The Image Acquisition System of the YNAO Multi-function Astronomical Theodolite II

The YNAO Multi-function Astronomical Theodolite II is a ground-based astrometric telescope. Two telescopes form the observation network with the first generation YNAO Multi-function Astronomical Theodolite to monitor the variation of plumb line of observing site. Its main imaging devices are three digital CCD cameras without cooling, which work in external trigger mode. When the telescope is observing, three sets of triggering signals are generated from the telescope control system, for controlling three digital CCD cameras, respectively. In the paper, the detailed information of the telescope operation mode is showed, and an introduction to workflow of the image acquisition system is given. The details of hardware constitution, software framework and main programming methods of software are also given. For demonstrating the effectiveness of the system, a screenshot of the user interface of the software, some images acquired by the cameras, and an analysis of a stellar image recorded by the camera are provided.