Quick Guide for Dummies - The novice 30m user

Howto observe ?

Getting started

A typical observing session: PaKo

Displays

Computer System

What are all the screens for ? Network topology or entering the unknown

My machine is called mrt-lx18. Now what ? Software

Details like telescope and instruments

Data

Online data processing (Odp)

The Odp creates calibrated spectra online during the observations, stored in the so-called 30m files, and readable by class. In most cases, the observer works offline only with these files. However, in case of problems with the data, e.g. calibration issues, the observer needs to know to some extent what Odp is doing.

During observations, the backends take data and safe them in streams in FITS format. These streams are merged with streams from other parts of the system, e.g. antenna mount drive, and also with messages, to be included in IMBFits raw data files. These are then combined by mira/odp to create calibrated spectra, usually on the antenna temperature scale TA*, and safed as 30m files. These in turn can then be read offline with class by the observer. Mira, class, greg are part of the GILDAS software package. Astronomical data therefore is created in several levels: level-1 are the streams, level-2 are the IMBfits files, level-3 are the 30m files. In case of calibration or other problems, it is possible to recalibrate data using MIRA, or even to recreate data from the streams.

Where are my data ?

What happens to my data ? Backup, Storage

How can I safe my data ? Use rsync, stupid !

Next steps: user dp

Howto work with spectra: CLASS

Howto work with data cubes: GREG

Whom to complain to ? Help needed

Don't be afraid of "silly" questions, please!

This page is maintained by CK. Any comments are welcome.