TELESCOPE RUNAWAY

One of the most worrying problems that can occur with the telescope control is that the telescope begins to slew uncontrollably. In this event, having read the following few actions in advance may save a lot of panic and, who knows, may even help to stop the telescope before the limit switches do. The actions are listed in order of seriousness.

1. Press the T/S DOME stop button (next to the set/guide buttons on the console).
2. Clear the console CAMAC by switching it off-line and pressing the clear switch to left and right. See Section 2.5 and know how to do it in advance.
3. Press the large red EMERGENCY STOP button (upper right of control console). There is a second emergency stop button on the telescope primary cell which works equally well.
4. Check that the handset is plugged into the "observer" socket. If it is there must be some other problem. Call for help.

N.B. The emergency stop buttons for the rising floor have no effect on the telescope!