Here is some stuff I put together to help with
getting things going. I put it in text format 
because I don't know if everyone is using MS-WORD. 


************** Pixel Scale Calculation ***************************************

Here is an Arc Seconds per Pixel Calculation for Meade 12" at 
SJU using the SBIG ST-7e:

The ST-7e pixels are approximately 10 micron square.

Arcsec per Pixel = [205 * Pixel Size in Microns] / [Telescope focal Length in mm]
	
For the 12" Scope at SJU Observatory:

* Using 1x1 binning (full resolution 10 micron square pixels):

At f/3.3, pixel scale 	= 	2.0 arcsec/pixel	
At f/5, pixel scale 	= 	1.3 arcsec/pixel
At f/6.3, pixel scale 	= 	1.1 arcsec/pixel
At f/10, pixel scale 	= 	0.7 arcsec/pixel

* Using 2x2 binning (equivalent of 20 micron square pixels):
	
At f/3.3, pixel scale 	= 	4.1 arcsec/pixel	
At f/5, pixel scale 	= 	2.7 arcsec/pixel
At f/6.3, pixel scale 	= 	2.1 arcsec/pixel
At f/10, pixel scale 	= 	1.3 arcsec/pixel


************** Observatory and Telescope ***************************************

Here are some basics for the Obervatory and Telescope setup. I wrote them
up as a "memory jogger" to help work through the process, so you
will still have to think about what you are doing as the steps may
not be perfect or comprehensive. It's just an outline. Make sure each step 
makes sense before you perform it! 

Observatory Startup:
1) Obtain "power key" from top desk drawer. (Its just a little thing with a slot.)
2) Enter observing deck and turn on lights (switch on right as you go through door.)
3) Insert "power key" into right-most slot of power boxes on North wall by door.
4) Flip the key (when power is on, light at base of 10" Newtonian will be ON).

Meade 12" SCT Initial Setup:
1) Uncover scope and attach dew-shield.
2) Verify that the telescope power is OFF.
3) Plug in the Handbox (never hot-plug!).
4) Make sure telescope is plugged in (dew zapper too).

Open the Roof:
1) Make sure hanging ORANGE extension cord for lights is unplugged! (West wall by door.)
2) Verify all telescopes will clear when roof opens. Be careful because sometimes
   12" Newtonian tilts upward and won't clear roof.
3) To open roof, use switch on North Wall behind Meade 12" SCT.
4) Stay on the observing deck until roof is fully open. Once roof is open,
   don't let motor run against a non-moving roof or it will burn out.
5) When roof is open, use switch on North wall to turn off motor.

Continue with Meade 12" SCT Setup:

Note: Remember that if scope "runs away" or behaves strangely, just shut it off.
      If you can't get at the telescope power switch, quickly unplug it at the
      base outlet. Then shut power switch off. Plug it back in and start over.

1) Turn the telescope power ON and wait for initialization to complete.
2) Insert an eyepiece.
3) Determine a star on which to synchronize and note the Meade Star Number.
4) Press the key on the handbox labelled "STAR".
5) Type-in the Meade Star Number.
6) Press ENTER and check handbox display to make sure desired star is shown.
7) Using Up, Down, Left, and Right buttons on Handbox, slew to the selected star.
8) Center star in eyepiece. (Set slew speed using leftmost buttons on Handbox).
   (Telescope probably not tracking yet). 
9) Press AND HOLD the enter key until telescope synchronizes with selected and centered star.
   (It might not "beep". Watch the display for a message indicating success).
10)Telescope should now be synchronized with sky.

Attach CCD Imager:

Note: While attaching CCD Imager, be careful not to move
      scope or you will have to re-synchronize scope.

1) With computer power off, hook-up CCD Imager to telescope.
2) Hook up parallel port connection between CCD and Computer (always do this BEFORE plugging in CCD Imager).
3) Hook up AC power connection. (CCD imager will come ON as soon as you plug it in).

Note: Unless you are autoguiding, the only cords needed for the CCD imager
      are the power cord and parallel port cable.

4) Turn on Computer and let it boot up.

To slew to objects:

1) ***WARNING*** When slewing telescope to find objects, I would first slew the scope manually
   to get near the object (instead of using GOTO). The reason for this is because
   some objects may require the scope to swing the CCD imager through the fork.
   The CCD imager will *NOT CLEAR THE FORK* and will smash the CCD imager and the telescope.
   (At f/6.3 or f/10 this may not be a problem, but be careful anyway.)
   
2) Once the scope is manually slewed to near the object to be imaged,
   AND you are sure it will not try to swing the CCD imager through the fork,
   THEN you can perform a GOTO by proceeding with the instructions
   that follow.

3) For Messier objects, press the "M" key on the Handbox keypad.
4) Type-in the Messier number.
5) Press ENTER.
6) Verify the object shown in the Handbox display is the one you want.
7) Press GOTO.
8) Scope should slew to the object. If it looks like scope is going to swing
   CCD imager through fork, SHUT IT OFF!

9) Center object, focus, and image! (I'm not going to expand this step right now,
   as this is getting really long already. Anyway, this is the EASY part, right?)

Shutting Down:
1) Shut off the CCD cooling from the software.
   (Wait for cooling % to get to 0%)
2) Select SHUTDOWN from the software.
   (Note that if you just shut the CCD imager off without going through
    the shutdown procedure, you will NOT damage the CCD imager noticably.
    However, over many shutdown cycles, failure to use the shutdown process
    will start having a noticable effect on the images...usually hot pixels)
3) Completely Shutdown/turn off the software and computer.
4) Manually slew scope to horizontal/level position.
5) Shut off the telescope.
6) Unplug and disconnect all the CCD Imager components and place the case.
7) Replace the eyepiece holder/diagonal in the telescope.
8) Put away the dew shield and eyepiece(s).
9) Cover the telescope with the protective covers (but not the big plastic bag).
10) Verify telescope is OFF and unplug the Handbox.
11) Return Handbox to classroom.
12) Cover telescope with big plastic bag (not critical but desirable).

Closing the Roof:
1) Verify all telescopes have clearance for closing roof.
2) Use switch on North wall behind Meade SCT to close roof.
3) Do not leave roof unattended when it is closing.
4) Roof will usually make a "thud" sound when closed. Shut off the switch.
5) Do not let the roof motor run when roof has stopped or you
   will burn out the motor.
6) Plug the hanging ORANGE extension cord for lights back in. (West wall by door.)
7) Use the "power key" to shut off power to the observing deck.
   (Light on base of 10" newtonian will go off when power goes off.)
8) Return the "power key" to the desk in the classroom.

9) Double check everything. 

Please read this over and contact me with questions. Not every step is included, 
just the major ones. I put this together in a hurry so please review
carefully.

One general item on the CCD imager is that you may want to leave the
imager without the cap on the nosepiece until the next day to make
sure all moisture evaporates so that you don't "seal it in". This can
cause problems with the imager. Better to leave it uncovered for a day.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me anytime. I am happy to help anytime
I can.

Looks like lobsters are done...gotta go eat...yum!

Tim and Becky
320-252-3416
dsastro@cloudnet.com