NTT project: a field test of the VLT software and hardware

The NTT project had the principal aim of field testing the VLT control system prior to installation on UT1 on Paranal. In July 1996 we began installing the control electronics and software. The telescope was stripped down to the field electronics and completely rewired. First light was achieved 2 months later and the integration of the system was completed 4 months after that. The VLT control system has been proven to be functional and fundamentally sound. Over 80% of the VLT control system is mirrored on the NTT with deviations only allowed where the hardware made it impossible to reuse the code prepared for Paranal. The NTT will operate with the complete control system executing service observations following the shake down period in early 1997.