How to start the tcpcom program.
- Log in to the computer sandra as obs1 (password provided
by staff).
- Type fastphot_start to start the script that will set up
the proper environment and start tcpcom in a separate window.
Important points to get started:
- After the "tcpcom" command interface window has appeared, go to
page 2 (number keys change page)
to check that the filter wheel is coming to the right
position, and especially that the grism and aperture wheels
are out of the way (they must be in the open position = position 8).
If they are not, use the G-key and the I-key to get the grism
and slit out of the way. The FASU filters can be accessed from
page 3. Check that they also are in the open position.
The calibration lamp unit can not be accessed from tcpcom. If
somebody left the mirror in the last time ALFOSC were used,
you must quit the tcpcom program and start ALFOSC again to
turn it off, before restarting.
- To use the software, refer to the software guide pages or check the
help pages on the system (accessed with the ?-key).
Output data directory:
- The data files are always stored in a subdirectory in the
/data/data1/ system data directory on sandra. The name of
this subdirectory follows the naming convention from bias
(i.e. ka01 is Jan 1 2001).
For more info, see the tcpcom guide
How to exit the tcpcom program.
Before you exit tcpcom, make sure to put the transfer mode back to
'full frame transfer mode', using keystroke 't'. If you forget this,
the standard ALFOSC CCD control program BIAS will hang once you make
an exposure.
An alternative solution is to reset the CCD controller (staff only).