Telescopes

The Yerkes Telescopes are used by scientists, amateurs and the general public. Information on Stone Edge telescope is under Stone Edge Observatory. To operate the 24" and 41" remotely use the SkyNet Robotic Telescope Network.

For information about the telescopes, download the Telescopes_Pamphlet.pdf. For teaching with the telescopes we use the SEO / Yerkes Classes page.

Upgrade Projects

The following projects are underway to improve telescope functionality:

• Updating the 24 inch Manual (Ozzie - 2016)
• Distance sensor for the telescopes are being improved. Details are under Telscope Dome Sensors. Sensor log is here. (Louis - 2016)
• Recoating of the 41inch main mirror (Bob, Ed)
• Fixing the telescopes in the South Building (Becca)

24 Inch

The users manual for the 24" telescope is being developed as a google document, the link is here. The most recent version is attached as a PDF at the bottom of this page. A link to the document as well as information comments and information about writing it can be found on the Stars at Yerkes google docs.

Generally access the 24" telescope remotely with SkyNet Robotic Telescope Network. Some reduced data from the Yerkes 24" Telescope is available on the Stars Server under stars.uchicago.edu/Yerkes24view18.

The telescope uses an Optec 4 Position Instrument Selector (aka Flip Mirror). The S/N is 0225 (pdf maunal at the bottom of this page). Needs Perseus Commander software downloaded from Optec website and ASCOM 6.1 or newer. The Perseus Commander installer will automatically download the latest version of ASCOM if connected to the internet. You need to create an ASCOM diagnostic log before the software will connect to the instrument selector. To create a new ASCOM diagnostic log, run the ASCOM Diagnostics.exe file or the shortcut and it will take several minutes to complete all diagnostic tests.

Sirius B

A users manual for Sirius B is under development

41 Inch

Filters for 41":

Updated February 2012 after Bob Hirsch changed the filters.

Running the 41":

Install teamviewer to use it remotely use version 11.X available at teamviewer.com/en/download/previous-versions. To secure your computer make sure you go to Preferences -> Advanced -> Access Control and select "No incoming connections allowed".

South Building

Tasks:

• Updating the cable harness to make it easier to remove the camera.
• Add conductor rails for the dome opening - see Email from Viv to McCarron, Hirsch et al. for more information.
• New Computer for the telescope (also for 24) - will run CCD-Soft and Maxim-DL and ACP -> need windows machine.
• Cleanup

Log

• 24" Has been upgraded from manual to fully automatic and connected to skynet. - Ozzie, May 2016
• 24" Manual has been updated. - Marc August 2012
• Filters were updated for 24" and 41" (see notes above) - Bob, February 2012
• 24" Manual first version is written and has been distributed. - Marc, February 2012
• 41" Telescope is connected to Skynet. - Josh, Ed, Vivian, June 2011