An upgrade to the telescope control system (TCS) for the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope

K. K. Y. Ho; W. Cruise; J. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.926432

17 September 2012 An upgrade to the telescope control system (TCS) for the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope

K. K. Y. Ho, W. Cruise, J. Thomas

Proceedings Volume 8444, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes IV; 84445K (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926432
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) has been in operation since 1979. The Telescope Control System (TCS) has undergone software changes since the beginning of science operation but the original hardware has largely been untouched except for an upgrade to the time system and host computer. Telescope performance has not been an issue although some improvements are desirable. However, parts obsolescence will become a problem as the telescope enters it third decade of operation. Although there are sufficient spare parts currently, many are no longer readily available. Some critical components, such as encoders and VME CPU boards are no longer available. The TCS upgrade project addresses the obsolete and obsolescent issues to ensure operational capability through 2025. It seeks to modernize and simplify the electronics and to take advantages of the advancement made in stand-alone servo controllers.

Citation Download Citation

K. K. Y. Ho, W. Cruise, and J. Thomas "An upgrade to the telescope control system (TCS) for the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope", Proc. SPIE 8444, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes IV, 84445K (17 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926432

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