The overall concept for the production of an observe file using JObserve is (1) to make macros to set up the observing band and other observing parameters that may be in common for several sources (you may use the NRAO defaults, or set up your own User Defaults if the NRAO defaults do not suffice); (2) to make a macro for each individual source using a particular NRAO or User Default; (3) to compose a list of source macros that will become the observe file. The macros are known as "scans" within JObserve, and are inserted into different "lists." The User Defaults list is used for setting up LOs and other observing parameters for user-specified (non-NRAO default) frequencies for continuum and spectral line observations. Source scans that set up parameters in common for each individual source are entered in the Source List. The list which will form the observe file is the Observe List. Scans are copied and pasted to/from the Paste List.
This cookbook will lead you through the steps needed to make an observe file. This entails setting up the overall starting conditions and project information for the observation; setting up the User Defaults; creating a scan for each source in the Source List; making the Observe List; and scheduling the observations.