Hi everybody,

Here's a recap of determining the pointing offsets for RBO.  Point #6
below is particularly important!  We may revisit the telescope's
collimation to see if we can remove the need for such offsets.

Danny

1. On Monday, we set the UT only approximately using the time on
Lundquist's cell phone.  Our pointing offsets were +700" to 1300" in RA
and 0" in Dec, consistent with those from previous runs (but again based
on Lundquist's cell phone time).

2. Last night we set the UT correctly using Cook's smart phone.  The
pointing offset was approximately +500" to 800" in RA and +1000" in Dec.

3. The UT can be determined via many websites, e.g., 
http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/
http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/what.html

4. Until we get internet at RBO later this month, you can get the UT via
(303) 499-7111 (http://nist.gov/public_affairs/faqs/time.cfm).

5. A general procedure to determine/verify the pointing offset:
A. Use TheSky to slew to a bright star near your target (perhaps narrow
down the range of stars shown to just those brighter than 3.0 mag).
B. Use the short finder scope mounted to the side of the main telescope
to determine the position of the star with respect to the finder scope's
cross hairs.  It frequently helps to de-focus the eyepiece in order to
see the cross hairs more easily.
C. Estimate how far the star is from the cross hairs.  If you are unsure
of which direction(s) the telescope must slew, practice with the
handpaddle.
D. Re-slew to the star if the handpaddle was used.
E. Apply the estimated offsets.
F. Make sure the dome ladder is off to the side.

6. It took a while to pin down the offset b/c the finder scope was not
securely affixed to the main telescope.  We think we now have secured
it, but beware of this issue and avoiding bumping the finder scope.