KPF Translator

Most of KPF operations are controlled via the KPF Translator which is composed of Python code, which interacts with the underlying KTL keywords to automate various tasks. Each script is actually a Python class which is invoked by an execute() method which itself calls the pre_condition(), perform(), and post_condition() methods. This three-part structure allows the script to check that the system is ready for the action to be performed, then execute the action, then confirm a successful execution. These scripts can also be invoked via a command line interface to the underlying python and are used for everything from small, atomic actions which might require only a single KTL keyword write to execute, to large scripts which need significant flow control such as executing a science observation at night -- including configuring the instrument, waiting for the telescope and tip-tilt system to acquire the target, executing the specified exposures, and finally performing clean up actions.

Detailed documentation on each translator script can be found in the scripts section of this documentation.