Lab Based Artificial Star Source
The lab based artificial star source can be found in the WHT detector lab
dark room. The purpose of the artificial star is to provide a source for
testing autoguiders in a controlled environment.
The star itself is a wall mounted diode that can be powered either
by a bench supply or battery, there are in fact two one bright and one
faint with a switch to choose between them. The autoguider head to be tested
is mounted on a purpose built support attached to the bench, the support
has an integrated shutter and lens. The shutter must be held open and the
lens set to f22 for a sharp image. The autoguider head should then be connected
to a controller as if it were on the telescope, dry air is available to
flush the head window. The controller fibre and RS232 connections must
then be connected to the control room via the links provided, there are
wall mounted links to the control room for fibre and RS232 in the CCD lab
by the side of the porthole to the darkroom. For testing, the fibre should
be linked through to the autoguider fox rack and the RS232 connection to
the cass port on the VME, the autoguider can then be tested as if it were
the CASS autoguider. Don't forget to restore the system for observing after
testing !
Dummy Star on autoguider display 
Autoguider head on mount from rear
Autoguider head mount from front
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Dummy Star on autoguider display 
Autoguider head on mount from rear
Autoguider head mount from front