Date: Sat, 04 Jan 2003 18:16:17 -0700
From: "s. a. snedden"
Subject: Re: 01-04-03 telescope eng report
First off, many thanks to you and Carlos for coming in and running all
these tests to diagnose the problem. It would be nice if there were a
smoking gun, eh?
Jon Brinkmann wrote:
>
> We noted that if the cartridge mounting procedure (taped to the fork of
> the telescope) specifies that the slit head latches be extended before
> the lift is lowered.  Why aren't we we following the procedure?  The
> slit head latches are more than strong enough to hold the cartridge.
However, I do not think following the procedure as taped to the fork of
the telescope is a good idea, precisely because of the type of problem
seen last night. The observers note that the kinematic latch switch LEDs
had been triggered, indicating the latches were secure. They also heard
the latches move. Under these circumstances, if you latch the slitheads
first, then lower the lift, you would be operating the telescope without
any clue that there was a mechanical problem with the kinematics. I
think it is much better to slowly lower the lift plate and check the
staus of the latches, then engage the slithead latches. At least, then,
if there is a problem, you have the telescope pinned at zenith with the
lift and cart in place.
--
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/\  Steph Snedden      Apache Point Observatory      SDSS Observer  /\
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