How to observe Pulsars at the Arecibo Observatory
If you have
questions, need help, want to point out errors in this
page, suggest improvements or give constructive criticisms regarding
the observing system and this website, call Paulo Freire.
Why CIMA? Why the WAPP?
- CIMA has become the
default observing mode for pulsar
observations at
the Arecibo Observatory. It is presently under development, so
consult
this site frequently; there will be constant changes to it. Hopefully,
these changes will not be reflected in data (i.e., the timing data for
a pulsar should still be consistent with earlier data).
- The 4 Wideband
Arecibo Pulsar Processors (WAPPs) have become the
default back-ends for pulsar observations at the Arecibo Observatory.
They are more capable and flexible than previous pulsar backends, like
PSPM, CBR, Mark III, Mark IV, ABPP, and were developed at the NAIC.
- We advise new observers to use the
WAPPs instead of earlier machines. The WAPPs are the only pulsar
machines officially maintained and supported by NAIC staff.
Maintaining and documenting a
single, flexible pulsar back-end system will lead to better maintenance
and documentation and in the long term enhanced capability.
NEWS: Pulsar
pages updated! CIMA / WAPP observing page now available.
These
instructions also apply to
on-site observations, with only a few
obvious differences. For instance, you don't have to call the operator,
or start "aostatus" and "rxview" - those are displayed all the time in
the control room.
Detailed instructions for pulsar observations:
Last updated:
Friday, 16-Jan-2009 21:15:43 AST
P. Freire