Following on with another observation

Sometimes, another IVS observation will follow from the one just finished. In this case, some of the setup procedure will need repeating. Specifically:

• Open a new PCFS log file
• Next, set up the log monitor to provide warnings and alarms. you shouldn't need to restart it, but it will need to point to the new log file.
• Now start the Checklist

The checklist should now be visible. The items in the list are described below and can be ticked off as you go. If time is pressing, skip items like pointing checks, fringe checks etc.

Hopefully this was already done well ahead of time and won't need doing now:

• Preparing the schedule and procedure files
• On occasions, the Hobart data are written to disk between scans for e-transfer to Tsukuba for ultra-rapid EOP observations. Some additional changes to the schedule files are required in this case:
  • Additional schedule preparation for Hb ultra-rapid EOP experiments
  • Additional tasks prior to starting Ultra-rapid EOP observations

Unlikely to need changing but worth a quick check:

• Configuring the RF and IF signal paths

Skip if time is pressing:

• Hydrogen Maser check

If the DBBC config is the same as the last experiment, nothing to do here. However, if there is a change required, these are the steps:

• Configuring the DBBC

This should only be necessary if the recording mode is different. It will be necessary to confirm that data are being recorded to the correct bank and you should have received notes on this prior to the experiment from the on-call person.

• Mark5B recorder setup

• Checking clock offsets and delays

If time permits (and can be safely skipped if the DBBC and Mark5 modes haven't changed):

• Making a test recording

Skip if there isn't enough time:

• Tsys measurement check

Only check pointing if there's time:

• Antenna checks

• Weather conditions

This is time consuming but worth doing if you have ~15 min to spare:

• Fringe checking procedure

Be sure to note any items skipped due to short change-over time (or recently checked):

• Sending a station ready email to IVS

• Check all participating sites plus and the on-call person are included

The usual startup procedure can now be done: Starting and Monitoring