I now work on the UCSC campus and help build instruments for both Lick Observatory and Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii.
I am presently spending most of my time working on the APF (Automatic Planet Finder) telescope. This 2.4 meter telescope on Mt, Hamilton, near San Jose, CA, will operate robotically every clear night.
The APF will greatly increase the chances of detecting extrasolar planets through the use of its high resolution spectrometer.
When I'm wearing my software hat, I code the Galil motion controller firmware (software that is burned into the controller) that directs the various motors and solenoids that make the APF parts move (...robotics)
When I have my electronics hat on, I spend my time wiring and troubleshooting other astronomical electronics.
After 20 years with Lick Observatory, I am planning my retirement which will include a move to Bend, Oregon in the near future.
My new address after October 1, 2006 is:
Ken Dietsch
61173 Trailblazer Lane
Bend, OR 97702
For more technical information, visit the UCO/Lick
Technical Facilities web pages.
Lick Instrument Shops
Lower Astronomy Building
UCO/Lick
Observatory
U.C.S.C.
Santa Cruz, Ca 95064
ken@ucolick.org