Track a Strong, Compact Source

To calibrate the phases and delays for your observations, you should start by tracking a strong compact source. For cm observations (including 12mm) this will generally be 1934$-$638 if it is up. (It is up between 11h and 4h LST). When 1934$-$638 is below the horizon, use 0823$-$500 (good ^d for wide bandwidths and frequencies up to 9GHz, but not strong enough for bandwidths less than around 16MHz or 12mm) or 0407$-$658 (for narrow bandwidths, however it has structure at higher frequencies). If none of the above sources are `good' at your frequency and bandwidth use http://www.narrabri.atnf.csiro.au/calibrators/ to find something appropriate.

For cm observations, you need to ensure that you observe 1934$-$638 at some point in your observation session for flux calibration. This is usually done either at the start or end of your observations.

In general it will be useful for you to create a calibration schedule containing 1934$-$638 (and other calibrators if they are needed) which is separate from your standard observation schedule file and is just used for your calibration.

For higher frequencies (3mm), the calibration situation is more complex: There are no standard sources to CACAL on. Use http://www.narrabri.atnf.csiro.au/calibrators/ to pick a calibrator that is strong at your observing frequency. Consult with the DA or local staff for information on the best way to calibrate your data.

	Track a strong compact source.		Preferably 1934$-$638, as this is required for flux calibration.
	E.g.,
	CAOBS> set file cnnn_1934		Sched file containing 1934$-$638. (filename extension not required).
	CAOBS> track 1
	CHECK the configuration field displays the desired correlator configuration.		Look in the CACOR gui on PERICLES.