance test ... Passed Pointing within 1.5 arc mins
Current AllSky Meas... Ok Clear (Cloud ADU rate: -25.3) ( <<<
clear at target)
Observatory Alert 2018-08-24 00:22 (Local)
Critical Cloud Conditions: Alert Observatory Manager will close the Dome Shutter
( responds to Clarity)
Session Suspended 2018-08-24 00:22 (Local)
Session: 2018-08-23 Info Session suspended
Close Shutter... Closing
Close Shutter... Ok Shutter is Closed (45s)
Script Paused ...
At 03:54 there was an anomalous Critical Conditions alert from the
Observatory Manager who intervened to close the Shutter, before Opening it again
a few moments later. Its thought that this was triggered by a delay in a
scorecard coming through from the AllSky Computer, and the prior Can_Open flag
was invalidated after a number of minutes (? 3 minutes). The rule is
that observatory should be closed when operating in Full-Automated Mode unless
data saying that it is safe to have the shutter open.
Observatory Manager
has access to other data independant of the scorecard so unless this was
delayed, the executive program should have been able to fill in the data and not
have to momentarily shut the observatory.
(It's unclear why the V2
Plan contained two planned observations of GK Per, let alone why they were
back-to-back. Current rule has it that a Target can only be included once within
a plan. This is the first time this has been seen
[
lines removed for brevity ][
lines removed for brevity ]After Job Queue completed the Session moved to 'Closing', before moving to 'Housekeeping' and finally 'Finished'
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TeleComms Service refers to Telescope Communication Service between Main
Computer and AllSky Computer for the purposes of
a) display status of
telescope and dome shutter on the Observatory Scorecard & on the Night Summary
Plot
b) display of telescope/current target position and upcoming target
positions on Annotated AllSky Images
c) inform the Main Computer of the
cloud cover prevailing at the current telescope/target position and at the
upcoming target positions
(Current telescope /current target position and
upcoming target positions are updated throughout execution of a job queue on
Main Observatory Computer. AllSky Images, Night Summary Plot and
Scorecard are produced on AllSky Computer every 30s)
When the service is running on the Main Computer the following data is sent
to the AllSky Computer every 5s
1) Date-Time
2) Status
as string
3) Shutter Status as string
4) Scope Target Name
5)
Scope Ra
6) Scope Dec
7) Next Target1 Name
8) Next Target1 RA
9) Next
Target1 Dec
10) Next Target2 Name
11) Next Target2 RA
12) Next Target2 Dec
13) Next Target3 Name
14) Next Target3 RA
15) Next Target3 Dec
- Data is taken from the TP object (TP.ShutterState, TP.Scope and
TP.NextTarget() )
- ShutterState is populated from objDome object (POTH.Dome)
by the Observatory Monitor every 2s.
- TP.Scope is populated via calls to TP.ShowScope subroutine (which might call TP.SetScopeCoords depending on whether Ra/Dec are provided or not) .
Calls to TP.ShowScope (with RA,Dec) is made by ImageTargetT, ImageTargetT_QSO,
ImageMosaicT, ImageMosaicT_QSO
after slewing to a target.
, whilst calls to TP.Scope (without RA,Dec) is made by several routines, including RunMeasureFocusProfile, RunMappingRun1, TakeManualObject
- Scope is set hidden by a call to TP.HideScope. Calls to HideScope are made as a Post-Job task for RunTakeFrameJobs & RunTakeFrameJobsQSO
- TP.NextTarget() array is populated by calls to UpdateTpnNextTargets() that are made from within the LoadShootList and DisplayShootListQSO routines (i.e. each time that listTargetImaging and listTargetImagingQSO are updated respectively) . NextTargets are set hidden by a call to TP.HideNextTargets
Data is sent over Port : xxxx
If no new data is received by the AllSky Computer for 3.5 minutes, the last received data is treated as being Invalid, except for ShutterState which is treated as Invalid after 6 minutes.
The following data is sent back to the Main Computer every 2s
1)
Date-Time
2) Scope Target Name
3) Scope Cloud Value
4)
Scope Cloud ADU rate
5) Next Target1 Name
6) Next Target1 Cloud Value
7)
Next Target1 ADU rate
8) Next Target2 Name
9) Next Target2 Cloud Value
10) Next
Target2 ADU rate
11) Next Target3 Name
12) Next Target3 Cloud Value
13) Next Target3 ADU
rate
(Note data, except for DataTime, will only change with each new AllSky Images
,
Data is taken from IV record. IV record is populated with Cloud
Information after processing each new AllSky Image ( i.e. every 30s or so)
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Code connected with PHD2 Autoguiding is held in a VB.Module
'Phd2.vb'
Guiding Activation
PHD2 Autoguiding is activated by call to Phd2.StartPHD2Guiding()
After checking PHD2 connection the following steps are undertaken
a) a 'get_exposure'
request is sent to get current exposure setting
b) a 'loop' request is
sent in order to begin looping frame
c) a 'guide' request is sent to
initiate guiding (following parameters are sent "pixels": 1.5, "time": 5,
"timeout": 20 )
d) responses from PHD2 are monitored, looking initially for a
'StartGuiding' event to see that guiding has starting and waiting ideally for a
'SettleDone' event to to know that PHD2 guiding has settled and that main
imaging can commence.
The guide' method should do whatever it needs to start guiding and to report when guiding is settled and stable. It is understood to include auto-selected a guide star if one is not already selected. Sending a loop request is not absolutely necessary as the 'guide' method will start capturing of camera isn't looping already.
Given that Guide request generally doesn't result in PHD2 locking on to a
suitable guidestar, the options would seem to be
i) add a delay between
sending loop request and the guide request to ensure that guide will start by
looking at a fresh image from the new target rather an image from the last
target.
ii) find a way to de-select the current (last) guide star, if one exists, before sending the 'guide' request
ii) send a 'find_star' request, after 'loop' and before 'guide'. This method will return the lock position of the selected star, otherwise it returns an error object
Guiding Monitoring
Guiding Suspension
PHD2 Autoguiding is stopped by a call 'Phd2.StopPHD2Guiding'
a) a 'stop_capture'
request is set to stop looping/guiding
('get_appstate' is used to
confirm that looping/guiding has stopped
More on
PHD2 Event
Monitoring (https://github.com/OpenPHDGuiding/phd2/wiki/EventMonitoring)
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Checking position (1)
Taking 15s image (C)... Ok [00621025] 23:11:13 (UT) Full Locate C
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Pointing Error: 6.78 arc mins (W: 5.99', N: -3.18')
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Jog Required: 6.78 arc mins (W= -5.99', N= 3.18')
State after 0.5s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
<< 0.5 sec
State after 1.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.05 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.97')
State after 1.5
Ok Scope Change: 8.05 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.97')
State after 2.0s Ok Scope Change: 7.83 arc mins (W= -7.25', N= 2.97')
State after 2.5s Ok Scope Change: 7.83 arc mins (W= -7.25', N= 2.97')
State after 3.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.28 arc mins (W= -7.73', N= 2.97')
State after 3.5s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
State after 4.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
State after 5.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.05 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.96')
State after 6.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.05 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.96')
State after 7.0s Ok Scope Change: 7.83 arc mins (W= -7.25', N= 2.96')
State after 8.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.05 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.96')
State after 9.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
State after 10.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
State after 11.0s Ok Scope Change: 7.83 arc mins (W= -7.25', N= 2.96')
State after 12.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.05 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.96')
State after 13.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
State after 14.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
State after 15.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.06 arc mins (W= -7.49', N= 2.98')
Checking position (2)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Pointing Error: 2.11 arc mins (W: -2.02', N: -0.62')
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Jog Required: 2.11 arc mins (W= 2.02', N= 0.62')
State after 0.5s Ok Scope Change: 0.51 arc mins (W= -0.25', N= 0.44')
State after 1.0s Ok Scope Change: 0.66 arc mins (W= -0.49', N= 0.44')
State after 1.5s Ok Scope Change: 0.85 arc mins (W= -0.73', N= 0.44')
State after 2.0s Ok Scope Change: 0.85 arc mins (W= -0.73', N= 0.44')
State after 2.5s Ok Scope Change: 1.07 arc mins (W= -0.97', N= 0.44')
<< 2.5 sec
State after 3.0s Ok Scope Change: 1.07 arc mins (W= -0.97', N= 0.44')
State after 15.0s Ok Scope Change: 1.07 arc mins (W= -0.97', N= 0.44')
Checking position (1)
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Pointing Error: 9.43 arc mins (W: 8.92', N: 3.08')
Reviewing position (1)... Ok Jog Required: 9.43 arc mins (W= -8.92', N= -3.08')
State after 0.5s Ok Scope Change: 3.07 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= -3.07')
<< 1 sec
State after 1.0s Ok Scope Change: 3.07 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= -3.07')
State after 1.5s Ok Scope Change: 3.07 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= -3.07')
State after 2.0s Ok Scope Change: 3.07 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= -3.07')
State after 2.5s Ok Scope Change: 3.07 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= -3.07')
State after 3.0s Ok Scope Change: 3.14 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= -3.14')
State after 3.5s Ok Scope Change: 3.15 arc mins (W= -0.17', N= -3.14')
<< 3.5 sec
State after 15.0s Ok Scope Change: 3.08 arc mins (W= -0.17', N= -3.07')
Checking position (2)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00621019] 23:07:09 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok (1) Stars 17, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.8°
Linking Time: Info 7.4s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 17/17)
Normalised ZP 21.74
Altitude 57.7 deg (Airmass 1.183)
Sky Brightness 12.75 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 423 ADU, dark: 197.6 ADU(C)
FWHM 2.5 arc sec (bright: 2.5, next4: 2.6)
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Pointing Error: 8.28 arc mins (W: 8.28', N: 0.02')
Reviewing position (2)... Ok Jog Required: 8.28 arc mins (W= -8.28', N= -0.02')
State after 0.5s Ok Scope Change: 0.03 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= 0.03')
State after 1.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.62 arc mins (W= -8.62', N= 0.05')
<< 1 sec
State after 1.5s Ok Scope Change: 8.62 arc mins (W= -8.62', N= 0.05')
State after 2.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.62 arc mins (W= -8.62', N= 0.05')
State after 2.5s Ok Scope Change: 8.62 arc mins (W= -8.62', N= 0.02')
State after 3.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.62 arc mins (W= -8.62', N= 0.02')
State after 5.0s Ok Scope Change: 8.80 arc mins (W= -8.80', N= 0.03')
State after 10.0s Ok Scope Change: 9.16 arc mins (W= -9.16', N= -0.02')
<< 10 sec
State after 15.0s Ok Scope Change: 9.16 arc mins (W= -9.16', N= 0.02')
Checking position (3)
Taking 10s image (C)... Ok [00621020] 23:08:13 (UT) Full Locate C
Linking image (UCA/USNO)... Ok Stars 20, Scale 1.330, Angle 179.8°
Linking Time: Info 3.6s
Analysing stars ... Ok (Stars= 20/20)
Normalised ZP 21.70
Altitude 57.7 deg (Airmass 1.182)
Sky Brightness 12.81 ADU/sq.arc sec/sec, bkgd: 424 ADU, dark: 197.5 ADU(C)
FWHM 3.0 arc sec (bright: 9.7, next4: 3.4)
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Pointing Error: 0.79 arc mins (W: -0.79', N: 0.03')
Reviewing position (3)... Ok Jog Required: 0.79 arc mins (W= 0.79', N= -0.03')
State after 0.5s Ok Scope Change: 0.00 arc mins (W= 0.00', N= 0.00')
State after 1.0s Ok Scope Change: 0.72 arc mins (W= 0.72', N= 0.00')
State after 1.5s Ok Scope Change: 0.54 arc mins (W= 0.54', N= 0.00')
<< 1.5 sec
State after 2.0s Ok Scope Change: 0.54 arc mins (W= 0.54', N= 0.00')
State after 2.5s Ok Scope Change: 0.54 arc mins (W= 0.54', N= 0.00')
State after 3.0s Ok Scope Change: 0.54 arc mins (W= 0.54', N= 0.00')
State after 15.0s Ok Scope Change: 0.54 arc mins (W= 0.54', N= 0.00')
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Using simple thresholds the occurrence of a sub-20 clarity value would trigger the closing of the dome shutter (if it were open) since low clarity is normally associated with thick cloud and potential rain. However if the sub-20 clarity point was a bad or corrupted reading then closing the shutter would be rather wasteful loosing one of two frames or even a whole target depending on the event occurred.
An example of a bad reading was noted on 2018-08-25 Night Summary Plot & corresponding Annotated AllSky Image at 22:25 where Clarity value falls to 19 from 33. Using simple thresholds the occurrence of a sub-20 clarity value would have trigger the closing of the dome shutter and then be followed 30s later by a reopening of the dome when clarity value of 33 were again seen.
Review of "CloudSensor_Data.csv" produced by "Cloud Sensor III" software showed that among the data readings taken at 5s interval there was a single row of bad data at 21:25:23 with anomalous values for sky temperature (-3.1) and clarity value (18.7). It was pure fluke/bad luck that this particular reading was the one read and associated with the 30s image and 30s scorecard .
In order not to trigger false closures of the dome bad readings such as this need to be either identified and rejected, or lost in the averaging with several adjacent good values (say a 30s or 60s moving average)
| Job Queue Frozen after checking GCVS SS Cyg coordinates |
 |
| Time | Temp. | Sky_Temp | Clarity |
| 21:24:51 | 15.6 | -18.0 | 33.5 |
| 21:24:56 | 15.6 | -17.9 | 33.4 |
| 21:25:01 | 15.6 | -18.1 | 33.7 |
| 21:25:07 | 15.6 | -17.9 | 33.5 |
| 21:25:12 | 15.6 | -18.4 | 34.0 |
| 21:25:18 | 15.6 | -18.0 | 33.6 |
| 21:25:23 | 15.6 | -3.1 | 18.7 |
| 21:25:28 | 15.6 | -18.0 | 33.5 |
| 21:25:34 | 15.6 | -17.9 | 33.5 |
| 21:25:39 | 15.6 | -18.3 | 33.9 |
| 21:25:45 | 15.6 | -18.3 | 33.9 |
| 21:25:50 | 15.6 | -18.0 | 33.6 |
| 21:25:56 | 15.6 | -17.9 | 33.5 |
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HP Desktop Computer used for monitoring and operating the observatory
remotely has been given problems ever since it had Windows 10 installed along
with a GeForce 730 graphic card, whereby every 10-15 mins the screen will freeze
, then go totally black before appearing again a few seconds later . These
events correspond to events termed 'Hardware failures' in Windows Reliablity
data. Sometimes the computer will freeze totally and the power button has
to pushed in for several seconds in order to turn the computer off, before
turning it on again. More recently it has developed Windows problem such
has not be able to open the Windows Start Menu. Internet Explorer & Edge
very slow or freeze. A data folder (downloaded Software zips and
installation files) is corrupted and couldn't be opened.
Initial attempts to check and repair the drive using CheckDisk /Scan Disk
didn't work. nor did an attempt to repair windows. In the end it was decided to
a fresh install of Windows 10 on 2018-08-25 . This proceeded ok and
restored the computer to working condition again . However the problems with the
screen, believed to be an issue with the GeForce GT 730 graphics adapter,
still occurred Attempting to update the drivers for the adapter
through Device Manager produced a message say the drivers (2017) were already
the latest available available. Not content with the status quo I looked up the
available NVIDIA drivers for GeForce GT 730 card and found that there was a
version "391.35 - WHQL" dated 2018-03-27 (
https://www.geforce.co.uk/drivers
) which was more recent than the one provided by Windows. The driver was
download and installed on 2018-08-25. So far the screen display has been
working smoothly without incident.
| Latest Driver for GeForce GT 730 Graphics Adpater |
 |
| Latest Driver installed |
 |
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| This Web Page: | Notes - Session 621 (2018-08-23) |
| Last Updated : | 2023-11-26 |
| Site Owner : | David Richards |
| Home Page : | David's Astronomy Web Site |