OSIRIS Startup Procedure

Introduction: This document describes the basic set-up for OSIRIS which needs to be done once at the beginning of each observing run. This is NOT a complete guide to the full OSIRIS set-up. The basic OSIRIS "system" should be left intact from observing run to observing run. The reference for a complete setup for OSIRIS can be found here. This Block Diagram shows the complete setup of the OSIRIS system.

The basic OSIRIS system consists of 2 PCs and a Linux data taking computer (soaric2) as well as the instrument itself. The instrument control software is called ICIMACS: Instrument Control and Image Acquisition System.

One PC is located on the instrument: the "IE". The IE boots on power-up and starts its program automatically (ieosiris.exe). The IE handles low level motor control. The other two PCs are located in the computer room and are connected to each other and the linux machine, soaric2. The IC is the instrument computer. It handles the basic instrument control and data taking (including the detector readout). The monitor and keyboard for the IC are located in the console room. The IC computer and all monitors can be powered off when OSIRIS is not in use.

Cool Down:

1.) Osiris may be cooled down whether or not the instrument electronics are activated. Make sure the vacuum is good before cooling. At a minimum, the vaccuum should be 100 mTorr or less. Ideally, if there is time, we should pump on the dewar until the vacuum is below about 10 mTorr. If OSIRIS has been warm for several months or more, a pressure > 100 mTorr might indicate a leak.

2.) Attach an LN2 transfer line using a threaded fitting to the OSIRIS fill tube, and fill until LN2 vents from the other side of the instrument. Never use a wrench to install or remove the LN2 transfer line! If needed, use a heat gun to remove the tank transfer line. If this is the first fill from a warm state, fill again in about 1 hr. OSIRIS should be useable in 24 hr. OSIRIS takes about 30 liter of LN2. Once cold, a full tank will last more than 36 hr. However, on SOAR we expect OSIRIS to run with less LN2 due to its mounting on the Naysmith platform. OSIRIS should be checked every 10-12 hr for LN2 fill while being used.

3.) Always replace the OSIRIS fill tube cap (tapa) after removing the LN2 fill tube.  This prevents LN2 from venting through the fill tube and causing the O-ring there to leak.

4.) Warning! Never move OSIRIS mechanisms while OSIRIS is being cooled from room temperature to LN2 temperature. A safe period to wait is 24hr afer the first fill if OSIRIS is filled as indicated above.

5.) Typically, one can let OSIRIS warm up by itself. Dump the remaining LN2 and wait until it is back to room temp to open. In emergencies, an internal heater can be activated. Call Brooke Gregory or Sean Points if this is required.

Setup:
1.) Go up to the telescope. There are two electronics boxes on the instrument. These are the HE (Head Electronics, which run the detector) and IE (Instrument Electronics, which does the low level motor control).

2.) Go down to the computer room. The IC control PC is located on the main rack.
3.) Go out to the console room.
4.) If it's not working...
  • If Prospero reports one or more of the links to the instrument computers as down, first check that the connections have all been properly made and/or that they are clean and solid. Once the connections are verified, try restarting (rebooting)  the computer in question (don't forget the IE computer is on the instrument in the IE box).
  • Refer to the Prospero manual (available in the console room, or on-line) for Prospero questions.
  • More troubleshooting information is available here.

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