New detector controller and data acquisition software

The main task has been prepare and plan for the installation of the first new CCD controller for ALFOSC. The first stage is the final preparation of the detector control computer, the software for running the detector controller and the supporting software systems for interacting with the NOT (sequencer commands, TCS/instrument status in headers). The second stage will be the physical installation of the ALFOSC CCD in a new camera housing that is compatible with the new controller and the commissioning of the complete system for operational use. Largely constrained by the availability of the staff from the CUO coming with the new controller we have recently agreed to plan the installation for the period 20-27 July.

The next step will be planning the installation and commissioning of the detector controller for the other instruments which we hope to complete by the end of this year.

As part of the development of the CCD3 detector controller software the NOT is now hosting the documentation and ``development tracking'' for the software. A new server has been specifically acquired, installed and configured for this purpose.