Type ``apt_start'' in a DECterm window (you can make
one of these by using the left mouse button to pull down
``Applications'' in the Session Manager window, and release the button
on DECterm). Here is an explanation of what ``apt_start'' does:
- Sets the current working directory to ``/data0'', which
is where your image files will be written. You should first clean
out this area if you are starting a new run.
- Opens a window called ``APT link'' which shows the communications
between the workstation and the PC. When you read out the CCD, this
display shows the number of bytes being read back. You can also type
``MCCD'' commands into this window, without prefixing them with the
word ``apt'' (although this is awkward since what you type is
overwritten by the byte display). Typing commands into the ``APT
link'' window is almost identical to using the PC keyboard.
- Opens a window called ``APT console'' which you can use to
enter MCCD commands. You must prefix such commands with the word
``apt'' (which runs a program to send the command to the ``APT link''
window, and hence to the PC),
If you need to send quotes, parentheses, or similar special
characters you must enclose the command in back-ticks (single quotes)
so that the UNIX shell doesn't alter the command before it gets to the
PC. The advantage with using ``APT console'' for sending commands
rather than ``APT link'' (or typing them on the PC, which is another
possibility), is that the UNIX shell's history mechanism and
command-line editing is available. You can also embed APT commands in
UNIX scripts and in IRAF procedures.
- Opens a window called ``APT PC screen'' which, after communication
is established, will duplicate what is on the PC screen. Note that
this screen is for output only, and anything you type in it is
ignored.
- Starts up ``saoimage'' ready for you to examine images.
- Starts the ``emacs'' editor on the filename ``/data0/log.txt'',
in which you can enter a log of the observing session. If this file
exists from a previous observing run, you may wish to delete it first,
or edit a different file.
Note that if any of these windows are already running before you type
``apt_start'', you should exit all of the windows first (use ``apt_kill''
to remove the ``APT link'' and ``APT PC screen'' windows;
CNTRL-D or ``logout'' in the ``APT console''
window; click on ``etc'' then ``exit'' in the ``saoimage'' window; and
use CNTRL-X, followed by ``c'' in the ``emacs'' window, or use the
mouse and drag down the ``File'' menu and choose ``Exit'').
If you accidently delete one of the windows, you can get it
back by following these instructions (rather than typing ``apt_start''
again):
- APT link: type ``apt_start_link''.
- APT console: type ``apt_start_console''.
- APT PC screen: type ``apt_start_pc_screen''.
- SAOimage: type ``apt_start_saoimage''.
- emacs: type ``apt_start_emacs''.