THE UNITED KINGDOM INFRARED TELESCOPE
ANNUAL REPORT 2003-2004

3.5. Computing

In semester 03A the OMP suite of software was released and successfully used for UKIRT's first flexibly scheduled semester. The instrument run up/down software was restructured to make it more flexible, and the UIST user interface was also improved. In semester 03B the Queue Monitor was introduced; this is intermediate between the QT and Sequence Console and it allows a number of observations to be queued, as well as improving MSB administration and telescope beam control. Tracking of non-sidereal objects was improved. Michelle was recommissioned with improved target acquisition, and work continued on the WFCAM pipeline software. Instrument and telescope control workstations at the summit were replaced with linux systems. In 2004 the UKIRT computer room was upgraded, including rearranging the layout of the room and the under-floor cable routing, and providing remote console switches and remote power switches to simplify remote support. The WFCAM computer systems were also installed. These initially showed a very large number of disk and video card failures, but replacement parts appear to be more reliable.

In November 2004, after months of work by many members of staff, the new JAC website was released. The immediately obvious difference, particularly on the JCMT side, is the new, consistent style across all parts of the web-site; but the main purpose of the changes was not cosmetic, but rather to address several underlying technical problems with the old site, as well as to improve navigation and maintenance. The changes have been well received, and we hope to make more improvements in the future.

3.6. Other Developments

In semester 03A UKIRT was tested on the eStar network of fast response telescopes, and proved to be ready as a source of triggers for remote robotic telescopes.

As a result of flexible scheduling there was a complete documentation overhaul. New pages covering the OT and QT were written, and a process-orientated structure imposed. Checklists for observers and support scientists were provided. Observer reports were modified to include comments on their queue observing experience. Operational procedures were adjusted in response to these comments, for example putting more stress on observers' notes in the OT program.