Normal operation

1. Before viewing a source, select the DIRECT viewing mode on the Grinnell buttons.
2. When pointing at a field, even if you know that it only contains 18th magnitude objects, turn up the gain SLOWLY whilst observing the effects on the direct (raw video) TV camera monitor. There is a lag of about 3 seconds between operating the gain control and the full effect being seen.
3. As the object or field of interest appears on the direct screen adjust the gain control to give a sensible picture on the Grinnell monitor.
4. If the gain control reaches maximum without ill-effects on the direct screen and further gain is required, then select AVERAGE mode on the Grinnell and adjust the number of frames of integration ONE step at a time waiting between steps to see the resultant image. When the Grinnell is in the average mode, the direct monitor will flash the integrated signal with a period equal to the integration time.
5. If in doubt, press the FREEZE button and turn down the gain. This ensures that the TV read beam is not blanked and therefore any over-illumination is discharged. Hitting the red OFF button does not guarantee this and should be avoided. It is always safer to turn the GAIN control to its clicked-off position than to operate the OFF button.
6. Always turn the gain off before moving the telescope. You never know which first magnitude star is lurking round the corner!