Plans

[Tom Droege <tdroege@veriomail.com>]

Monday I will get the parts needed to complete the three systems that are 
partially assembled.  We are spending today getting the last bid package 
out.  I will then have enough parts (except for side plate for future 
undecided locations) to complete 12 systems.  It looks like Dan has a 
couple more months of working overtime at Fermilab, then we should be able 
to make better progress.

My next project is to get the updates in the software for fast Stamp 
communication and .fts disk writing.

I have printed out the manual for the BX-24 and have spent some time 
reading it.  I sure wish it had been available when I started this 
project.  Because this looks like a much better way to run the Mark IV, I 
plan on updating to the BX-24 at a later date.  So I plan on a two stage 
upgrade.

1a) Add the .fts file writing software to the Mark IV QBasic control program.
1b) Implement the faster serial communication.  This requires a simple 
change to the Stamp code.  I will write the changes here and exchange 
Stamps in the field.

2)  The BX-24 allows real time multi-programming.  It also have more 
program and variable space.  More variable space will allow fixing the 
Declination drive so that the motor current stays on while the Dec. axis 
clamp is actuated.  For newcomers, the Declination axis can move it not 
perfectly balanced before the brake that holds it in place is 
actuated.  The real time features should allow timed exposures.

I will plan to do 1 a and b.  I will be looking for a volunteer to work on 
2.  A couple of you have mentioned that they might want to work on this.

These changes will give me everything I will need for R&D until Chris's 
real time operating system is debugged.

Two CCD442As are out being Lumogen coated.  This will give us a couple of 
locations with blue sensitivity.

Tom Droege