MDM Trouble Report for 2001 Oct 19

Telescope: 2.4m
Observer(s): Vestergaard (OSU)
Instrument: CCDS

Problem(s) Encountered:
During setup of observing configuration the grating angle
was attempted reset to solve an alignment problem. Both 
hard and software quit with errors and refused to reset
or allow any other grating manoeuvering (until reset).
Several hours later it turned out that broken wires had
disabled the limit switches thereby letting the grating
continue beyond this limit breaking off the metal piece
which enables the switch off. What probably also happened
is that the movement beyond the limit put too much strain
on the axel via the counterweights breaking the pin 
inserted in the axel which normaly make the grating
casing/housing move along with the grating tiltmeter and 
tilt motor. But it was found to move independently of one
another in the end, rendering the grating unusable.
Tom O'Brien helped us out long distance but the repair
requires his presence. 
So, instead Modspec was put on the telescope.
 
I really appreciate both Bob and Tony spending most of their
afternoon and evening helping me out (And Tom O'Brien and 
Mark Wagner over the phone) and installing a new spectrograph
after hours.

Unrelated issue: I find the cursor on Chicon's two screens to
tend to freeze up the workspace now and again. CCDCOM will
work in background if already started. 
I tried to search for trouble shooting hints on this in manual
but had no luck (perhaps I was just cross-eyed?).
Any suggestions to a solution?

Many thanks,  Marianne

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Submitted on 2001 Oct 20 [7:24:16]