Making a Test Recording

Now make a test recording using the Mark5. This is done through the Operator Input window.

disk_record=on
mk5=dot?                 (Output should appear as before, but it should say FHG_on)
disk_record=off

Now check the data are OK:

scan_check

Check the last numbers are the correct date at the start of the scan, duration, the data rate (should be 256 for the 8MHz mode, 128 for the 4 MHz mode) and 0 at the end for no problems. Then plot an autocorrelation from the data:

postob

The output should appear in the pcfs[hb|ke|yg] VNC session. Good data should contain quite flat bandpasses and zero phase. See autocorrelation spectra plots for an example and what problems to look out for. If there are dropped or strange-looking bands, the DBBC may need reprogramming.

To clear the disk module, ONLY IF YOU'RE CERTAIN there is no useful data (e.g. from a previous experiment) already on the disk!

mk5=protect=off
mk5=reset=erase 

Now repeat this test on the second module (if it's loaded):

Swap the module with the following commands:

mk5=bank_set=inc
ready_disk

Then repeat the test. Lastly, go back to the first module:

mk5=bank_set=inc
ready_disk