SOE

Before the observations, email the operators with a brief description of what you will be using the time for and a list of requirements, for example:

The band to be used (L, S, X or K)
The number of receivers needed in the link (only for S or X-band observations)
The starting RA and Dec in decimal degrees
Things to watch out for during the track
Things to do at the end.

Also say if you are going to be there.

Here's an example:

 Hi everyone,

 Here's the SOE for tomorrow's DSS43 GBRA track. Dave Jauncey and I will be at CDSCC 
 for the start of the track and at least the first few hours.

 Regards,
 Jim

 SOE for GBRA track on day 320 0740 -> 1805 Z
 --------------------------------------------

 Experiment: Pulsar astrometry

 L-band VLBI observations with the Australian Long Baseline Array:
 ATCA, Parkes, Mopra, Hobart, Ceduna, DSS-43

 Recorder: Disk-based LBA recorder, data written to Apple Xraid at 256
 Mbps



 1. Startup

 At the start of the track, please build a link with DSS-43 and two
 receivers. Spacecraft 50, pass 99.

 In the NMC:CTRL Connection Control window:
   ap d trk (to bring up the track display)
 configure for X-band, Siderial, AC2, SRC tracking
 Pointing models:
  3xpsk.ac2
  3xcsg.sem
 Initial RA   291.31788
        Dec  -29.23116

 Start the following connection block:
  connection blocks -> APCcontrol

 Start the E-log TDN

 Receicer setup:
  us d xmap
 configure signal path for dual polarisation
 dichroic stowed

 The antenna will be controlled through the PCFS. To bring up the PCFS
 display as well as the DAS sampler levels display and a plot of
 power-meter levels. In a terminal window type:

  ssh ops@pcfs42
  (give the usual ops password)
  vncviewer -shared pcfs42:1
  (give the usual ops password)

 This brings up a shared VNC display window that can be viewed from the
 RA lab too. Check that the DAS levels are in range and adjust
 attenuators at the block-0 rack if necessary.

 In the oprin window within VNC, type:

  schedule=v190eti

 The schedule will start and the antenna will be commanded to the first
 target.

 Please set up the two DCCs (one for each polarisation) to record SNT
 through a modulated 0.5 K diode, swithing at 20 Hz and logging every
 30 sec.

 The recorder can be controlled from the PC in front of the block-0
 rack. I'll start it and it should continue to run without
 intervention.

 2. Summary of the observations


 0800 - 0900 UT: Network-wide fringe-check
 0900 - 1735 UT: Main observations (summary at the end)


 3. During the observations

 Please make note of any unusual events in the E-log, e.g. bad weather,
 high winds, tracking problems

 Keep an eye on the schedule above and make sure the antenna moves to the
 positions commanded.

 Please make sure the DAS levels stay within range (they should) and
 adjust attenuation is needed.

 About every 30 mins, check the terminal in front of the block-0 rack
 to make sure the recorder is still running. You should see the "Last
 block" value increase every 10 sec and the missed 1 PPS value should
 stay at zero. The Apple Xraid should also show activity. If not,
 please call me.

 4. After the observations.

 At 17:35, please send the antenna to stow and in the PCFS oprin
 window, type:

        terminate

 The VNC window can then be closed.

 Please email the E-log to me at Jim.Lovell[at]csiro.au