SCHED saves your schedule file to the $ATCA_SCHED
directory when you issue the sched> write command. You can
check using the command dir $ATCA_SCHED:filename.sch from an
XBONES prompt. Note that you may find it convenient
to have a separate schedule file (tracking 1934
638, for example)
for setup purposes.
The following subsections describe the steps required to start an observation. If you are a new user, you should first read through these steps and read the introductions to the sections describing the major online programs (CAOBS, CACOR, VIS, CAMON, ASSISTANCE) in Chapter 8. Assuming your schedule files are complete, allow about one hour before the start of observations to perform the steps described below. Experienced observers can usually get going in considerably less time (5-10 minutes).
You might find it helpful to use the `How to Start an Observation' checklist
in conjunction with the descriptions below, or as a reminder to the sequence of steps if you are an experienced ATCA observer.
You should perform every step listed here, and in the order they appear.