MDM Trouble Report for 2016 Apr 03

Telescope: 1.3m
Observer(s): Mario Mateo (Mich)
Instrument: Eyepiece

Problem(s) Encountered:
Hi Folks -  As set of cables that had been stowed got caught on 
parts of the eyepiece mount and were stretched during a slew. 
Kamber Schwarz reacted quickly and we were able to stop the slew.
However, three cables were damaged.  Two of these are standard
electrical cables and appear to be easy to repair; a splice will
probably cost only about one inch of length.  The third cable is 
a shielded fiber cable.   The good news is that the fiber appears
intact, but the shielding was completely severed.  Obviously, the
fiber itself may be damage at its end points but if *it* is ok,
this cable should be easy to repair.  I am thinking this is 
probably a ccd data comm cable, so it clearly needs to be tested
not only for aliveness but also for increased noise.  I have tied
some yellow caution tape on the cables near the problem area.  The
other three cables in that group were also stretched but are not
visibly torn.  Nonetheless, all the cables in that group should
be inspected and tested.

Sorry about this.  The cables were hanging pretty badly for
access to the eyepiece and it was easy to get them caught up in
protruding equipment.  We may want to invest in a safer, more 
out-of-the-way cable stowage for future eyepiece use.  I hope 
the fixes are not too onerous.

Mario

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Submitted on 2016 Apr 3 [8:25:16]