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| D R A F T 16 Feb 2006 Use of Special Apparatus at ARO FacilitiesGeneral:Description:The Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO) group within Steward Observatory invites Principal Investigators (PI) to use their special and unique instruments at an ARO Facility. In this manner, investigators that wouldn't normally have access to world class observatories can utilize their instruments to achieve their scientific research goals. This document describes those policies and terms leading to the use of a PI instrument at an ARO facility. Scope:The formal steps leading to the use of a PI instrument at an ARO facility are described in detail by this document. A description of the "Special Operation Description", "Specification", "Testing and Verification Matrix", ARO Facility ICD, and "Instrument ICD" documents are provided. Applicable Documents:
Related documents:
Policy:ARO facilities are used by different types of users, those that pay for their observing time and those that don't. This policy applies only to those users that don't pay for their observing time. The steps leading to the use of a PI instrument at an ARO facility follow a formal procedure. The first step in the procedure is to submit an ARO observing proposal indicating a desire to use a PI instrument. The second step is to provide a separate Special Operations Description. This document details all special operational requirements and describes and estimates the consumed materials and resource rates. Following the proposal's successful acceptance by the ARO Telescope Allocation Committee, TAC, the third step is to perform an analysis of the instrument's technical performance as defined by its specifications. After passing its confirmation and validation tests, the proposed program will be scheduled. The ARO provides detailed information describing the expected installation and operating environments found at its facilities. This information describes all standard facility interfaces. The latest approved version of the ARO Facility Interface Controlled Documents are dated and signed by the ARO director. The documents can be found on the ARO WEB site. A PI should carefully review the appropriate facility document and note all discrepancies with their requirements. Instrument interface requirements that are not specifically provided for by the ARO shall be described by the PI in a special requirements Instrument ICD. The Instrument ICD becomes accepted when dated and signed by both the PI and the ARO director. The characteristics and expected performance of the instrument shall be described by its specifications. The PI shall provide complete specifications of the instrument with enough detail to show how it supports the observing request. The information contained in the specifications will be used by the ARO as the basis for performing the confirmation and validation tests. Interface requirements and operational issues not addressed by the documentation may not be supported by the ARO. The Specification Document along with the Special Operations Description are reviewed to ensure a cost effective observing program. These documents are accepted only after signatures from both the PI and the ARO director are affixed and dated. Special Operation Description:The PI shall provide a description of all the special operational requirements of the instrument. These include but are not limited to special activities that ARO staff will have to perform on a regular basis, special observing methods and procedures, and special safety issues. The Special Operations Description shall include descriptions of consumed materials and the rates of material and energy consumption. This information should address for example rates for electrical, water, cryogenic gas, and compressed gas consumption. In addition, perturbations to the normal ambient environment shall be provided. This information address topics such as demands on the facility heating and cooling systems, demands on the water and sewer system, and demands placed on emergency or back-up power systems. Performance and Characteristics:The instrument's performance and characteristics shall be described by its specifications. It shall be provided by the PI and will be used by the ARO staff to create the "Test and Verification Matrix". The "Test and Verification Matrix" document will be used to direct the confirmation and validation testing. The specifications will be confirmed by either visual observations, laboratory or similar testing and evaluation, or calculations. Observations and testing and evaluation shall be performed by the PI and witnessed by ARO representatives. Analysis based upon written calculations shall be provided in writing by the PI and based upon conventional theory. The instrument specifications and confirmations are accepted when dated and signed by both the PI and ARO director. ARO Facility ICD:The regular and ordinary physical and software infrastructure and environment at an ARO facility is described by an ARO Facility ICD. There is a separate ARO Facility ICD for each facility, the Kitt Peak 12-Meter, and the Mount Graham SMT. This controlled document describes in detail the physical, mechanical, and electrical environment along with the computing and control conditions at that facility. The controlled document is only applicable when dated and signed by the ARO director. The current version is available from the ARO WEB site. Instrument ICD:Special instrument requirements not ordinarily available at an ARO facility shall be requested by the PI with an Instrument ICD. The document shall describe unique physical, mechanical, electrical, software, and/or infrastructure requirements not described by a Facility ICD. The controlled document is only accepted when dated and signed by the PI and the ARO director. |
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