ALL USERS

• All users MUST BE TRAINED before they are allowed to operate the telescope for any reason. Once you are trained, you will be given the password to the Observer account and your name will be added to the list of Authorized Users.
• Neff or True may shut down the telescope for maintenance or safety issues at any time. Either may remove any individual from the access list if they refuse to follow the policies or procedures.
• Before beginning, check the Announcements and Updates from the main documentation page. Things are always changing, and this is the primary way to inform users of changes.
• When starting up and shutting down, ALWAYS use the CHECKLIST. There is a copy in the telescope manual, and there is always a copy available from the main documentation page.
• Submit a Fault Report if anything unusual or unexpected happens, especially if action is required before the next group can use the telescope.
• Fill out the Log Sheet completely and accurately.
• DO NOT CHANGE ANY SETTINGS on the Observer account on Lestrade.
• DO NOT INSTALL ANY SOFTWARE on Lestrade. If you save any files, save them in your "My Documents" directory, which is an alias to... c:\Users\Observer
• NO FOOD OR DRINK (and NO SMOKING) in the dome or in the control room.
• Empty all trash in the hall before you leave. There is no custodial service!

Astronomy Labs

• Students must be briefed and should be given a "tour" before their first observing sessions. You can make this part of your first night routine. Enforce the NO FOOD, DRINK, or SMOKING rule! Point out the safety hazards. Instruct them to keep away from the computers and any instrumentation that might be laying about. Instruct them to keep their fingers off the optics.
• Do not bring an entire lab into the dome at once. It's best to run one or two groups of 3 or 4 at a time while the rest are working on the roof. Keep the lights low in the hallway and the control room so that students don't lose their dark adaptation. There's no room for more than 5 or 6 in the dome, and students need to be encouraged to take their time at the eyepiece. If they are not dark adapted, and if they don't take their time, they won't see anything.

Public Outreach

• Two or more people are required for any group that cannot comfortably fit in the dome (i.e. more than 5 or 6 visitors). One person should be stationed in the dome at all times, and another must remain downstairs. Make sure you have a plan to respond to any medical or mechanical emergencies.
• Chris True must be informed in advance of any plans to use the telescope for public outreach. Every attempt will be made to have the telescope available for the activity, but it is always a good idea to have other plans in case the telescope is not functioning or the sky is not cooperating.
• Enforce the NO FOOD, DRINK, or SMOKING rule!
• Be extra careful not to leave any loose cords or objects that can be tripped over or bumped into. Be especially careful with the handpaddle cable, which tends to put a trip wire across the top of the stairs. Fasten the chain across the top of the stairs until people are ready to leave.
• It's a good idea to open the dome early and let it air out and come to thermal equilibrium before your event starts. Make sure the outer door is locked whenever the dome is unattended.

CCD Users

• You must be trained to operate the instrumentation. Meet with Jim Neff well in advance of any planned use of the CCD.
• Astronomy labs have priority from 7 to 10 PM. Coordinate your scheduling with Chris True.
• The food and drink rule is only slightly relaxed. Keep all food and drink away from any optical or computer equipment (i.e. keep it on the workbench). Do not leave any food or drink containers in the dome when you leave.