Observatory Overview
====================

Hardware Systems
----------------
* CDK 17

    The telescope.  A 17 inch corrected dahl-kirkham with built in motorized focuser.

* Astro-Physics GT0 3600
    
    A German Equatorial mount responsible for sub arcsecond positioning and precise tracking of the telescope for astronomical imaging.

*	Ash Dome with ACE automation
    
    16 ft dome with full automation kit allowing remote dome control.

*	SBIG STL 11000 camera with 8 position filter wheel

    The primary imaging camera

*	Light Controller

    Provides computer access to the parking lights on the top of the ramp.


Software Systems
----------------
* ACP

    Main observatory control program.  Orchestrates telescope pointing, dome
    positioning, and image acquisition.  Also provides the web front end as well
    as automation scripting capabilities.

* Scheduler

    Primary component for unattended observatory operation.  Reads observation
    requests from the schedule data base and dispatches them to ACP for data
    acquisition.  Commands ACP to perform observatory startup, shutdown,  and
    image acquisition.

* MaximDL

    Interface to the camera.  ACP sends all imaging requests through MaximDL.
    MaximDL can also be used for direct manual control of the camera.

* FocusMax

    Automatically focuses the telescope upon request.  ACP sends autofocus
    requests to FocusMax.

* Clarity II

    Monitors the weather station.  ACP communicates with Clarity II for current
    weather conditions.

* ACE SmartDome

    Controls the Dome.  ACP sends dome commands to SmartDome.

* Starry Night

    Planetarium program used to choose targets and point the telescope
    during manual opration.

* LightControl.py

    Simple interface to communicates with the light controller.  Launch the
    program to command the light controller to hold the lights off.

.. image:: BlockDiagram.gif