Links to Manual Sections and to External Information.

New users -- please read:

• Introduction: General information about SCHED.

• Keyin Free-Format Input: The data input format common to all files.

• Input and Output Files: Brief descriptions of SCHED's files.

• Running SCHED: How to get it to execute.

• Getting started: Some examples which can be used as templates.

• Observing strategy: Some tips.

• Installing SCHED: If SCHED  is not yet on your computer.

The SCHED input files and their input parameters:

• The main input schedule.

• The Station Catalog.

• The Source Catalog.

• The Setup Files.

• The Frequency Catalog.

• The Tape Initialization File.

• Spectral Line Frequencies.

Different types of VLBI observations:

• VLBA observing: Most of this manual.

• VLA observing, both VLBI and VLA-only.

• General information on non-VLBA systems.

• Mark III VLBI observing. (obsolete).

• Mark IV (and VLBA4) VLBI observing.

• Non-VLBA telescopes with VLBA recorders.

• S2 VLBI observing.

• Mark II VLBI observing (obsolete).

• VLBA Single-Dish observing (mostly test observations).

Detailed advice and information:

• Project Planning: How to use SCHED  while writing proposals and while designing an observation.

• Making plots: UV coverage, elevation vs time etc.

• Scan times: The many ways to specify when to observe.

• Tape management: VLBI's Achilles heel.

• Head positions and track assignments: Some gory details for the masochistic.

• Special concerns for specific observartories.

• Distribution of SCHED  files: Where to send the output files.

• Related programs: Where does SCHED  fit in.

• Station codes: A list.

• Changes to SCHED: A list of recent changes.

• A history of SCHED: A brief history.

Some links to other sources of information:

• NRAO Home Page: General information on NRAO and links to most NRAO resources.

• VLBA Home Page: VLBA information and links including much of importance to someone scheduling VLBI.

• Observing with the VLBA: Links to useful information about VLBA observing.

• General Instructions on How to Prepare for Observing General scheduling information. This file is sent to all scheduled observers.

• Guidelines for preparing observing files: Current constraints on observing parameters and styles, mostly based on correlator capabilities.

• VLBI at the VLA guide: Extensive information on VLBI observations with the VLA.

• Possible Substitution of Y1 for PT During VLBA Dynamics: Information about potential concerns if your project might be scheduled during VLA-Pie Town link observations on VLA and you are given a VLA antenna instead of VLBA_PT.

• VLBI on the GBT: Some information for scheduling the GBT for VLBI.

• VLBA Terminal at Effelsberg 100m. Information on using the VLBA terminal at Effelsberg.

• JIVE Home Page: A good place to start for information on European and Global VLBI.