Being Present for the Observation

Although the VLA+PT link is now offered as a user resource, it must still be considered an experimental system. Thus we strongly encourage users to come to New Mexico in advance of their observations, go to the VLA during observations, and reduce their observations at the AOC directly afterwards.

For observations at 400 cm, this policy is a requirement, not just a strong encouragement.

This will allow users to get a feeling for how well the VLA+PT link worked during their run, and to give swift feedback to AOC staff on any problems encountered.

Visiting the VLA and the AOC for VLA+PT link observations will be no different than visiting for normal observations.