UT Sep 02, 2018: Computer problems and clouds

Michael Richmond
Sep 03, 2018

On the night of Sep 01/02 2018, I tried to acquire more observations of ASASSN-18ey = MAXI J1820+070. I took darks and flats as usual, and started a sequence on the target. Alas, computer problems and clouds cut the session short, and I gave up well before midnight.

The computer problems:

• the computer seemed sluggish, responding more slowly than usual
• on two occasions, the MaximDL application froze in the middle of a long sequence of images.
• MaximDL gave an error message frequently: can't initialize guider. It would then read data from the guider, apparently as normal, but the message kept appearing.
• MaximDL lost the connection with the main ATIK CCD camera

Eventually, I rebooted the computer. After logging in, I started up MaximDL and the WinSCP processes, but did not start Windows Media Player (in order to prevent screen lock) as I usually do. For the next 40 minutes or so, everything behaved normally.

Must keep an eye on the computer next time ...

Another thing to keep in mind: I had to re-focus with the silver knob to bring stars to focus on the main CCD; the lab class must have been changing the focus in order to use an eyepiece. It is possible that the electric focuser has reached the end of its range in the "IN" direction. It might be necessary to

• move electric focuser to middle of its range
• achieve rough focus with the silver knob
• finish fine focus with the electric motor

Last modified 9/03/2018 by MWR.