Airbag Failure--Trefoil

Sunday, February 24, 2019 5:43 AM

Problem(s) Encountered:

During initial focus adjustments, I noticed that the objects in the images were very irregular in shape. After some exploration and talking with Eric we determined that the airbag system wasn't inflating to the usual level, and that the cause of this is likely the air compressor outside. It was making loud noises like it was compressing, but the gauges all read 0 psi. The resulting images were too trefoiled to be useful, so no observations were made tonight.

Solution:

Compressor for the mirror support (airbag) system died.  Appears to be the head.  Plumbed airbag pneumatics into a split connection on the compressor used for the mirror covers and brakes temporarily.  Purchased a new compressor and will replace the dead one when weather permits.In the meantime, everything should be up and running again.