Note that you log onto the "data-taking computer" above in order to observe with NIRC, even though most of the software runs remotely on the Instrument Computer, maili. This can cause confusion; if you type a command that you think should work, but doesn't, first make sure that you are typing on a maili window, not one on the Data-Taking Computer. (On the other hand, some things like Netscape should be run locally on the Data-Taking computer. Hence the confusion with the modus operandum.)

For data backup we support only Exabyte tape drives. You can access data reduction and data backup computers via rlogin or telnet sessions from other computers, in general.

Also note that the systems can be run from Hale Pohaku; there have been no specific computer assignments made at HP, the only caveat being that you always must run the data-taking software on a maili window.

Getting Started

1. Log onto the data-taking computer (e.g. haleiwa) as "nirc." See an Instrument Specialist or computer support person for the password if you need it.
2. An xterm will appear on the leftmost screen that is logged onto maili. In this window type newdir to set up a fresh directory.
3. Select Start NIRC software from the pull-down menu. This should bring up several windows, including one labeled NIRC P3 Control.
4. You will be asked in the Control window for your data directory. You can cut and paste the directory name from the first xterm into this window or type in that disk name by hand. (To use cut and paste, select the directory name by clicking the left mouse button and dragging across it, or triple clicking on that line to select the entire line. Then move to the "P3 Control" window and click the middle mouse button to paste the selected text onto the line.)
5. The startup script will then ask whether you want to home the motors, to which you should answer "y" if you have not already homed them that day. If you are using the image converter, answer "y" to that and subsequent questions.
6. Various other tools are available:
• Netscape provides help in the form of the NIRC home page.
• Guider Eavesdrop brings up a copy of the OA's master guider display, particularly important for remote observing. Two notes: the OA must have the master display up and running in order for the eavesdrop to work, and you should choose "Guider Eavesdrop Stop" when you shut down your display, as this kills off one or two processes which you otherwise would leave running if you simply chose "Quit" from the eavesdrop's title bar menu.
• Compass Roses will show you the orientation of either azimuth and elevation or North and East, depending which type you select. The compass roses refer both to the guider and the NIRC display; there is only a 0.52 degree difference between the two.
• Telescope-graphical version brings up a display of the telescope parameters, such as R.A. and Dec., azimuth and elevation, focus, airmass, UT date and time, whether the telescope and rotator are slewing, tracking, etc. This is a copy of the large black background graphical interface used by the OAs, called "Facsum" for "Facilities Summary."
• Telescope-text version is a text version of the telescope status.