NAPS FAQ

Frequently asked questions on GMRT proposal submission.

Do read the http://www.ncra.tifr.res.in/ncra/miscellaneous/information/naps/quickstart quick start guide on proposal submission, if you have not done so already.

GSB configuration

You will need to choose between 5 different operating modes of the GSB (Default: 32 MHz BW, Non-polar). Upto two beams are available; for each you can specify if you would like to use the Incoherent Array or Phased Array mode.

Why do you insist on all co-Is being registered users of the system?

The NAPS system is designed to allow seamless, integrated access to all GMRT user related sub-systems such as the proposal submission system and the data archive. Each user will be able to access all public data as well as private data to which he/she has the right privileges. It is impossible to provide such access to all users without them being registered users of the system.<p> Please encourage prospective co-Is to register with the system as soon as possible. If you need to add a co-I at the last minute and that co-I is unable to register directly, you may register him/her yourself by creating a separate account for them. Be sure to enter their email address correctly.

How do I change my NAPS password?

If you have forgotten your password, you will need to first reset it by clicking on the Forgot UserID/Password link on the NAPS login page.

To change your password, login to NAPS. Click on the Home -> Change Profile tabs. Select the Change Password checkbox near the top of the page and type in your new password (twice).

Feature XYZ is missing. Why can't you add it?

With our limited resources, we were focused on getting a usable system for Cycle 16. With a working system in place, we added some new features over the last 3 cycles to the NAPS system. These include:

1.Ability to create a new proposal by copying a proposal from any previous cycle for which you were PI or co-I. You will, of course, have to attach the scientific justification anew, but information that appears on the cover-sheet will be copied over.

2.Ability to reorder sources in your source list and to insert a source in between two existing sources.

3.LaTEx formatting support in the coversheet. There is a fallback if LaTeX compilation fails.

4.Ability to use NED/SIMBAD to resolve source names and obtain coordinates for sources in your source list.

5.Compute LST rise and set automatically for your source position. You will also be able to modify the auto-computed rise/set times.

6.For a particular source, availibility of a footprint image showing existing GMRT observations along with pertinent metadata on those observations.

Features that have been developed for the upgraded version of NAPS to be released in late 2018 are:

1.Ability to upload a source list rather than having to type it in by hand.

If we are missing a feature that is critical to you, please let us know at the email address listed at the bottom of this page.

I am observing in sub-array mode. How do I indicate that multiple observations are to be run concurrently?

The first column of the source list on the Observation Details tab is labeled group. By default, a separate group is created for every source that you enter. However, if two sources are to be observed concurrently, you need to edit their group name, and set the group name to be identical. Once you do this, the total time request in the synopsis tab will correctly indicate the total "clock time" needed for your observations.

Cutting and pasting data to the source list does not work using the middle mouse button on Linux. It is painful to have to retype everything. What can I do?

If you have a text file with your source information, you can open it in gedit. Mark the text you want to copy, then immediately press Ctrl+c. This will copy text to buffer. Then click the corresponding field in the source list and press Ctrl+v. This will paste the text. Click OK. Proceed with copying and pasting the next field.

For feedback or support write to: proposal [at]ncra.tifr.res.in. For urgent enquiries, please call Yogesh +91-20-25719238 or Jayaram +91-20-25719248.