Troubleshooting Frequently Asked Questions

More Troubleshooting Tips coming soon!!!

20" Telescopes & Open Deck

During cold weather, the observing deck roof may stop or struggle (motors straining but roof not moving) partway open (or closed). Stop the movement of the roof (stop button on wall panel) and reverse the direction of the roof by 6-12 inches. Then stop the movement again and proceed back in the original direction.

The fold mirror next to the eyepiece may have been left in the wrong position. Turn the knob fully into the position you are attempting to use.

鈥淓xercise鈥 the mount before attempting slew commands by moving telescope manually using the mount paddle, for ~20 degrees in one continuous motion in both RA and Dec axes.聽

The focus mechanism is likely in 鈥渟low鈥 mode. Click the joystick once to switch to 鈥渇ast鈥 mode. 聽The LED on the focus paddle will blink twice.聽

Power cycle the mount (do not reboot the computer). 聽Flip the little toggle switch off at the base of the telescope (see images here & here) wait for five seconds, and flip back on. 聽Move telescope manually using the mount paddle, for ~20 degrees in one continuous motion in both RA and Dec axes. 聽If it no longer binds, try a slew using the computer. 聽

24" Telescope & Dome

Scorpius Computer System

Please contact the Scorpius Administrator for a password reset.

Please contact the Scorpius Administrator.

General Observatory

First, make sure you are swiping with the mag stripe to the RIGHT. Second,聽check with the SBO Manager聽to verify that you have been given access to that specific door.聽If neither of those fix the issue, your card may be defective. Visit the BuffOne card office to order a new card.

Yes, but please label with your name and date.