\parindent 0pt
\parskip 0.3cm
%\section{Introduction} \label{ch1:intro}
\section{INTRODUCTION} \label{ch1:intro}

\subsection{Scope of this manual}

    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~\ref{INT-intro}),
and provides the information needed for advance planning of observations
(section~\ref{ch3:planning}).
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~\ref{ch4:observing}) 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~\ref{ch8:INT-UI},
\ref{ch10:tv} and~\ref{ch12:gauto}, 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 ({\it 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 ~\ref{INT-intro} 
and~\ref{ch3:planning}, before consulting the
more detailed reference sections as necessary.

\subsection{Obtaining copies of this manual} 

    This manual has been prepared using {\LaTeX}. Copies of the current
    source for: 

\begin{list}{$\bullet$}{\setlength{\itemsep}{-0.5mm}\setlength{\topsep}{0mm}}
 \item  the manual ({\tt INT\?MANUAL.TEX});
 \item  the ``User Beware'' list ({\tt INT\?BEWARE.TEX}); 
 \item  the ``News'' sheet ({\tt INT\?NEWS.TEX}).
\end{list}

    are held on the La~Palma VAX 8300 in directory {\tt
    [MANUALS.INT\?USER]}, along with their associated rasterized files,
    {\tt .DVI-CAN}. New copies of the manual may be printed out using the
    commands: 

\begin{list}{$\bullet$}{\setlength{\itemsep}{-0.5mm}\setlength{\topsep}{0mm}}
 \item  {\tt WHT\?GLASE [MANUALS.INT\?USER]INT\?MANUAL.DVI-CAN} or
 \item  {\tt INT\?GLASE [MANUALS.INT\?USER]INT\?MANUAL.DVI-CAN},
\end{list}

    to give output on the laser-printers in the WHT and INT buildings,
    respectively. Copies are also held on the STARLINK node at RGO, in
    the directory {\tt CAVAD::DISK\$USER1:[MANUALS.INT\?USER]}, although
    they may not be updated as frequently as their equivalents on La~Palma. 

\subsection{Recent information: INT\?NEWS and INT\?BEWARE}

Recent modifications to the operating procedures for the telescope will
be included in the ``INT\?NEWS'' sheet and filed with the control-room copy
of this manual.  
Known faults and warnings, especially those affecting safety, are included in
the ``INT\?BEWARE'' list, which should also be filed with this manual
in the control room. 

\warning{Any departures from the normal operating procedures for the
         telescope (because of faults, temporary repairs or testing)
         should be included in the current ``INT\?BEWARE LIST'', which 
         must {\it always} be consulted before proceeding further.}

\subsection{Getting help}

The present manual is designed to be the main reference for telescope 
operation.   Additional background information may be found in the {\it 
Observers' Guide} (1988 edition).   In case of difficulty, consult your 
Support Astronomer or the Duty Technician. If they cannot answer your query,
they can probably find someone who can.

\subsection{Notation}

The following conventions for computerese have been used more-or-less
consistently throughout: 

\begin{list}{$\bullet$}{\setlength{\itemsep}{-0.5mm}\setlength{\topsep}{0mm}}
 \item  Examples of commands entered at the terminal are presented in 
        typewriter font, {\it e.g.\/} {\tt DEC 12 34 56.78} or {\tt SNAFU}.
        Command names are shown in upper-case, parameters (by name) are shown
        in lower-case.
% \item  Square brackets denote optional input \eg\ {\tt [x,y]}; all other 
%        parameters are obligatory;
 \item  \key{key} denotes a function key or labeled press button.
% \item  CTRL--Z means ``press the Ctrl (Control) and Z keys 
%        simultaneously''.
\end{list}

\subsection{Acknowledgements}

The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of many colleagues to this
manual. In particular we wish to thank Ann Charles, Jose Norberto Gonzales,
Robert Laing, Alfredo Sevilla, Alejandro Vazdekis and Roy Wallis for providing
many details of the operational and calibration procedures, and
Chris Benn for proof reading.
