Check that cooling system is operating (i.e. that the temperature is
between -16 and -21 degrees), by looking at the display of the
compressor unit on the observing floor.
If not working, contact staff immediately!
While you are up there, make sure that the
dark slide is closed (knob in OUT position).
Turn up the high voltage power supply (-1150 V for the UBV supply and
-1800 for the RI supply). This should be done 3-4 hours before
observations start to get the required stability for accurate
photometry (for polarimetric results, however, a few minutes will do).
NB! Do not put too high a voltage on
the tubes, as this will cause permanent damage! Also, do not turn
up the high voltages in very humid conditions. If in doubt, confer with
staff.
On the PC labelled MIRIAM, ensure that you have
booted into the DOS session
and then type C: and CD \TURPOL.
If you need good timing, set the PC clock every evening.
Make your own sub-directory (MD name), go there and start
the polarimeter control programme by typing pp. Note that some
default parameters are set (linear polarimetry, integration time 10s,
number of cycles 4) which you may want to change. Open a datafile for
this night under the FILE menu, and name it according to evening date,
e.g. p010520.dat for the night starting on the 20th of may 2001.
Start-up the diaphragm viewing facility (using the ST-4 CCD) by powering
on the portable PC (knob on the left-hand side). Go to directory ST4 by
typing cd ST4. Type ccdtrack. Check here for
Using the ST-4.
After telescope power-on and dome opening (see the Cookbook for details),
set field-r 0 on the TCS, and once it is dark enough, switch on
the guide TV by the TCS command tv-on. Make sure it is dark enough,
go to the dome, turn domelights off, and open the Turpol dark slide (put
knob in IN position). NB! Put all domelights off, and be very careful
with the flashlight when having opened the dark slide!
Load your object catalog on the TCS, and you are ready to
observe with Turpol.
