Contents

Slitmask Submission

I've moved and have a new email address. How do I change the address listed in the database?

The preferred way to do this is simply to create a new identity and begin using that. Please note that doing so may result in warnings when you specify masks on your instrument configuration form due to a mismatch between your email address and that of the owner of the slitmasks. However, this is only a warning and should not prevent you from using your masks.

If I want to re-use old slitmask design files, can I simply resubmit them?

Generally, no. You'll need to update the Use Date field in the FITS header of the slitmask design files first, because if the mask design file has an invalid Use Date (i.e., a date which has already passed) then the slitmask database will reject the mask and it will not be milled. It's simple to edit the file if you install the fv program:

I want to reuse an old mask. How do I know whether the mask is still on the summit?

If the mask is listed in the database, then it should be on the summit.

Even though my old mask still exists in the database, I want it to be remilled for use on my upcoming run. How do I achieve that?

How do I delete a record from the slitmask database?

The mask design files I submitted had an error and I want to replace them. How do I fix them?

Use the forget function to remove the old masks from the database, then submit revised mask files.

The mask system renamed my masks because masks with the same name already existed in the database. How can I force it to use my mask names?

We are not able to edit the names of masks already in the database. What you can do is to forget the masks you submitted, change the mask names in your DSIMULATOR output files, and sumit revised mask files.

Slitmask Retention

How long are old slitmasks retained?

We delete a mask record from the database and discard the mask itself when it is over 6 months past its Use Date as recorded in the database.

How do I know whether my mask has been deleted?

An email is sent to the mask owner two weeks prior to the date of deletion notifying him or her of the pending mask removal.

How do I prevent my mask from being deleted?