Subject: 3.5-m telescope returns to scheduled science

From: Bruce Gillespie

Submitted: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 13:42:27 -0600

Message number: 179 (previous: 178, next: 180 up: Index)

All:

We're pleased to report to you that the 3.5-m telescope appears ready to
resume scheduled science programs starting tonight.  The telescope, guider,
and instruments performed reasonably well last night, and we feel that our
users can make productive scientific use of the observatory, weather
permitting.  There may still some "bumps" in the night, but let's give it a
go.

Some the shutdown project have led to improvements that should be
noticeable to the user.  We have hopes that the stalling of the instrument
rotator is fixed, repeatability of grating positioning of DIS should be
better, and the new off-axis guider can be used on a "shared-risk" basis
(it needs more commissioning time in coming weeks).  The calibration lamps
are now controllable via remote control--contact techstaff@apo.nmsu.edu for
details.  A comprehensive report on the shutdown fixes and improvements
will be issued separately.

Our thanks to the engineers, observing specialists, consultants, and other
ARC staff who have worked hard and long to complete the shutdown projects,
and to the users for their patience and support.

		Bruce Gillespie, on behalf of the APO staff



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