Below are problems that have been seen in the past, but rarely occur these days (if at all).
Despite considerable detective work, a number of error messages appear during the course of system startup that are completely benign and can be ignored. At this time, only one such error survives:
a)ERROR -- Unsolicited data or missing data address -- During an Arcon restart, you will always see 6-8 messages.
b)WARNING -- Command timed out waiting for sub-command - This can sometimes be benign, and sometimes serious. It often shows up at the end of a sequence of exposures.
c) ERROR -- Still processing last command, please WaitForDone - This has also been seen at the end of a sequence with no serious consequences.
With the upgraded video processor boards installed during the summer of 2000, several new error messages are available for you to ponder. Generally, these are bad messages, meaning that you have to restart the Arcons to take pictures. But, of course, you should try to ignore them first.
The "Index too small" error is bad. It usually occurs during an Arcon start. Often a few more startup attempts will clear the path to success.
ERROR -- Index too small: Calibrate
The SEVERE ERROR shown below is just one of a few
dozen that will appear at once. These mean that the CCD has been powered down
by the Arcon, thinking that the AC power is suspect. You will not be able to
take a picture and an Arcon restart will be needed. Check with someone, though,
about that suspect AC power.
SEVERE ERROR -- B4 Testpoint 3 (LG1) (reading -14.96) is under absolute limit -6.000000
If the data rate is fast and the DCA computer is busy with othere tasks, the display process cannot keep up and falls behind. When taking short exposures of this type, we suggest turning off the "autodisplay" option on the DCA GUI panel. The current default is for the DCA to "kill" the previously running display process.