Remote/Remote Control Omicron

Remote Mode Observations on the Omicron@C2PU Telescope

Instructions for Visitors

Version 19 – 06/11/2023 Author: Jean-Pierre Rivet

1. Warning

Before conducting an astronomical observation in remote mode on the Omicron@C2PU telescope, it is mandatory to be already trained locally. This document only covers remote-specific issues. The telescope hardware/software is not described here.

2. Prerequisites

Required Equipment

• A decent computer (called “local computer”)
• A decent internet connection
• A secondary display (optional, but useful)

Required Software

• TeamViewer ≥ 15.46.7 (free for non-commercial use)

TeamViewer Clients

Below are direct download links for TeamViewer on major platforms:

• Windows (64-bit): Download
• Windows (32-bit): Download
• macOS (Intel/Apple Silicon): Download
• Linux (Debian/Ubuntu - .deb): Download
• Linux (RedHat/CentOS - .rpm): Download
• Raspberry Pi (ARM): Download

All clients are free for non-commercial use.

A formal authorization document is required. It contains credentials and must not be shared.

3. Logical Structure of the Facility

The system includes:

• A main computer (always online)
• Telescope + control computers (powered via switched power, "C2PU droid")

Fichier:Remote Structure Diagram.png

Structure of the Omicron@C2PU control system

3.1 Low-Level Commands

Performed via a Power Distribution Unit (PDU), through a web interface on the main computer.

Low-level control includes:

• Power to the facility – Socket #1
• Dome spotlights – Socket #2
• Dome webcam – Socket #3
• Science camera – Socket #4

3.2 High-Level Commands

Launched via TeamViewer on two computers:

• Telescope control software (`Telescope_Vnn.exe`)
• Data acquisition software (`C2PU.GAS vnnn`)

These allow:

• Dome slit operations
• Dome rotation
• Telescope driving
• Camera operation

4. Using TeamViewer

Steps to establish connection:

1. Launch TeamViewer
2. Sign in using credentials (see authorization doc)
3. Navigate to “Computers and Contacts”
4. Connect to “Main computer” first
5. If session is not active, connect once, then reconnect (license workaround)
6. Open sessions on:

  * Main computer
  * Telescope control computer
  * Data acquisition computer

5. Before Starting

Check for:

• No snow on dome (October–May)
• Weather forecast (Meteoblue, SAT24, Tool_MeteoCalern)
• All-sky and webcam imagery (Calern1, SKYcam UNIVERSCITY)

6. Starting a Remote Observation Session

1. Connect via TeamViewer to main computer
2. Use IP Switch Omicron1 to power:

  * Webcam (#3)
  * Spotlights (#2)

1. Launch webcam (IP Camera Omicron1)
2. Check live image for telescope power (spinning disc)
3. Launch Tool_MeteoCalern and SKYcam
4. Switch on main power (socket #1)
5. Wait for telescope + acquisition computers to appear online
6. Connect and log in to both
7. Launch:

  * `Telescope_Vnn.exe`
  * `Plot_Field.exe` (aux screen)

1. Switch on science camera (#4)
2. Launch acquisition software (`C2PU.GAS vnnn`)
3. Open the dome slit

7. Performing the Observation

• Frequently check meteorological conditions
• Use Plot_Field to check target visibility
• Use dome lights and webcam during slewing
• DO NOT forget to turn off dome lights before imaging

8. Ending the Session

1. Stop acquisition and cooling
2. Exit GAS software
3. Turn on dome lights
4. Park the mount and dome
5. Close dome slit
6. Verify dome is closed (via webcam)
7. Exit telescope control software
8. Turn off science camera
9. Launch DecoupeLogs script
10. Shutdown telescope control computer
11. Launch DATA_SAVE script
12. Shutdown data acquisition computer
13. Wait 1 min, then switch off main power (#1)
14. Verify disc has stopped spinning
15. Turn off spotlights and webcam
16. Ensure all sockets are OFF
17. Close TeamViewer (but not "visiteur" session!)
18. Report session via email to: `users-c2pu@oca.eu`

9. Useful Information

9.1 Limiting Conditions

• Wind < 10 m/s
• Humidity < 85%
• Temperature > -5°C
• No rain expected in 12h

9.2 Useful URLs

• Webcam: https://www.oca.eu/fr/webcam-calern
• All-sky cams: http://e.bondoux.free.fr/index.html
• FRIPON: https://www.fripon.org/...
• Meteo: https://www.oca.eu/fr/meteo
• Satellite: https://www.sat24.com/fr-fr/city/10151

9.3 Credentials

See authorization document.

9.4 Emergency Contacts

• C2PU: +33-(0)4.93.40.54.15
• Jean-Pierre Rivet: +33-(0)6.72.13.09.75
• Local contacts: Laurent Boulanger, Serge Roata, Hervé Mariey...