Modifications to the Lick Automatic Measuring Engine

利克天文台的天体测量引擎（AME）是 用来测量恒星在照相底片上的位置。 这些数据被用来研究恒星的运动， 这些研究对我们了解 构成了我们的银河系。 AME是一个非常富有成效的 仪器 国家科学基金会提供了资金 为收购AME，过去两次， 提供资金，部分支持修改 机 它现在计划取代过时的，失败的 PDP-8计算机，现在控制AME与现代，一般 目的，计算机。 PDP-8将被Sun 4/200-HM-p14计算机取代 连接到一个VME机箱 该系统将提供控制 AME的定位，用于Reticon的数据采集 检测器，并用于在线数据减少。 这个新的强大的 系统将允许更快和更有效的操作，并将 让现在不可能完成的任务得以完成。 太阳会 还为Lick的成员提供计算设施 天体测量组 同时，测量机上的一些光学元件也将 更换 这将允许进行校准程序 更快，也允许板测量与大 星星的图像。

The astrometric measuring engine (AME) at Lick Observatory is used to measure the positions of stars on photographic plates. These data have been used to study the motions of the stars, studies that have important implications for our knowledge of the structured of our galaxy. The AME has been a very productive instrument. The National Science Foundation provided the funds for the acquisition of the AME, and twice in the past has provided funds for partial support of modifications to the machine. It is now planned to replace the antiquated, failing PDP-8 computer that now controls AME with a modern, general purpose, computer. The PDP-8 will be replaced with a Sun 4/200-HM-p14 computer connected to a VME crate. This system will provide for control of the positioning of the AME, for data taking with the Reticon detectors, and for on line data reduction. This new powerful system will allow faster and more efficient operation, and will allow tasks to be done that are now impossible. The Sun will also provide computation facilities for members of the Lick astrometric group. At the same time, some optics on the measuring machine will also be replaced. This would allow alignment procedures to be done more quickly, and also allow plates to be measured with large images of stars.