Improving the pointing and tracking performance of the Keck telescopes

Shui Hung Kwok; Tomas Krasuski; Jim Lyke; Jeff Mader; Kevin McCann; Kevin Tsubota

doi:10.1117/12.2231825

8 August 2016 Improving the pointing and tracking performance of the Keck telescopes

Shui Hung Kwok, Tomas Krasuski, Jim Lyke, Jeff Mader, Kevin McCann, Kevin Tsubota

Proceedings Volume 9913, Software and Cyberinfrastructure for Astronomy IV; 991305 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231825
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2016, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

Pointing and tracking performance is one of the key metrics that characterize a telescope's overall efficiency. The pointing performance of the Keck telescopes, which use rotary friction encoders to provide position feedback to the control system, has been surpassed by newer large telescopes with more precise encoder systems. While poor tracking can be compensated with guiding, poor blind pointing performance can lead to loss of observing time. In this paper we present a history of the efforts to reduce the impact of poor pointing, as well as the improvements achieved after the installation of new tape encoders. We will discuss the calibration and testing methods and the tools for monitoring and maintaining the desired pointing performance. A comparative analysis of the pointing performance before and after the telescope control system upgrade will also be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Shui Hung Kwok, Tomas Krasuski, Jim Lyke, Jeff Mader, Kevin McCann, and Kevin Tsubota "Improving the pointing and tracking performance of the Keck telescopes", Proc. SPIE 9913, Software and Cyberinfrastructure for Astronomy IV, 991305 (8 August 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231825

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available