MDM Trouble Report for 2004 Jan 19

Telescope: 2.4m
Observer(s): John Thorstensen (Dartmouth)
Instrument: modspec + echelle

Problem(s) Encountered:
The dome is having a psychotic episode, marked by paranoia,
inappropriate affect, and abnormal ideation.  A pre-frontal
lobotomy cured the problem.

Seriously, it doesn't know where it is very well, then starts
to rotate continuously with no sign of stopping (the infamous
*wacky dome syndrome*).  I continued operating by disabling the
automatic dome control (yellow button) and rotating the dome 
manually.  Manual rotation does work normally, there doesn't 
appear to be a gross mechanical problem.

I should be able to operate tonight at slightly reduced 
efficiency, so it's not necessary for staff to come to the
rescue on their MLK day holiday.  If I were doing absolute
photometry I might feel differently ... !  I pity
the fool who tries that without the dome working right (hey,
I'm Mr. T. too, right?)






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Submitted on 2004 Jan 19 [2:41:36]