Observer’s Operations Manual
Malpas Observatory
(LAT: 40⁰ 54.4′ N LON: 74⁰55.4′ W)
UACNJ at Jenny Jump State Park
Amateur Astronomers Inc
Amateur Astronomers Inc
William Miller Sperry Observatory
Union County College
1033 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ 07016
Malpas Observatory: Observer’s Manual
August 2014
1 Table of Contents
2
Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3
Observatory .................................................................................................................................. 3
4
Malpas Observatory (MO) Training .............................................................................................. 3
5
Observatory Equipment ................................................................................................................ 4
6
Observatory Power, Outlets and Lighting ..................................................................................... 5
6.1
Power ........................................................................................................................................ 5
6.2
Lighting ...................................................................................................................................... 5
7
Celestron C-14: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) .............................................................................. 5
7.1
Celestron C-14 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) ........................................................................... 5
7.2
Eye Piece Inventory ................................................................................................................... 6
8
Losmandy Mount / Gemini Controller Operation......................................................................... 6
8.1
Overview ................................................................................................................................... 6
8.2
Losmandy Gemini Controller .................................................................................................... 7
8.3
Losmandy Gemini Hand Controller ........................................................................................... 8
8.4
Warm Restart ............................................................................................................................ 9
8.5
Cold Start................................................................................................................................. 10
8.6
Long Slews, Meridian Flips, Aborting a Slew ........................................................................... 11
8.7
Pointing Accuracy: Long Slews ............................................................................................... 11
8.8
PARK Telescope ....................................................................................................................... 11
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Emergency PARK Telescope .................................................................................................... 12
9
Emergency Contact Information ................................................................................................. 12
10
Malpas Observatory: OPEN and CLOSE Observatory Checklists ................................................. 12
Modification History
The Observer’s Manual was created as part of Marcus Valdez, III’s Eagle Project as a member of BSA
Troop 33, Fanwood Presbyterian Church, Fanwood New Jersey. The editor would like to acknowledge
the substantial input and guidance provided by AAI’s Technical Committee to this document.
30-Aug-2014
v 1.0
M. Valdez, III
Editor
&
AAI Tech Comm. Create v1.0
References
Losmandy Gemini Manual, Level 4
AAI Technical Committee
www.losmandy.com/losmandygoto/gemini_manual_l4.pdf
Technical@aserism.org
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2 Overview
The Malpas Observatory is AAI’s Dark Site Observatory located at the United Astronomy Clubs of New
Jersey site at Jenny Jump State Park in Hope, New Jersey. This document is the Observatory Operations
Manual for the benefit of AAI Observers taking the Malpas Observatory (MO) Training Course. AAI
observers who successfully complete training will become certified to independently operate the
Malpas Observatory. AAI will award the Field Observer Certificate in recognition of the completion of
MO training. AAI’s Qualified Observer’s (QO) Certification is a pre-requisite to the Malpas Observatory
course.
3 Observatory
The Malpas Observatory is a 10 ft x 10 ft wooden shed with a roll-off roof. Scaffolding on the North side
of the MO supports the roof when it is rolled open. The Observatory has electrical service and interior
lighting. The Malpas observatory houses a Celestron 14 inch (C14) Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector on a
Losmandy G11 mount with GOTO support. The Losmandy G11 mount is interfaced to the Gemini
Control System which is used to select and GOTO targets. Unlike the 24” and 10” scopes at the Sperry
Observatory, targets are selected with the Gemini Hand Controller and the OTA is not pointed by hand.
The key to the observatory is kept in AAI locker inside the UACNJ observatory.
4 Malpas Observatory (MO) Training
MO training is conducted during hands on sessions at the Malpas Observatory. Candidates are
expected to have general astronomy knowledge and telescope operating skills at the level provided by
AAI’s QO course.
The MO course focuses on the practical skills of opening the observatory, setting up the scope for
observation, conducting an observing session for members of the public, shutting down the scope and
closing down the observatory. Successful completion of the MO training will require multiple sessions
at the MO to learn and demonstrate mastery of the skill set. Successful completion of the course
requires the instructor to certify the candidate is qualified to safely open, operate and properly close the
MO in a lead observer capacity.
MO Observer Skills
1
2
3
Open Observatory: Follow Opening Protocol and Checklist.
Operate Telescope
- Perform War Start – Retain pointing model. Add alignment points on both sides of the
Meridian
- Perform Cold Start – Build new pointing model from scratch. Add multiple alignment
points on both sides of Meridian
Conduct Public Session guiding the scope to multiple targets.
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5
6
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Perform Scope Shut down
- Shut down scope, store in PARK position
- Remove Optical Accessories, store equipment properly
Close Observatory: Follow Closing Protocol and Checklist.
Recover from non-sunny day scenarios.
5 Observatory Equipment
The Observatory contains the following equipment.
Item
Location
Reference Manuals & Logbook
Computer Desk (South corner)
Breaker Box
West Side wall
Storage Unit
North Corner
Celestron C14
Pier
Losmandy G11
Gemini Controller
Pier
Pier
Hair Dryer
West wall
Eye Pieces & Filters
Storage Unit
PC
Under Monitor Desk (East
corner)
Note
Logbook: Sign In, Sign Out, Notes
G11 Manual
Gemini L4 Manual
Star Atlas
RAS Observer Guide
Controls power to “everything
above your knees”. Observatory
lights, wall outlets, PC.
EXCEPTION: Outlet at Pier Base
is NOT controlled by breaker
box.
Eyepieces, filters, Diagonal,
Optec TCF focuser, other
equipment.
Schmidt-Cassegrain OTA
Hyperstar compatible
D=350 mm; FL = 3910 mm
Mount
Gemini Unit: Attached to Pier
Hand Controller: Velcro to Pier
Remove Dew from OTA,
eyepieces.
TV 55 mm Plossl (2 In)
TV 35 mm Panoptic (2 In)
TV 27 mm Panoptic (2 In)
TV 17 mm Nagler (2 in)
Meade Ilum. Astrometric EP
TV Nebustar (Narrow band 2 In)
ND (moon) filter (2 In)
WI-FI internet Supported.
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6 Observatory Power, Outlets and Lighting
6.1 Power
Observatory power is controlled by Breaker box on West Wall. The box controls lighting and outlets
“above your knees”. The Breaker must be thrown to ON position when opening the observatory and is
set to OFF position when closing the observatory.
The outlet at the base of the pier, used to power the scope, is not controlled by the Breaker Box. The
Losmandy Power Cable must be plugged in to the Pier outlet as part of the Opening Procedure. The
Power Cable is always disconnected at the end of an observing session. Failure to do so may cause
electronic components to burn out due power surges during electrical storms.
6.2 Lighting
The observatory roof light is connected to a dedicated outlet on the West side of observatory. It must
be disconnected prior to opening the roof. Wrapping the cord around the rafter will prevent damage
when moving the roof.
The Red lights in each corner are controlled by separate dimmer switches.
7 Celestron C-14: OTA (Optical Tube Assembly)
The C-14 OTA is a wonderful scope, affording deep sky views. At f11, it will have a narrow field of view.
7.1 Celestron C-14 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)
OTA Characteristics
Focal Length = 3910 mm
Aperture= 355.6 mm (14 in)
F Ratio = F11
Resolution (Raleigh) = 0.39 arcsec
Resolution (Dawes) = 0.33 arcsec
Light Gathering Power = 2581x human eye
Secondary Mirror Obstruction = 114 mm
Secondary Mirror Obstruction (by diameter) = 32%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction (by area) = 10%
OTA Length = 31 in / 787 mm
OTA weight = 45 lbs / 20 kg
2 speed focuser
Hyperstar Compatible Secondary
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The C14 is equipped with a 2 speed focuser. “Bob’s Knobs” have been used to upgrade the allen set
screws on the secondary, making collimation much easier. The visual back is a 2in Baader Click Lock,
which allows the diagonal to be secured by twisting the ring on the Baader (i.e. no set screws). This is
useful for public night viewing as the diagonal can be easily flipped to either side of the OTA. It is
important to securely lock the diagonal, or it will fall out of the scope and crash on the floor!
The OTA has a dew shield and dew strap heating system with a “Thousand Oaks” controller mounted on
the right side of the Gemini Controller. It is suggested the dew strap heater be left on permanently. The
Dew shield should always be put on the OTA, unless it is windy.
The OTA has a Celestron 10 x 50 finder with a cross hair sight.
7.2 Eye Piece Inventory
EyePiece
55 mm Televue Plossl
35 mm Televue Panoptic
27 mm Televue Panoptic
17 mm Televue Nagler (Type 4)
12 mm Meade Illuminated Astrometric
Diameter
2 in
2 in
2 in
2 in
1 ¼ in
APFOV
50 deg
68 deg
68 deg
82 deg
?
Magnification in C14
71 x
114 x
145 x
230 x
326 x
8 Losmandy Mount / Gemini Controller Operation
8.1 Overview
The Losmandy Gemini Controller is mounted on the South side of the pier, facing the door. The
Thousand Oaks Dew Heater Controller is mounted on the right side of the Gemini Controller. The
Gemini Controller is powered by an 18VDC power supply. The Dew Heater is powered by a 12VDC
power supply. A common power plug provides power to both devices. This power cable is plugged into
outlet at pier base as part of the OPEN Observatory Checklist and disconnected from the outlet as part
of the OPEN Observatory Checklist.
It is recommended that the 55 mm Plossl eyepiece be used for adding targets to the pointing model
when the Scope is first started. The relative wide field of view will make it easier to find Bright Stars for
alignment.
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8.2 Losmandy Gemini Controller
The Losmandy Gemini Controller is shown in pic below. The Losmandy G11 mount head is shown in the
following picture. INPUT to the controller consists of a DIN plug delivering 18VDC power connecting at
the bottom of the controller. The Hand Controller connects to the left edge of the Gemini unit.
Losmandy Gemini Controller
The Gemini connects to the G11 RA and DEC servo motors using DIN cables for. RA and DEC are labeled
on the Gemini Controller and the G11 Mount pictures below.
Losmandy G11 Mount Head
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8.3 Losmandy Gemini Hand Controller
The Hand Controller has two main functions. It is used to move the telescope in RA and Dec, and to
access the Menu. Pressing the MENU button on the Hand Controller toggles between Telescope
Control Mode and Menu Mode. After completing the startup sequence, the Gemini System goes into
Menu Mode, offering the main menu item “Align Telescope”. After 15 seconds without any user input it
will fall back into Telescope Control Mode.
Telescope Control Mode: The four diamond shaped buttons move the telescope in RA and Dec. The
upper diamond button is DEC+, the lower one is DEC–, the right one is RA+ and the left one is RA–. At
power-up, the RA and DEC buttons default to these functions. The square RA REV and DEC REV buttons
on the bottom can be used to reverse (toggle between) the + and – functions on the respective RA and
DEC (diamond) buttons. The functions of the RA and DEC buttons are not marked for this reason.
Unless reversed using RA REV or DEC REV, RA+ moves the mount west in RA while RA- moves the mount
east.
DEC+ moves the declination axis of the mount counterclockwise (when viewed from the top), while DECmoves it clockwise.
When moving in declination, the direction does NOT change as the mount crosses the celestial pole.
Menu Mode: Press the MENU button and "MENU" is displayed. The DEC+/– buttons scroll through the
possible selections, the RA+ button selects items (like a computer's 'enter' key), and the RA– button
usually goes back to the previous selection (like a computer's 'back arrow'). Pressing the MENU button
again returns Gemini to Telescope Control Mode for guiding, centering, and slewing the telescope.
Note 1: There are some commands in the menu that will switch back to Telescope Control Mode
without pressing the MENU button.
Note 2: The RA REV and DEC REV buttons affect the Hand Controller in both Telescope Control Mode
and Menu Mode. For example, if you have pressed RA REV, the left-hand RA button now selects items in
the menu, and the right-hand RA button is used as a back-arrow key.
Note 3: After about 15 seconds of inactivity at a top-level menu item, the Hand
Controller will automatically switch back to Telescope Control Mode.
Display: When in Menu Mode, the display shows the menu items and data for each item.
When you enter the Telescope Control Mode, the display will usually show a status message (such as
the current tracking rate) for a few seconds and then will go blank. For example, after a GoTo operation,
the display will show “FINISHED” for a few seconds, and then go blank. However, selecting some menu
items such as “Show Date/Time” and “RA/DEC Display” will display the requested data (date/time or
RA/Dec. coordinates), then go into Telescope Control Mode, but will not blank the display.
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Gemini Hand Controller
8.4 Warm Restart
Warm Restart is the usual mode for initializing the telescope. Warm Restart assumes the telescope is
starting from the Park @HOME position, the scope has not been moved by hand, and the observer
wants to begin observing using the pointing model established and stored by the previous user.
The logbook contains entries from previous user. Observers should always note in the log if the next
user needs to rebuild the pointing model from scratch (Cold Start procedure).
WARM RESTART Procedure
1- Warm Restart procedure is done with the scope in the PARK @HOME position. The OTA is
facing the West wall and it has not been moved by hand.
2- Move power switch to the “on” position on the Gemini controller.
3- After seeing several system messages, select “Cold Start”.
4- Validate the displayed Date/Time (YYMMDD), Latitude and Longitude during the cold start
sequence. Use GMT Date and Time! Update these values if not accurate.
5- Choose 3 alignment stars from the Bright Star List which are on the same side of the meridian
and are well separated in RA.
6- Align the mount on the first star using the following sequence:
a) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star.”
b) Select your first alignment star from the submenu.
c) Mount will slew close to that star.
d) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece. Note: Press and hold a
direction button on the hand controller to move the telescope. To move the telescope
faster, momentarily press and release the opposite button while continuing to depress the
original button.
e) Select “Align Telescope→Synchronize”
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f) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointing
g) Press RA+ to complete the initial alignment
For each of your other alignment stars selected in step 5:
a) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star”
b) Select the alignment star from the submenu
c) Mount will slew to that star
d) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece
e) Select “Align Telescope→Additional Align” Note: Do NOT use the “Additional Align”
command until you have first slewed to the next star using steps 7a-7d above. Doing so will
result in the message “Sorry, rejected.”
f) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointing
g) Press RA+ to complete the alignment
h) Gemini will display 2 numbers indicating the calculated offset in arcseconds from the pole in
Azimuth (A) and Elevation (E). (e.g. “A:+15 E:-10”)
Choose an alignment star on the opposite side of the meridian.
Perform the same operations as in step 7 to complete an “Additional Align” on that star.
You should now be ready to observe.
8.5 Cold Start
Cold Start is done in order to rebuild the pointing model from scratch. The OTA is first moved by hand
to point to the North Star and the counter weight is adjusted to point straight down (CWD Position).
Unlike the Sperry 24, the clutches do not have to be loosened to move the scope in the RA or DEC axes.
COLD START Procedure
1- Position RA and Dec. axes so that the counterweight shaft is pointing down, and the Dec. axis is
at 90° (OTA pointing at the celestial pole). This position will be called “Startup Position” or
“Counterweight Down” position, abbreviated “CWD”.
2- Move power switch to the “on” position on the Gemini controller.
3- After seeing several system messages, select “Cold Start”.
4- Enter date/time (YYMMDD), Latitude and Longitude during the cold start sequence. Use GMT
Date and Time!
5- Choose 3 to 5 alignment stars from the Bright Star List which are on the same side of the
meridian and are well separated in RA.
6- Align the mount on the first star using the following sequence:
h) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star.”
i) Select your first alignment star from the submenu.
j) Mount will slew close to that star.
k) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece. Note: Press and hold a
direction button on the hand controller to move the telescope. To move the telescope
faster, momentarily press and release the opposite button while continuing to depress the
original button.
l) Select “Align Telescope→Synchronize”
m) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointing
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n) Press RA+ to complete the initial alignment
For each of your other alignment stars selected in step 5:
i) Select “Align Telescope→GoTo Bright Star”
j) Select the alignment star from the submenu
k) Mount will slew to that star
l) Use Hand Controller buttons to center the star in the eyepiece
m) Select “Align Telescope→Additional Align” Note: Do NOT use the “Additional Align”
command until you have first slewed to the next star using steps 7a-7d above. Doing so will
result in the message “Sorry, rejected.”
n) Display will confirm the object to which you are pointing
o) Press RA+ to complete the alignment
p) Gemini will display 2 numbers indicating the calculated offset in arcseconds from the pole in
Azimuth (A) and Elevation (E). (e.g. “A:+15 E:-10”)
Choose an alignment star on the opposite side of the meridian.
Perform the same operations as in step 7 to complete an “Additional Align” on that star.
You should now be ready to observe.
8.6 Long Slews, Meridian Flips, Aborting a Slew
The Observer must make sure the RA and DEC cables to not get caught on the G11 motors when
slewing. This is especially important during long slews and Meridian Flips. Prior to slewing, the
Observer should double check the fit of the diagonal and eyepiece to make sure they are secure.
Abort Slew
An Observer may quickly ABORT SLEW by pressing the MENU Button on the hand controller. This will
immediately stop the motion of the scope.
8.7 Pointing Accuracy: Long Slews
When slewing to a new target located at a significant distance from present position, it is best to slew to
a nearby bright star, add that object to the model and then slew a short distance to the desired object.
This is especially useful if the new target is a hard to see galaxy or nebula.
8.8 PARK Telescope
The telescope is stored in the PARK position (OTA facing West wall) when shutting down the
observatory. It is necessary to PARK the scope in this position to prevent the roof from hitting the OTA
when it is closed. When opening or closing the roof, please check OTA clearance. Note that the scope
will hit the roof if the diagonal and eyepiece are left in the OTA visual back or if the Dew Shield is left on
the front of the scope. All accessories must be removed before the roof can be opened or closed.
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Parking the Scope
PRESS & HOLD Menu Button until Park Mount! Dialog appears. The 4 commands below will begin
looping continuously.
Park Mount!
- Exit w/o Change
- Park at CWD pos!
- Park @HOME pos!
- Stop Tracking!
PRESS Menu button when Park @HOME Pos! is displayed.
Scope will slew to park position facing West wall.
8.9 Emergency PARK Telescope
It’s quite late. Too late to rebuild the pointing model with a Cold Start. The PARK @ HOME Pos!
Command didn’t work or the scope is not parked in the correct orientation to safely close the
observatory roof. Under these circumstances, move the OTA by hand to the correct orientation (facing
West wall) to allow the roof to close without hitting the OTA.
Add note to logbook stating: Scope moved by hand, Cold Start needed.
9 Emergency Contact Information
In case a serious issue arises while using the Malpas Observatory, you may reach out to the following
AAI members for advice.
Marcus Valdez
Aaron Zuckerman
Chris Callie
AAI Technical Committee
mlv101@yahoo.com
Aaron62688@verizon.net
Reddog176@gmail.com
Technical@aserism.org
(908) 759-3903
(908) 410-0442
(610) 628-0522
10 Malpas Observatory: OPEN and CLOSE Observatory Checklists
OPEN and CLOSE checklists follow.
Checklists are formatted to fit on a single page each, so they may be printed as reference cards.
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Malpas Observatory: OPEN Observatory Checklist
Action
Note
1
Unlock Observatory.
Keys: AAI Hallway Locker in house.
2
3
Turn on Observatory Power.
Sign in to Log Book.
4
5
Remove and store plastic telescope cover.
Remove Eye Pieces, diagonal and filters from
storage unit. Stage on computer desk.
6
7
8
9
10
Unplug roof light.
Remove locking pin from roof.
Open Observatory roof.
Replace Locking Pin.
Plug in Scope Power Plug at Pier Base.
11
12
Turn on Gemini Controller
Validate Dew Strip heater is on.
13
14
15
16
17
Remove OTA Corrector Plate cover.
Place dew shield on Scope.
Remove finder scope caps.
Remove Visual back plug.
Insert Diagonal and eyepiece
18
19
20
Store diagonal box and bolt cases
Power cycle Gemini controller.
Gemini Hand Controller: Validate Date, Time, LAT
& LON.
Breaker box on west (left) wall.
Check notes from previous entry.
Sign In – add notes if any issues
Don’t move OTA!
1- Cover exposed eyepieces with cap
(dew and dust).
2- Eyepiece lens cap => bolt case.
3- Other caps, plugs => diagonal box.
Wrap dangling cord on rafter.
Rear Right of sliding roof (North side)
Check Clearance of scope and roof!
Prevent wind from closing roof!
Pier Base outlet always on - NOT
controlled by breaker box.
Rocker switch on Gemini controller
Dew heater Controller attached to
right side of Gemini Controller.
Store face down (prevent dew & dust)
Don’t move OTA!
Store in diagonal box
Store in diagonal box
Use 55mm Plossl for alignment
(Aaron’s favorite eyepiece!)
Store in Storage Unit
Rocker switch on Gemini Controller.
Malpas LAT: 40⁰ 54.4′ N
Malpas LON: 74⁰55.4′ W
TZ = GMT; GMT= EST + 5H or DST + 4H
GMT Date: Might be tomorrow!
Follow one of:
1- Warm Restart: Scope parked
properly at HOME Position. Keep
current model (usual method).
2- Cold Start: Build new model from
CWD Position.
3- Warm Start: Scope was moved by
hand, but want to keep current model.
Add to existing or Build new model.
21
Note: Cell phone is good time source
Select Start Up process.
20
Follow Align on Bright Star Process
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Malpas Observatory: CLOSE Observatory Checklist
1-
Park Telescope
2-
Power down scope, disconnect Power Cable
3-
Remove empty Bolt Cases and diagonal box from
storage.
Remove and store accessories from OTA. Replace OTA
caps and covers.
4-
5-
Cover scope with plastic telescope cover and tie off.
6-
Close Roof
78-
Reconnect overhead light
Update logbook
9-
Close Observatory
10-
Replace KEY in AAI Locker
1- PRESS & HOLD Menu Button until
Park Mount! menu appears.
2- PRESS Menu button when Park
@HOME Pos! is displayed.
3- Scope will slew to park position
facing West wall.
1- Turn off Gemini Controller using
rocker switch.
2- Disconnect Power Plug from Pier
Base Outlet [IMPORTANT!]
1- Remove empty bolt cases and
diagonal box from storage unit
1- Remove, disassemble and store
diagonal, eye pieces, optical filters
from scope and accessories on desk.
Store in storage unit. Remove dew
from eyepieces – use hair dryer!
2- Apply caps to eyepieces.
3- Remove dew shield from OTA. Don’t
move the scope!
4- Remove dew from OTA corrector
plate and metal cover using hair
dryer. Cover OTA.
5- Insert plug in OTA visual back.
Double check for firm fit!
6- Apply caps to finder scope.
1- Cover scope with plastic telescope
cover. Two people will make this
easier.
2- Wrap and tie rope to secure cover to
mount. Can you tie a square knot?
1- Remove roof locking pin
2- Close roof. Check for OTA
clearance!
3- Replace roof locking pin.
[IMPORTANT!]
Plug into outlet on West wall
Update logbook with close time and any
Notes.
1- Empty garbage – take it home.
2- Store any remaining equipment.
3- Take personal possessions.
4- Turn off Breaker panel.
5- Lock observatory
Don’t take key home!
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