USNO VLBA Support Meeting

• Correlator:
  • James Robnett visit to USNO (late january 2014) with Mike Hatz (NRAO-CV)
  • James will provide a full parts list - Done
  • Status of as-built drawings - carry over, network diagrams being done.

• Correlator:
  • Status of Phase 2

    • All the orders have been placed for Phase II + Lustre install. Some items have begun arriving and James expects all items to be there by the first week of January.

    • 2 racks arrived, cables & cords have arrived.

    • Nicole is keeping James informed as items arrived

  • Other: None.
• MK/PT Status
  • Prospects for extending Internet contract support through FY14 - set through July.
  • Daily observations support contracts ends in January 2014.
    • Extension signed recently for 500k recently at USNO, but not seen in NRAO.
  • Discussion of streamlining data delivery from backup VLBA intensives
    • Walter: will find someone with engineering to head up. Will deal with correct data flow and ease operations impact. Background: data sent on solid state drives, mailed from sites to USNO.
    • Action USNO: verify receipt of SSD external fine, provide address and POC.
      
  • Investigate the addition of another 2 VLBA antennas for new series of 4-antenna USNO observations.
    • Not scheduled, goal to begin is as soon as possible.
    • take a key file, add 2 new antennas and let SCHED optimize for all 4.
    • Action NRAO: who is POC for 4-antenna observation effort? (Jon?)
• Daily Observation Report.
  • 3 days had issues but the backup "b" observations were used.
  • PT had generator/power/FRM issues at the end of November. Los Alamos was used instead.
• Open issues
  • Jon Romney will likely lead the UTC-UT1 observation effort.
    • Action NRAO (Steve): Confirm?
    • UT1 mailing list is still avenue to communicate through
    • POC makes sure daily log and report are copied.
  • Nicole - still will follow-up on previous networking question.
  • Next meeting January 9th, 2014.