RE: "Getting Ready To Get Ready"

["Albertson, Chris" <CAlbertson@primeadvantage.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tom Droege [mailto:tdroege@veriomail.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2001 4:30 PM

> I think there should be no practical difference in the data 
> taken with the 
> QB program now and the future/present real time system.  
> Possibly the real 
> time system will have a better time measurement.  The shutter 
> timing now 
> looks pretty good.

The major differences will be

1) The Linux based system will have "go to" capability.

   You can say "PointAt 34.5 127.5" and the Mk IV will 
   aim at some specific target of interest.  This gives
   you the option of different observing programs, catching
   targets of opportunity or  dipping down to the equator
   to measure a specific standard star.

2) Remote control and monitoring. 

3) Real-time image display, data display and data reduction.

If the data itself does not look the same with both control
programs then something would be wrong.  I don't expect any
difference in quality except as Tom said timing will be
accurate to milliseconds.