JObserve

VLA Fast Switch Page

This page will only be displayed if the
"Offset Mode" item on the Source page is set to "Fast Switching". Fast Switching is used to switch rapidly between two sources using an offset card, rather than a long series of source cards. The position of the "primary" source is specified on the Source page; that of the "secondary" source, on this page. This mode avoids the twenty second start-up time encountered with source cards, and allows for total cycle times as short as 40 seconds. The Fast Switch mode also gives much shorter OBSERVE files, which are much easier to alter in real time. These fast cycle times generally imply one should use short integration times, e.g. 3.3 seconds. The cycle times and secondary source position are specified on this Page.

The source names in the resulting data file will be derived in an obvious way from the source positions. The "primary" and "secondary" sources will therefore be stored correctly as different sources in AIPS.

IF for Beam Size

IF for beam size: (options: blank, A, B, C, D) This should be left blank for Fast Switching observations, unless you're a pundit. If you're a pundit, you don't need help.

RA and DEC

The position of the "secondary" source. This is assumed to be in the same coordinate system (B1950, J2000, or of date) as the primary source, whose position is given on the Source page.

CalCode

Cal Code for "secondary" source. JObserve does not automatically recognize calibrators on this page, so this must be entered manually.

Primary Duration

How long (in seconds; including move time!) to sit on the ~primary" source (the one whose position is specified on the Source page). THIS MUST BE A MULTIPLE OF 10 SECONDS.

If this duration is short remember to set an even shorter integration ime on the Source page -- otherwise all your data may be flagged as "not on source"! The scan will be made up of many observations of the primary and secondary sources, as many cycles as can fit in the dwell time specified on the
Scheduling page.

Secondary Duration

How long (in seconds; including move time!) to sit on "secondary" source (the one whose position is specified on this Page page). THIS MUST BE A MULTIPLE OF 10 SECONDS.

If this duration is short remember to set an even shorter integration ime on the Source page -- otherwise all your data may be flagged as "not on source"! The scan will be made up of many observations of the primary and secondary sources, as many cycles as can fit in the dwell time specified on the
Scheduling page.