Preparing to Observe
Both MODS underwent controller upgrades in the summer of 2025. There are a few changes which users should be aware of when preparing their programs. Old scripts will run, subject to the binning, exptime and ROI constraints given below. Please ask LBTO staff for advice if you have a non-standard program or any questions when preparing your scripts.
- Exposure times must be <= 900 seconds. Take 4 15-min exposures to achieve 1 hour open-shutter time.
- Spectroscopic acquisitions will be made with the 3K x 3K (6′ x 6′) readout region of interest only. Scripts do not need to be changed, as the script-running engine will override the setting in the script to force the 3Kx3K ROI.
- Binning (1×2, 2×2 and 2×1) is supported only in full frame 8Kx3K mode, but not in any other mode.
- OBJNAME must be <= 32 characters and include no special characters.
Users are strongly encouraged to use the OT to prepare their scripts, though the original MODS script preparation software, modsTools, may also be used. Details about the OT and how to use it to generate scripts and plan your observing program are described in the OT Guide and Script Preparation section. Details on the script commands can be found in the MODS Observing Scripts Manual.
Before your partner block begins, please insure scripts are prepared and checked, and please provide finder charts with scale and orientation for all targets.
This Preparing to Observe section contains the pages linked below and in the right sidebar:
- Changes post-upgrade (after September 2025)
- Exposure Time Calculator
- Sensitivity
- Overheads
- Finding Charts
- modsView
