Hexapod Problems

Created: 09/08/01 by EF
Updated: 05/13/05 by EF

In general the hexapod presents no problems. So why are you reading this? However, noted below are problems that have occurred in nearly 3 years of operation, with suggested solutions...

  • When starting irtcs or tcs, hexapod appears to come "right up". In normal operation, the hexapod init sequence (home and then set positions) takes around 1-2 minutes. If this appears almost instantaneous, likely causes are the hexapod controller or hexapod fiber-serial connection.

    1. Exit Realtime system, or irtcs and system on stelircam.
    2. Check that hexapod controller is powered on.
    3. Check that the serial line is connected to back of controller.
    4. Check that the fiber converter on back of controller had power.
    5. Power-cycle hexapod control PC (in the doghouse, SE corner of chamber). See the hexapod link for a picture of the PC (switch in back). Wait 2 minutes.
    6. Restart Realtime System, or irtcs. If problem has not gone away, see "Restoring init file below, then repeat above steps.

  • When starting irtcs or tcs, hexapod appears to come "right up", but values (hexapod positions) are not valid, for example it attempts to set Z value (focus) to 184 (which is correct for tilt point). If you haven't noticed these, another obvious symptom would be that you find it impossible to focus the telscope. It is most likely then that the initialization file has been damaged, perhaps by a previous crash of (ir)tcs or by an unclean exit from it. To repair this:
    1. Exit Realtime system, or irtcs and stelircam software.
    2. On flwo48, cd to directory /Realtime/lib.
    3. For ccd instruments only: Issue command "cp save.mots.at mots.at".
    4. For stelircam only: Issue command "cp save.irmots.at irmots.at".
    5. Restart Realtime System, or irtcs.

  • Any problems these steps do not fix require a call to support staff.