This manual describes the operation of the Isaac Newton Telescope and its acquisition and guiding system from the user's point of view. Procedures for planning observations, opening up and closing down, controlling the telescope and dome, locating and tracking objects and using the integrating television system are presented.
The manual is divided into three parts. Part I covers
sources of information, gives
a general description of the telescope (section 
),
and provides the information needed for advance planning of observations
(section ).
Aspects of the telescope control and television systems at a conceptual
level are discussed, which, although not strictly necessary for basic operation,
should help in optimising, acquisition and detection of faint objects.
Part II (section ) describes
normal observing procedures in summary or checklist form. It is
intended for quick reference during the night.
Part III contains reference material. Most users will be
concerned only with sections ,
and , which describe the telescope control,
television systems and autoguider control, respectively, in detail.
The other material concerns the full startup and shutdown sequences,
test and calibration procedures, data logging and some trouble-shooting,
which should only be required infrequently (e.g. after a power failure).
For safety reasons, some
calibration procedures may require privileged access to a programmer's account
on the Perkin-Elmer computers;
consult with the La Palma software group if you need it. Most
of the operations and procedures described in these sections are anyway
normally taken care of by the Telescope Operator.
The appendices contain information about the Perkin-Elmer telescope and instrument computers, as well as a listing of the pointing grid catalogue.
New users are invited to read sections
and , before consulting the
more detailed reference sections as necessary.