D -- CONTROL SOFTWARE FOR DIFFERENTIAL IMAGE MOTION MONITOR

Notice Date

January 11, 2001

Contracting Office

Gemini 8-M Telescopes Project, Aura, 950 N. Cherry Ave, PO Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85719

ZIP Code

85719

Solicitation Number

N210027

Response Due

January 19, 2001

Point of Contact

Andrew Flach, Contracts Manager, 520-318-8537

E-Mail Address

Click here to contact Gemini Contracts Manager. (aflach@gemini.edu)

Description

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA), acting as the operator of the Gemini Observatory, is seeking an individual to develop software to control and read data from an astronomical Differential Image Motion Monitor. Software will be implemented using the C++ or C programming language in a Linux operating system environment, and will encompass control of the CCD camera, acquisition and processing of images to estimate Fried's seeing parameter (R0), as well as user interface and data display. Coordination of the camera control and processing with the telescope control system must also be provided. Complete documentation of the system including operators and maintenance manuals, as well as design documentation including an acceptance test plan must be developed and delivered with the system. Required computer skills and experience include: Software development using GNU C++/C compiler and Make; Real-time software development in a UNIX/Linux environment; Development of GUIs in an X windows environment including display of scientific information; Serial data communication between computers running Linux and MS Windows; Ability to read and understand XPL source code; Development of image acquisition and processing software; Development and debugging of Unix/Linux device drivers; and generation of software documentation. In addition the following skills and knowledge are required: Principles of light propagation through atmospheric turbulence; Principles of Differential Image Motion Monitor; Principles of astronomical telescope control including target acquisition, pointing and tracking. Persons interested in being considered for this work should fax their CV, hourly rates, and examples of work they have done that is closely related to this work, to 520-318-8590 by no later than Friday 19 January, 2001. Faxes should reference Announcement No. N210027, and be addressed to the Gemini Contracts Manager. The Gemini Observatory is an international astronomical observatory which operates two 8 meter telescopes, one located on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, the other on Cerro Pachon in Chile. The Gemini partners include the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Australia. The Gemini Observatory is operated by AURA under contract to the National Science Foundation.

Web Link

General information about the Gemini Observatory; no (hppt://www.gemini.edu)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010116/DSOL008.HTM (W-011 SN50A7I7)