Software Release Notes for Build "2013D"

Release Date: November 15, 2013
Release Name: 2013D
General Description:

Telescope Operator Overview Information

• IIF: A new button - End of Observing - is available on the IIFGUI Control Form. This is intended to put the TCS in a quiescent state when observing is done for the night. Preset and Offset states are cleared, AO is stopped, guiding is stopped, active optics is cleared, and the PCS command setToIdle is called to stop all PCS activity. The button takes effect very quickly, so inadvertent use is discouraged.
• PCS: A new command, setToIdle(), is available to the IIF. When invoked, this function will put PCS into a quiescent state which would be at the end of an observing night.
• IIF: There is a new instrument RETROREF for the retroreflector (IssueTrak 4889) and a new focal station bentGregorian4DInt for the 4D interferometer (IssueTrak 4890). When RETROREF is selected, the focal station selection is changed to only list the supported focal stations, similar to how instrument IRTC works.

Support Astronomer Overview Information

• PCS: Fix for IT#4881 - Fixed the internal flags to ensure the PCS only returns to the GCS pointing correction invocation when the optics have actually completed the move; This addresses a bug in Binocular mode for an asynchronous Preset.
• PCS: Added a PCS heartbeat, PCSTimeStamp, which represents "seconds since the epoch" which is really an indicator the computation for the achieved coordinates is up-to-date.
• PCS: Fix for IT#3346 and IT#3952 - The computation of the parallactic angle is now effectively based upon "observed" coordinates. This addresses the issue where the velocity of the parallactic angle was not the same as the rotator velocity. As such, the LBC computed position angle (posAngle=rotatorAngle-parAngle) appeared to drift during an observation.
• PCS: Fix for IT#3587 and IT#4927 - A non-zero pointing origin and DETXY offsets can now be used with LBC.
• IIF: The IIF always parks the guide probe during Preset processing if guiding is not requested. This used to work, but was broken in build 2013C.

The Details

New Functionality Tests that need to be performed with the Telescope

• IIF: Activate new End of Observing capability so operators and astronomers can witness the functionality. DONE: OK
• PCS: Test fix for IT#4881 - Issue synchronous and asynchronous Presets using a Gregorian focal station. DONE: OK
• PCS: Test fix for IT#3952 - Parallactic angle not changing at the same rate as the rotator angle. DONE: OK
• PCS: Test fix for IT#3587 and IT#4927 - Setting of a non-zero pointing origin and DETXY offsets for LBC. BOTH DONE: OK

Patches to the Release

• PCS_Version-6.27c
  • The manual override for using preference offloading has been set to TRUE which enables this functionality on PCS start-up. Once PCS is running, the preference offloading can be enabled/disabled on the Optics dialog invoked from the PCSGUI. Also, the offsetTelescopeDETXY() routine was updated to set the rotator reference to the baseTarget after the offset has been performed. This fix had previously been implemented for the offsetTelescopeEquatorial() command. The baseTarget is used when an offset is performed in order to force the same rotator orientation as the original Preset.
• PCS_Version-6.27b
  • Implemented a fix so that a non-zero pointing origin can be set and DETXY offsets can be performed by LBC. The proper scaling factor, the focal length, was added to the affine transform which maps the instrument coordinates to the focal plane coordinates. The focal length then needed to be accommdated in the guide updates. A portion of this fix also corrects the computation of the achieved coordinates for all of the LBT instruments which do not use the telescope rotators (i.e., instruments for which PCS does not send MCSPU rotator trajectories) when they perform DETXY offsets. These modifications should fix (close) IT#3587 and resolve the DETXY offsets exploding in pseudo-monocular mode IT#4927.
• PCS_Version-6.27a
  • The HA and parallactic angles displayed on the PCSGUI are a self-consistent set. They are computed using the midpoint of the "observed" RA/Dec values of the targets versus the J2000 (proper motion corrected) RA/Dec values displayed on the remainder of the PCSGUI.
• PCSGUI_Version-1.15a
  • Added tooltip information to the HA and parallactic angle labels.

Known Bugs

• none

Release Overview

• none

IIF list of Public Data Dictionary Variables

• IIF Public Data Dictionary Variables compatible with this release.

Operating System, System Configuration, TCS and Hardware Computers

TCS Servers / Workstations

• none

jet computer, DSP, FPGA

• none

Networks

• none

PLCs

• Moving all instrument alarms in HostFeedback from "General" to their own array in HF. Alarm inputs from the ULTH and clean room latch these bits in "AlarmConfiguration" in ECS logic. ARGOS, another LINC and the four clean room alarms now trigger audible alarms in "General:_MainRoutine".

TCS Subsystems and GUIs, and significant configuration files

AGw control server

• none.
  • added AGW7 and AGW8 configuration at agw0 only (pending change propagation to agw1).
  • all others unchanged

azcamserver and controller computers

• The new Software 5.1, and preparations for PEPSI.
  • azcamserver Ver.5.1 (not BETA) tested and is in Use now (in 2013B was Ver. 4.6 "AzCamServer")
  • azcamserver spare running Ver.5.1.BETA under Win 7 is parked and unused now (in 2013B was Ver. 4.6 "AzCamServer")
  • agw1-cam running Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (was Ver.10.28 under Win XP)
  • agw2-cam running Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (was 2 separate "Shuttle Box" computers with Ver.4.0 under Win XP)
  • mods1-cam running Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (was Ver.10.24 under Win 7)
  • mods2-cam running Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (new ABMX computer, for MODS_R).
  • agw3-cam Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (was Server Ver.2.4 under Win XP)
  • agw4-cam now Server Ver.2.4 under Win XP
  • agw7-cam Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (new ABMX computer for PEPSIPFU_L).
  • agw8-cam Ver.5.1 under Win 7 (new ABMX computer for PEPSIPFU_R) .

AOS - Adaptive Optics

• AOS_Version 10.15
  • Open loop offset timeout increased.
  • Modified command return result from AOS so that no information is added upon command success.
  • Hopefully solved logging of modified string variables to avoid "NUL".
  • Added new data dictionary items for ARGOS support.

• AOSGUI
  • none

DDS - Data Dictionary Server

• DDS Version 1.0
  • New Data Dictionary Server subsystem. This is a prototype to test various ways to support remote viewing. The subsystem has a simple command line client which can read the data dictionary using an ICE interface. This should not be used except for testing.

• DDSGUI
  • none

ECS - Enclosure Control

• ECS
  • Relocated all instrument alarms from "General" to a new array of bits in HostFeedback, "InstrumentAlarms". Added six new alarms: Clean Room ports 1-4, ARGOS and an additional LINC alarm.

• ECSGUI
  • Reworked IA page to include the new alarms.

ENV - Environmental Sensors

• ENV
  • none

• ENVGUI Version 2.4
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

FACSUM - Facility Summary

• none

IIF - Instrument Interface

• IIF Version 8.23
  • Add public access to MJDUTC, epoch, and sided parallactic angles.
  • Add reflective memory variable LBC.obProgress; public access is LBCOBProgress.
  • Add 'Idle' command to stop all TCS activity: tracking, guiding, AO.
  • Always park AGw probe in Preset if guiding is not used.
  • Add NS_TARGET to Position and NonSidereal type.
  • SetNonSidereal forbids type TARGET.
  • Add ICE interface 'newposition' struct to support complete Position object.
  • Add ICE interface methods SetStarsNew, SetReferenceNew, and GetKFPCoordinatesNew to pass newposition objects. SetStarsNew allows non-sidereal objects, but forbids type TARGET for the target, and only alows TARGET and SIDEREAL for guide stars. SetReferenceNew and GetKFPCoordinatesNew only allows types TARGET and SIDEREAL.
  • Allow repeated RunAO commands per Doug Miller.
  • Add AO reference object to pseudo-monocular passive side preset.
  • Use new PCS command setToIdle() in authorize and idle commands.
  • Add focal station bentGregorian4DInt as requested by the IQ group (IssueTrak 4890).
  • Add instrument RETROREF as requested by the IQ group (IssueTrak 4889). This instrument can be used with focal stations bentGregorianFront, bentGregorianCenter, bentGregorianBack, and bentGregorian4DInt. This instrument will not accept IIF commands, but is used just for positioning the optics.
  • Add public access to pcs.heartbeat.
  • Clear the semaphores for Offsets and Presets in authorize and idle commands so any pending Offsets or Presets are canceled.

• IIFGUI Version 4.5
  • Use monospaced font for About box for better appearance.
  • Add button ('End of Observing') on control form for new 'Idle' command.
  • Support new RETROREF instrument and new bentGregorian4DInt focal station. Have RETROREF use existing controls for IRTC to save space on the GUI.

GCS - Guiding Control Subsystem

• GCS Version 2.14
  • Changed tcs.conf to use default sextractor 2.8.6
  • Corrected Error,Warning order before addResult()
  • Updated GCS configuration files with latest from /home/telescope/TCS/Configuration/ (modified by John Hill as of 20130926) affected files: (LUCI_L.cfg, LUCI_R.cfg, LUCI_IRTC_L.cfg, LUCI_IRTC_R.cfg, IRTC_DG_L.cfg, LUCI_JCG_L.cfg, LUCI_JCG_R.cfg, MODS_L.cfg)
  • Added reflective memory DD variables (23) for full frame Guide Image and Sub Image for PEPSIPFU.
  • Added full frame guiding images for PEPSIPFU.
  • Added subimage guiding images for PEPSIPFU.
  • Extended FITS headers for Guide Image and Sub Image window CCD coordinates for PEPSIPFU.
  • Added reflective memory DD variables (23) for full frame Guide Image and Sub Image window for PEPSIPFU.
  • Corrected AGW7, AGW8 HW initialisation to match AGW Filter, Z stage and AzCam's.
  • Added Guide Image TRACKING mode target SID / NON-SID to FITS header.
  • Added identifiers for target tracking mode.
  • Corrected ROI transformations for CCD coordinates.
  • Added logging to futher isolate possible Sextractor failure, for IT#4494.
  • Added optional post-Sextractor parsing to remove pipe.
  • Changed default size for guide images for PepsiPfu.
  • Changed default hotspot for PepsiPfu.
  • Added getFocus client command
  • Added selectFilter class template.
  • Added AGW probe/stage states
  • Corrected return processing and added logging for return parameters from MODS library.

• GCSGUI Version 0.1.29
  • Added AGW endineering GUI.
  • Added Focus control.
  • Added Filter control.
  • Added Init, Home and Park calls.
  • Fixed stage health statuses.
  • Fixed AGW health status.
  • Fixed probe health status.
  • Added moveAbs and moveRelative commands.
  • Added Guiding engineering GUI placeholder.
  • Added guiding health statuses, debug mode.
  • Added coordinates and locations, debug mode.

LSS - Logging and Events

• LSS Version 3.11
  • Add reflective memory counters for each subsystem's events by priority.
  • Add reflective memory variables for each subsystem's event rate by priority.

• LSSGUI Version 2.4
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

MCS / mcstemp - Mount Control

• MCS
  • Add bentGregorian4DInt focal station as requested by IQ group (IssueTrak 4890).

• MCSGUI Version 3.2
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

OSS - Optical Support

• OSS Version 3.3
  • Make secondary and tertiary mirror position configuration data 'public' so operations staff can adjust it easier.
    The data is in the public file /home/telescope/TCS/Configuration/OSS/positions.conf
  • Add bentGregorian4DInt focal station as requested by IQ group (IssueTrak 4890).

• OSSGUI Version 3.2
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

PCS - Pointing Control

• PCS_Version-6.27a
  • The HA and parallactic angles displayed on the PCSGUI are a self-consistent set. They are computed using the midpoint of the "observed" RA/Dec values of the targets versus the J2000 (proper motion corrected) RA/Dec values displayed on the remainder of the PCSGUI.
• PCS_Version-6.27
  • Copied latest PCSInstrument.conf file from mountain (12 November 2013).
  • Changed the RA/Dec coordinate reference system for the computation of the parallactic angle. Based upon drifting seen in the LBC position angle (rotator angle - parallactic angle), the rate of change of the parallactic angle was found to be inconsistent with the rotator velocity (and the theoretical rate of change of the parallactic angle). This was traced to the RA/Dec input to the SLALIB routine slaPa() being in the incorrect reference system. Instead of using FK5 coordinates, PCS now uses geocentric apparent coordinates as input to the SLALIB routine (as it specifies) which is then generating the "observed" parallactic angle. This fix should help with IT#3346 and fix IT#3952.
  • Created proper events for the setLeakRate() method. It is not desired to change the leakrate in real-time, so this function really turns the leak rate ON/OFF. When ON, the leak rate is set to the value for the instrument/focal_station in the PCSInstrument.conf; when OFF, the leak rate is 0.0.
    • New Events: start, complete
  • Added a PCS heartbeat in the form of a new data dictionary item to the EncoderFeedback class. The heartbeat is also included as a PCS public data dictionary item.
    • New data dictionary: pcs.heartbeat (seconds since the epoch)
    • PUBLIC: PCSTimeStamp - PCS heartbeat seconds since the epoch
  • Added a setToIdle(void) method in PCS. The intention is for this function to be invoked by the IIF to put PCS into a quiescent state. To accomplish the quiescent state, PCS does the following: issues a stopTracking() on the mount and the rotators which is a "slewtohold" to MCSPU, polynomials are no longer sent from the PCS to the MCSPU, PCS disables its own ability to send tip/tilt demands to the PSFs, the target buffers are cleared, all synchronizing semaphores are cleared, and the triggers which keep PCS functions from returning to the caller are released.
    • New Events: start, complete
  • Streamlined check for MODE_STATIC in high-level PCSSubsystem class.
  • Modified updateReferenceOrigin() to match updateGuideOrigin() function with respect to the clean-up after the PSFs have provided a handshake.
  • Fixed updateGuideOrigin() in that the trigger flags ([SX|DX]TriggerRelease) are set to FALSE once the function is released. This addresses IT#4881 where on an Asynchronous Preset, the updateGuideOrigin() returned to the GCS before the optics had actually completed the move. Further the internal PCS flag got out-of-sync and caused the guide updates to happen prematurely.
  • Removed obsolete "logEvent()" request in computeKFPCoordinates() method; The old request caused an extra event to be generated without any parameter values. The start event wavelength value is that provided in the guide star position object; the end event contains the actual wavelength used. Fixed the start event as the wavelength value was not provided.
  • Added mutex protection in the telRecord() method of the Guider class to ensure two threads trying to write telemetry data do not collide.
  • Modified PCSInstrument.conf for the LBC default guide and AO wavelengths which should be the same as the wavelength of the detectors; this was done on the moutain.
    • Saved the latest pointing models and PCSInstrument.conf from the mountain in SVN.

• PCSGUI_version-1.15a
  • Added tooltip information to the HA and parallactic angle labels.

Pointing Kernel / Pointing Kernel tools

• none

PMC - Primary Mirror Cell

• PMC Version 5.28
  • Update VxWorks IP addresses.

• PMCGUI Version 6.4
  • Update documentation regarding VxWorks IP addresses and FTP access.
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

PSF - Point Spread Function

• PSF Version 6.4
  • Prevent requested tip/tilt from being increased if an optic is already in a limit without any tip/tilt applied (IssueTrak 4806). (This was patched in 2013C as ver 6.3a.)
  • Add focal station bentGregorian4DInt as requested by the IQ group (IssueTrak 4890).
  • Add instrument RETROREF as requested by the IQ group (IssueTrak 4889). This instrument can be used with focal stations bentGregorianFront, bentGregorianCenter, bentGregorianBack, and bentGregorian4DInt.

• PSFGU Version 6.3
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

TCSGUI

• TCSGUI Version 2.3
  • Use monospaced font in About box for better appearance.

WEATHERSTATION - Weather Station

• none

TCS Common Software

commandreturn - client command status returns

• none

commandsequencer - client/subsystem command handling

• none

core - foundation routines

• none

datadictionary - reflective memory and event support

• none

eventhandler - event handling

• none

networkconfig - subsystem management

• Put list of names for 'netconfig ps' in a configuration variable in tcs.conf.

reflectivememory - global shared memory

• none

rpc - communication protocol

• none

setvalue - reflective memory access

• none

tcs_config - tcs configuration

• tcs.conf
  • Put FACSUM and WEATHERSTATION in list of GUIs.
  • Add list of names for 'netconfig ps'.

TCS Tools

DDEditor - Data Dictionary Editor

• none

ddeditor - Data Dictionary Editor

• This editor does not use the xerces DOM parser.

DDBrowser - Data Dictionary Browser

• none

DDViewer - Data Dictionary Viewer

• none

EventEditor - Event Editor

• none

eventeditor - Event Editor

• This editor does not use the xerces DOM parser.

Telemetry

Collector

• none

Instruments and Environmental Sensors

DIMM - Differential Image Motion Monitor

• none

IRTC - Infrared Test Camera

• IRTC Version 4.0
  • IRC
    • Use new IIF ICE commands SetStarsNew, SetReferenceNew and GetKFPCoordinatesNew.
    • Put position object reader in separate routine and use in above commands.
    • Make all returns use 'result' object, and go through same exit process.
    • Add verbose level 3 for GetParameter command: just output the values.
    • Add optional verbose parameter for GetParameter command.

LBC

• See LBC Control Software Notes - Releases for details on the LBC software release.

LUCIFER

• none

LBTO Weather Station

• none

MAT - Mount Axilliary Telescope

• none

All Sky Monitor

• none

-- MicheleDeLaPena - 12 Nov 2013