Possible Improvements to the 0.9m Telescope


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TO IMPROVE OBSERVING
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first contact is Esteban Parkes

   1     update user manual/webpages with pics/videos   SMARTS Fellow (use SMARTS logo)
   2     upgrade windscreen                             Jorge Briones
   3     new shutters for camera                        Javier Rojas
   4     space heater for bathroom with US power
   5     replace filter wheel controllers and SMC       Javier Rojas, Marco Bonati, student intern
   6     shutter maintenance                            Contractor?
   7     inventory new drive servos+amps                Javier Rojas
   8     replace carpet on telescope platform           Esteban Parkes

  shop   refresh med kit
  shop   temperature/humidity gauge for observing room
  shop   sink faucet end cap with screen
  shop   tape dispenser
  shop   rolling ladder for replacing mirror cover

         remachine/smooth out focus mechanism on secondary
         upgrade dome drives ($3K?)
         change quartz lamps to LEDs or other option
         fix image trailing via Braulio Cancino
         get pointing on The Sky working         
         get faster internet (Barlow)
         paint/replace mirror cover
         clean outside of telescope tube
         update fire control system

  shop   buy new 3x3 U filter
             !. beware red leak
             a. Asahi
             b. Materion
             c. Custom Scientific (brokers)
  shop   buy old 4x4 ugriz filter set from CTIO

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IMPROVED OBSERVING
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2022.11  bought new printer
2022.XX  ran LN2 line from ground floor
2019.10  replaced bearings in RA+DEC motors
2019.06  painted/recoated porch around building
2018.12  bought new Mac for observing station    
2018.10  mapped readout times and bias levels in various modes
2018.06  updated Observing Manual
2018.06  created filter wheel schematics
2018.05  added dewar pressure monitor http://cagvm2/www/instruments/custom/table_summaryCTIO.html
2017.12  washed mirror for 2017
2016.05  created list of Top 10 things to do at 0.9m
2016.05  replaced ARCON control system with Torrent controller
2016.09  washed mirror for 2016
2016.02  washed mirror for 2016
2015.08  secured pupil stop baffle
2015.08  washed mirror for 2015
2014.08  washed mirror for 2014
2014.07  repaired toggle switches for Master Power and Platform
2014.07  closed filter wheel assembly on east side (was duct tape)
2014.07  replaced mouse for guider computer
2013.08  put together toolbox
2013.05  replaced monitor in dome
2013.05  got plastic tarp to cover telescope
2012.10  installed new windscreen
2012.08  washed mirror for 2012
2012.08  reworked motor for large ventilation fan
2012.08  fixed reticle on finder scope to get crosshairs to glow (new cable)
2012.08  added rubber supports for ARCON machine to prevent static crashes
2011.XX  smoothed out focus mechanism on secondary
2010.XX  redid cabling in observing room
2010.12  washed mirror for 2010
2010.06  washed mirror for 2010
2009.XX  developed non-sidereal tracking capability
2009.09  washed mirror for 2009
2009.02  washed mirror for 2009
2007.XX  bought new data-writing/web-cruising computer
2005.04  replaced TCS
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IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OR COMFORT
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         frame Travis Rector pictures
         frame 0.9m construction pictures (see R. Hernandez?)
         frame pictures of 0.9m SMARTS Fellows

2023.04  installed new heaters/coolers in observing and computer rooms
2017.11  installed energy efficient bulbs (US bulbs?)
2016.12  framed pictures for bathroom
2016.08  framed pictures for observing room
2016.05  bought three new large massage chairs for observers
2015.XX  bought new stereo
2014.07  added doorstop in bathroom to protect wall
2014.07  replaced water heater
2014.06  replaced whiteboard in observing room 48"x36"
2014.04  painted observing room and added chair rail
2013.05  bought new humidifier
2013.05  bought small supplies box
2013.03  replaced floor in observing room
2013.03  replaced floor in bathroom
2013.03  replaced bathroom counter
2013.03  painted bathroom
2013.03  fixed wall in printer room
2013.02  bought new microwave
2012.10  replaced air conditioner in printer room
2008.XX  fixex tiles surrounding building
2008.XX  painted dome and building
2006.XX  replaced floor in observing room
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DREAMS
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         install solar panels to generate power
         install H2O meter
         install electric meter
         upgrade dome rotation wheels
         add AO system
         cut openings in dome for (like 4.0m) for ventilation
         buy 3x3 JHK filter set (test throughput for bright stars)
         open telescope tube (very scary)
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