The General Nathan Twining Observatory

The General Nathan Twining Observatory
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Equipment - Computers

There are two computers that provide telescope positioning, CCD imaging, and general computer support: TAAS 1, and TAAS 2.

The following software is available on both computers:

TheSky from Software Bisque, a planetarium and telescope control program
CCDSoftV5 from Software Bisque, a robust CCD camera control and imaging program
CCDOPS from SBIG, a CCD camera control and imaging program, both the MS-DOS (available as a free download) and Windows versions
CompuPic from Photodex, a graphic and picture editing program

TAAS 1 Computer
		This computer is used with the Isengard telescope, for on-line access to all CCD pictures, and general computer work. Features: 300 MHz Pentium Pro 64 MB memory 8 GB hard drive partitioned into 2 partitions Level 2 Training is required to operate this computer with the Isengard telescope.

	A switch box switches the monitor/keyboard/mouse from near the computer to the monitor/keyboard/mouse near the Isengard telescope.

TAAS 2 Computer
		This computer is mainly used with the ST-9E CCD camera, mounted on the Celestron 11" telescope, for taking CCD pictures. Features: 266 MHz Pentium Pro 128 MB memory 5 and 13 GB hard drives CD-ROM Read/Write drive 17" flat screen monitor Level 3 Training is required to operate this computer with the CCD Camera and Celestron 11" or Astrophysics 6" telescopes.