Remote observing

- Improvements for Remote Observing -----------------

As mentioned in the previous report, we were working on an improvement for the user experience when observing in remote-mode. Particularly, our aim was to remove the need of a separate observing system for the remote observers, which was implemented originally to overcome the problems presented by slow networks; the main benefit being to remove the duplicity of documentation, and relying on a single set of instructions and interface commands.

By the beginning of Q4 we tested VNC for remote use with ALFOSC and NOTCAM and, while found out it stresses the network, -a problem that we will need to sort out, because it's a general concern,- it was considered good for production use. As a side benefit, it solves some problems inherent to the previous remote observing system that prevented the use of scripts for some operations. We've settled on a permanent set up that simplifies the task of connecting at any time from a remote site and operate the approved instruments remotely.

The new remote observing system access was successfully used during the FINCA remote school at the beginning of November, allowing them to use modes not available before (like observing MOS targets.)

A number of minor details are left to be polished, though, and we need still to test FIES -but we don't foresee major problems with this, aside from the large screen requirements that come with it.

Due to a (potentially) low band-width when observing remotely, we have a somewhat reduced system in use when accessing the system remotely. This is not an optimal situation, but the design of the software does not allow a simple solution. Using VNC graphical desktop sharing is both very convenient and should be less depend on band-width. Life tests will be done during the coming observing courses.