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ABChew / SFSU-Spectrograph-Project

Resources for MS thesis Project - Radial Velocity Analysis with SFSU echelle Spectrograph at Leuschner Observatory
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Leuschner Spectrograph Installation - Finishing Steps 5-14-22 #1

Closed ABChew closed 11 months ago

ABChew commented 2 years ago

5-14-22 Recap Tasks to Complete:

  1. Check Object fiber optic cable for misalignment or break with power meter.
  2. Install newly fabricated SI FTF 2" Focuser onto Flip mirror mount, replacing the temporary fixed focus mount.
  3. Re-orient the FIGU to align with CCD Camera RA/Dec FOV directional movement.

Issues encountered:

  1. New Focuser adapter base screw holes - one not completely tapped.
  2. USB extender - not communicating with NUC. So Guide camera not visible on NUC.
  3. No standoff hardware to attach Top Plate to Strain Relief plate, for mounting the SI EFS Control box.

Actions taken:

  1. Confirmed Object fiber is not broken with power meter and desk lamp. IMG_3256 IMG_3257

2.Confirmed that USB extender not communicating with NUC by attaching ZWO camera directly to the NUC via a USB-A cable. ZWO camera appeared in ASCOM window and operated normally. Tried re-boot NUC, and power cycling USB extender with no change. However, Atik CCD was recognized by ASCOM driver upon re-boot of NUC, so the restart should have allowed the ZWO to reboot. Changes made to setup from previous Leuschner Visit included: 1. moving the power plug for USB extender on the power strip to make room for plugging in the 12V adapter plug for SI EFS unit. 2. plugging in the SI EFS Control unit USB cable to USB extender port below ZWO camera USB plug. 3. Unplugging the ZWO USB cable to replace the fixed focusing mount with the SI FTF 2" Focuser.

  1. Light leak in FIGU with Observatory lights ON. Visible only in spectral images taken with lights on. Spectra taken with lights On appear normal. Did not take Bias or Dark frames with lights on as contrast.

Other Tasks completed:

  1. Confirmed the FOCUS Home routine moves secondary mirror away from primary mirror to 0.00, then moves secondary mirror in towards the primary mirror to default of 25,600 microns. .

    Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 4 44 38 PM Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 4 44 54 PM Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 4 45 02 PM Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 4 45 20 PM Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 4 45 28 PM

  2. Took spectra of ThAr calibration lines - 3 x 30 sec exposures - lines were clear and distinct with lights off.

  3. Took spectra of Flats LED continuous spectra. - 3 x 30 sec exposures. - lines clear with lights off.

  4. Took spectra of the gibbous moon out of focus and without ZWO Guide camera to confirm imaging. - 3 x 30 exposures with faint echelle orders and low SNR.

  5. Pointing and tracking with xObservatory tested visually with 50mm eyepiece on Agena Crawford focuser, even though focuser knobs were not moving the focusing tube--manually adjusted the focus by loosening the thumb screws and moving the focusing tube in and out, then tightening the thumbs screws. RA adjust by 30 sec moves FOV approximately 5 arc minutes on face of moon. DEC adjust of 30 arc seconds moves only 1-2 arc minutes across the face of the moon.

Tasks to Resolve issues and Finish the installation upon next Leuschner Visit.

  1. Replace USB extender with one Active USB cable - 65 ft long powered at NUC end with USB hub on FIGU end.

  2. Purchase 1" standoffs for Top Plate. Move SI EFS Control Unit to Top Plate and secure with velcro and (2) 8-32 screws

  3. Connect ZWO camera and SI EFS Control UnitUSB cables to USB hub.

  4. Focus the FIGU at 25,850 FOCUS setting and ZWO camera to Object mirror hole.

  5. Tape the FIGU box for light leaks. IMG_3260 IMG_3261

  6. Permanently install Monitor with long HDMI extension cable, and USB Keyboard and Mouse in Dome next to xObservatory server Monitor.

ABChew commented 11 months ago

Installation completed by June, 2022. All "Tasks to be completed" under this ISSUE resolved except #7 - no permanent monitor or keyboard. Instead use Monito in dome with HDMI extension cable and USB wireless keyboard and mouse.