Start the observations

$ : commands to insert in a shell

> : commands to insert in the operatorInput panel

: check the execution on the monitor

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1. Insert your project number :

   > project=[projectID] Fig.21

2. Initial setup :

   > antennaReset

   > setupLLP Fig.19

3. Select the receiver mode :

   > receiversMode=[code] where [code] can be XXC1, XXC2, XXC3, XXC4, XXC5, XXL1, XXL2, XXL3, XXL4, XXL5.

   • C is for Circular, L for Linear polarization ;
   • 1 : all band, 1300-1800 MHz (no filter) ;
   • 2 : 1320-1780 MHz ;
   • 3 : 1350-1450 MHz ;
   • 4 : 1300-1800 MHz (band-pass) ;
   • 5 : 1625-1715 MHz.

4. Select the active surface shape (Parabolic for L-band observations) :

   > asSetup=P Fig.4

5. Insert the Local Oscillator value in MHz :

   > setLO=[freq] Fig.18

6. Select the Maccaferri filter :

   • ifd=BW-NARROW for 115 MHz of bw ;
   • ifd=BW-MEDIUM for 230 MHz of bw ;
   • ifd=BW-WIDE for 460 MHz of bw ;
   • ifd=BW-UNFILTERED.

7. Select and configure the SARDARA backend in L-band :

   > chooseBackend=Sardara Fig.21

   $ genericBackendTui BACKENDS/Sardara

   > initialize=SL00S for full Stokes observations or > initialize=SL00 for total intensity observations

8. Set the different parameters of the backend :

   > setSection=[sect],*,1500,*,*,3000,[bin] Fig.13

   with :

   • [sect] : 0 in full Stokes observations and [sect] : 0, 1 in non full-stokes observations ;
   • [bin] the frequency channels (1024 or 16384).

9. Choose the integration time in ms (e.g. n=10 corresponds to 100 spectra/sec) :

   > integration=[n]

10. Put the antenna at 45 deg of elevation before checking that the signal is in the linear range of the backend:

    > goTo=*,45d Fig.15

11. Check that the getTpi command is working correctly before proceeding:

    > getTpi

    If getTpi=0,0 then there is a problem, you need to ask for help. If getTpi=(a few millions) then proceed.

12. Attenuate the signal based on the rms range [30;33] and check the value on the interface :

    > getRms

    > setAttenuation=[sect],[att] with [att] the attenuation from 0 to 15 dB. Fig.13

13. Check the tsys (typical values 25-30 K)

    > tsys Fig.13

14. Begin the schedule by indicating the start scan [N] or subscan [N_n] in the SCD file :

    > startSchedule=[schedulename].scd,[N] Fig.21