| Month | Eng Nights |
Sci Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Jun | 3 + 2×½ | 1 |
| Jul | 2 + 2×½ | 4 |
| Aug | 1 | 7 |
| Sep | 3 | 9 |
| Oct | 3 | 9 |
| Nov | 0 | 0 |
| Dec | 1 | 1 |
Instrument Status
- Most mechanisms work reliably; slitmask system problematic
- Datataking system generally robust; hangs 1/wk
- Science interface completed
- FCS interface progressing
- Mira/AUTOFOC working well
- SKY/FACSUM generally working
- Internal FCS fully functional; GUI under development
Recent Accomplishments
- Hosted successful runs by 4 non-DEEP science teams
- Commissioned guider flexure compensation algorithm
- Reduced MIRA completion time to 4 minutes
- Released slitmask calibration GUI
- Made slitmask alignment procedure more robust
- Completed startup/shutdown checklists
- Began support astronomer training
- Trained summit technicians in slitmask pathologies
- Adapted instr_menu widget for DEIMOS
Issues/Problems/Concerns
- Slitmask system continues to cause trouble with jammed masks
- CCD crate hangs
- CCD bias jumps
- CCD power supply instability
- CCD thermal instability due to termperature readback problems
- DCS communication problems continue to occur frequently
- SKY rotator preview not computing time-to-limit properly
- Slitmask shipping/handling procedures require revision
- FCS user interface needs enhancements
- DREMEL software still not user-friendly
- Guider failures cause significant lost time; confusion re: software vs. hardware faults
Top 10 List (CARA)
- Fix DCS disconnect problems
- Fix SKY rotator time-to-limit algorithm
- Analyze engineering data
- Complete observer documentation/web pages
- Create observer instrument configuration form
- Address slitmask receiving procedures
- Enable data archiving
- Repair and spare PXL guider system
- Define preventive maintenance tasks
Calibration Tool
- Acquires arcs and flats for multiple masks at a given spectrograph setup (grating/filter/wavelength)
- Configurable for number of exposures, exposure time, and line lamp combinations
- Enables acquisition of calibration data during dinner time or after going to bed
Gregory D. Wirth <wirth@keck.hawaii.edu>