Technical Description of the System

Overview

The Solar Patrol Telescope system is designed to support regular solar observations with minimal user intervention. It includes several telescopes, a mount system, control electronics, and a dome control mechanism.

Main Components

1. Telescopes:

   • Refractor 210/3430: For detailed solar imaging.
   • Refractor 205/2801: High-precision observations.
   • Refractor 150/750: Full-disc imaging in white light and H-alpha.
   • Refractor 63/840: Dedicated for manual solar sketches.
   • Two focus assemblies with large iris shutters.
   • Two small telescope caps.

2. Telescope Mount:

   • Equipped with RA (Right Ascension) and DEC (Declination) axes, allowing micro-movements within a limited range.
   • A time axis for tracking solar movement.

3. Control Electronics:

   • Built on MLAB electronic modules.
   • Controlled by the Odroid C2 single-board computer.
   • Spare power supply with adjustable voltage and current limits.

4. Dome Control:

   • The dome rotation controlled via remote signals for the dome’s power motor.
   • Manual override via remote controller.

User interfaces

Control Panel

The control panel is located between the telescopes and serves as the main interface for power distribution and system monitoring:

• Indicators:
  • 5V: Indicates the power status for the control computer.
  • CPU: Displays activity of the control computer’s processor.
  • 12V: Confirms the presence of 12V power for the mount system.
• Switches:
  • Motor Power: Disconnects power to the motor drivers for the mount system.
  • Electronics: Isolates power for the control electronics and computer.
• Additional Features:
  • Includes an 8-port switch for connecting additional peripherals.

Wired Remote Controller

The wired remote controller provides users with direct access to essential control functions. Its features include:

• Layer System:
  • Each button can control two functions, toggled between layers.
  • The layer status is indicated by a light: inactive (off) or active (green).
• Control Functions:
  • Group A:
    • Toggle layer.
    • Rotate dome counterclockwise.
    • Rotate dome clockwise.
    • Enable or disable the time axis.
  • Groups B, C, D:
    • CLONA+, CLONA-: Adjust the iris.
    • FOCUS+, FOCUS-: Adjust focus.
  • Group E:
    • Calibrate or center the mount.
    • Mark the current position as the center.
  • Group F:
    • Set motor speed (1, 2, or 3).
  • Group G:
    • Adjust mount position in RA and DEC axes (DEC+, DEC-, RA+, RA-).

Software

The software is based on the open-source frameworks ROS, AROM, and Tornado, primarily written in Python. It manages user interactions through a web interface and wired remote controller, facilitating control of telescope movement, dome operation, and other system elements.

Connectivity

The system supports both local and remote operations:

• Local Control: Wired remote controller for basic operations such as dome movement, focusing, and shutter control.
• Remote Interface: Accessible through a web interface for complete system control and monitoring.

Block Diagram

A visual representation of the system’s architecture is provided in the block diagram below: