Kuhn Telescope Status Report
from Snowbound Anza.
A report
by
John E. Hoot
Software Systems Consulting
As of 1/29/2002

A most appropriate warning sign
Today I was at
Anza for its largest snowfall in my recollection. I had scheduled my visit
for the full moon to update the comptuer and install the new imaging system.
As I arrived a winter squall hit and I found myself four wheeling to the
obervatory. By the time I finished my work and left at 8 PM there was
4 to 6 inches of snow blanketing the observatory. I took a couple of pictures
of the site at twightlight to remember the scene.
"I know I left my car
here somewhere"
Despite the cold and snow I
did succeed in my major objectives. I cleaned some of the trash and swept
the biggest chunks out of the observatory. I replaced the old LX200 emulator
PC and monitor with a faster smaller machine and monitor. The replacement
machine remembers the date and time reilably and will not fail to boot
automatically. The lower profile monitor and chasis, makes more working
space available at the control desk.
In addition to the controller
PC, I have permanently mounted the CCD Camera controller* on the telescope
drive base below the telescope motor controller and run flat cable back
to the Main PC. The CCD controller will power up if the Telescope Accessory
breaker is turned on. It is wired into the main controll PC.
Below is the cold work crew
with the imager mounted:
Mounted CCD Imaging System
Other Notes
Bill Kuhn called me the other day. He is very pleased to see the scope
getting some attention. He mentioned that he has slides documenting the
construction and history of the scope. I would love to borrow his slides.
I have a film negative scanner and I add them to the CDROM telescope documentation
archive I have been building.
The above article has been
generated from a much longer and more detailed document that John provided
to describe his maintenance work. I have taken the liberty to edit out
parts of his report which are only required for Star Member running of
the Kuhn.
*John Hoot has generously
donated a Meade 416 CCD Camera to the club for use by Star Members. This
CCD system is simpler to use and more widely compatible with mainstream
software that the clubs Patterson cameras (which will still be used by
some Star Members).
Liam Kennedy
As a little extra - below are some relevant Anza WeatheCAM images taken
just as John was arriving and also the next morning showing the snow being
"boiled" away by the Sun.




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