|
ISTP |
>Science Operations |
>CDHF |
>Quick Tour |
CDHF User Interface Quick Tour
- DBI_TERM_TYPE:== "term_class"
- DBI_TERM_TYPE:== "cdhf220"
- $ DEFINE CDHF_USER_LEVEL "EXPERT"
- CDHF_UI
-
This quick-tour segment can help you quickly and easily learn to use the basic
functions of the CDHF User Interface. If you are already familiar with the
interface, then you might want to jump to the section titled "
Getting
Things Done." But the section titled "
Keys
to Success" may provide some helpful hints even to experienced users. Those
users unfamiliar with the User Interface or having trouble setting up their
terminal to be compatible with the interface should follow the advice of the
doormouse in Alice in Wonderland and "start at the beginning and go on
until the end."
Getting Started
To use the CDHF User Interface, you first need an account on the computer system. If you do not have one, you can obtain one by completing an online application. Either use Telnet to istp1.gsfc.nasa.gov (128.183.92.58) or SET HOST ISTP1 (15461) and log in with the username APPLY. You will be prompted through a set of questions and your application submitted for approval. Once your account has been approved and established, you will be notified of your username and initial password. Now that you have an account on the computer system, you can start to use the User Interface.Setting Up Your Terminal
You will communicate with the CDHF User Interface using the keyboard of your display device. Keyboards come in many shapes, sizes, and layouts; and display devices can emulate a number of standard terminal types. The CDHF User Interface provides support for three different classes of terminals: (1) VT100 or VT100 emulators; (2) VT200, VT300, and their emulators; and (3) all others.If you have a Sun Workstation but do not have a VT100, VT200, or VT300 emulator, you might want to obtain a copy of a terminal emulation package called VTTOOL. You can find a compressed UNIX tape archive (tar) file containing this package on the CDHF in SYS$PUBLIC:[VTTOOL], along with a README file with instructions for installing the emulator on your Sun Workstation.
If you do not know which type of terminal your display device emulates, then proceed to the next section, "Starting the interface." The procedure that starts the User Interface attempts to determine and set the appropriate terminal class for your display device. If you have established the terminal class to which your display device belongs, place the following command in your LOGIN.COM file:
For example:
Starting the User Interface
The CDHF User Interface supports a NOVICE/EXPERT mode. By default, users are in NOVICE mode. NOVICE mode prompts a user through the steps required to properly set up and configure a session for the interface. If you have already defined your terminal class (described in the previous section), execute the following command and place it in your LOGIN.COM file:Once you have determined the display-device class, turn to APPENDIX A and make a copy of the keyboard mapping diagram that corresponds to the display device you are using. Place the diagram near your terminal so you can refer to it until you have learned some of the basic key mappings. To actually start the User Interface, type the following command:
Menu Item Description
CDHF Queries and Reports Query the CDHF catalog for information
and/or generate reports.
Data Transfer Services Request data files for transfer.
Update Key Parameter Quality Update key parameter quality flag in the
Information CDHF catalog.
Decommutation Specifications Create, modify, or delete decommutation
specifications.
Invoke Theory Programs Display menu of available theory
investigation programs.
Extract NRT Level-zero Data Extract data from WIND or POLAR
near-real-time telemetry files.
Plot Orbit Data Generate plots of orbit data.
Access the NEWS Bulletin Board Run the NEWS bulletin board.
Keys to Success
You will navigate through two types of screens in the User Interface. The first is a simple menu of items. In the menus, use the cursor keys to select the desired item. Invoke the item by using the [RETURN] key. The second type of screen is a form that contains fields for querying and displaying information. (Keyboard mappings are important to forms). The table below lists the core set of functions and their descriptions. These functions, along with the special function keys, are used 90 percent of the time. Functions not listed here but mentioned elsewhere in this guide are described as needed. Altogether, 50 keys control the forms with some keys being more important than others. A full list of keys and functions appears in the ISTP CDHF User's Guide. Function Description
Exit/Cancel Exits the current menu, form, or pop-up window. Cancels the
current function.
Abort [CONTROL] Y usually gets you completely out of the User
Interface but should not be used unless you are hopelessly
lost.
Refresh Redraws the current screen.
Show Keys Provides key mappings table (the keystroke for this is
always [CONTROL] K). Note that the table presented shows the
key mappings for the defined terminal class. If cdhf100 has
been defined, then the mappings displayed are for a DEC
VT100 keyboard. If you are using an emulator with a
non-VT100-like keyboard, then your key mappings may be
different than shown.
Next Field Moves the cursor to next enterable field on the form.
Previous Field Moves the cursor to the previous enterable field on the form.
Up Moves the cursor to the next record.
Down Moves the cursor to the previous record.
List Displays a list of valid values for the current field (if
available).
Next Block Moves cursor to the first enterable field in the next block
of the form. Also used to execute a query for criteria
entered in the current block and display results in the next
block (see sample queries under "Getting Things Done").
Previous Block Moves the cursor to the first enterable field in the
previous block.
Insert/Replace Toggles between INSERT and REPLACEMENT character modes. In
general, REPLACEMENT should be used.
Menu Activates the pull-down menu items, allowing an alternative
method to invoke the form's functions.
Commit/Accept Used to commit changes, enter new information in the
database, select from a list of values, and to activate
reports.
Special Four special function keys which are defined as needed,
Function keys provide special functions on forms. When needed, the keys
and functions are described on the form.
A word about insert vs. replacement mode: INSERT mode allows you to insert text at any point in a string. REPLACEMENT (or overstrike) mode types over the existing text in a field. A common problem in using the User Interface is trying to insert text into a field that is full. If you are in INSERT mode and try to type in a field that is full, nothing happens. The mode you are in is indicated at the bottom right corner of each form (<Insert> or <Replace>). To avoid confusion, stay in REPLACEMENT mode. Switch to INSERT mode only when you need to, and then switch back to REPLACEMENT mode. Use the INSERT/REPLACE key to toggle between INSERT and REPLACEMENT modes.
Getting From Here to There
Currently, to navigate through the User Interface you must go up and down the menus to reach the desired form. A future release of the User Interface will let you jump directly to a form without having to step through the menus.Getting Things Done
This section contains step-by-step examples that should help you perform queries, generate reports, request data files for transfer, and perform other functions available through the User Interface. Before reading these examples, put a copy of the appropriate key mappings diagram from Appendix A in front of you so you can refer to it.Setting Defaults
One of the first things you will want to do is verify your default information. Default information set up for your account is used to pre-fill certain fields on the User Interface forms.To check your default information and change the default data type, do the following: 1. Select the "CDHF Queries and Reports" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "ISTP Users and Privileges Form" option. 3. Press [TAB] once to place you in the "Query All Versions" field. If this field is set to Y, you see all versions of data files when you perform a query. If it is set to N, you only see the most recent version of a data file. In general, you will want to look at only the most recent version of a file. Viewing all versions of a file is useful when you are interested in the reprocessing history of a data file. 4. Press [TAB] again to move to the "Default Mission Name" field. Press the List key to obtain a list of missions from which you can choose. Highlight the mission name you wish to have set as your default, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 5. Press [TAB] again to advance the cursor to the "Data Type" field. Press the List key to obtain a list of data types from which you can select, highlight the desired data type, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 6. Press [TAB] again to advance to the "Default Descriptor" field. Press the List key to obtain a list of descriptors from which you can select, highlight the desired descriptor, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 7. Press the Commit/Accept key to commit the changes to the database. 8. Press the Exit/Cancel key to exit.
Making Queries and Generating Reports
Numerous queries and reports can be generated through the User Interface. This section contains examples of some of the more widely used queries and reports. One of the characters often used in the examples is the % character. It is a wildcard character and, if allowed in the field, causes all values to be matched for that field. Note that the wildcard character, if used, must appear as the first character in the field.To obtain a list of all key parameter files for all missions during the time period 01-JUN-1993 through 01-JUL-1993, perform the following: 1. Select the "CDHF Queries and Reports" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Data File Information Menu" option. 3. Select the "Science Data File Information Form" option. 4. Type % under Mission Name (if necessary, use the space bar to erase any remaining text in the field). 5. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 6. Type K% under Data Type. 7. Press the Tab key to advance to the next field. 8. Type % under Descriptor (if necessary, use the space bar to erase any remaining text in the field). 9. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 10. Type 01-JUN-1993 into the starting date field. 11. Press the Tab key to advance to the next field. 12. Type 01-JUL-1993 into the ending date field. 13. Press the Next Block key to move to the next block and perform the query. If records are found in the database, they appear in the second block on the screen. 14. Press the Up and Down arrow keys to scroll through the records retrieved. 15. Press the Exit/Cancel key to exit.The preceding query can also be performed for a specific instrument or mission or for a different time range. Simply type the desired mission or instrument name into the appropriate field instead of the wildcard character % (or use the list of values to choose from), or specify the desired time range.
To generate a report identical to the preceding query, perform the following: 1. Select the "CDHF Queries and Reports" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Data File Information Menu" option. 3. Select the "Data Files Stored Online Report" option. 4. Type % under Mission Name (if necessary, use the space bar to erase any remaining text in the field). 5. Press the Tab key to advance to the next field. 6. Type K% under Date Type. 7. Press the Tab key to advance to the next field. 8. Type % under Descriptor (if necessary, use the space bar to erase any remaining text in the field). 9. Press the Tab key to advance to the next field. 10. Type 01-JUN-1993 into the starting date field. 11. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 12. Type 01-JUL-1993 into the ending date field. 13. Press SF1 if you want the report generated in BATCH mode instead of the default INTERACTIVE mode. 14. Press the Commit/Accept key to execute the query. The report will be written to your home directory unless DBI_RPT_DIR is defined in your LOGIN.COM. (Refer to Section 4.1.1.2, "Customizations," of the ISTP CDHF User's Guide.) 15. In INTERACTIVE mode, you are prompted to display the report to the screen. Answering Y causes the report to be displayed to your screen.While viewing the report, press [CONTROL] Z to abort the displayed report, if desired. Afterward you are prompted to print the report. Answering Y to this prompt causes the report to be printed on a printer at the CDHF. For remote users, this is not desired so, in general, answer N. The report file remains in the designated report directory (DBI_RPT_DIR or your home directory by default).
Viewing processing information
The CDHF catalog contains information on the processing history of ISTP data products. Information on the input files used to generate specific key parameter files and version information on key parameter generation software is available. Below are a sample query and a sample report for retrieving historical information about data files and programs.To list KPGS program history information for IMP-8 MAG, perform the following: 1. Select the "CDHF Queries and Reports" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "File Processing Information Menu" option. 3. Select the "Process Program Information Form" option. 4. Enter the program name IMP8_MAG_KP or press the List key to obtain a list of programs to select from, highlight IMP8_MAG_KP, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 5. Press the Execute Query key to execute the query. 6. Use the arrow keys to scroll through multiple entries, if they exist. 7. Press Exit/Cancel to exit or press Enter Query to enter a new query.
To generate a report on key parameter certification information for IMP-8 MAG, perform the following: 1. Select the "CDHF Queries and Reports" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Data File Information Menu" option. 3. Select the "Data File Certification Status Report" option. 4. Enter the mission name I8 or press the List key to obtain a list of the programs from which you can select, highlight I8, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 5. Press [TAB] to move to the next field. 6. Type MAG in the descriptor field. 7. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 8. Type 01-JUN-1993 into the starting date field. 9. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 10. Type 01-OCT-1993 into the ending date field. 11. Press the Commit/Accept key to execute the query. The report will be written to your home directory unless DBI_RPT_DIR is defined in your LOGIN.COM. (Refer to Section 4.1.1.2, "Customizations," of the ISTP CDHF User's Guide.) 12. In INTERACTIVE mode, you are prompted to display the report to the screen. Answering Y causes the report to be displayed to your screen.
Transferring Data Files
The ISTP CDHF provides for two types of file transfers: scheduled and standing. A scheduled request is a one-time request for specific data files that is executed at a scheduled time. A standing transfer is a general request for data files that is executed periodically on a schedule defined by the user. The files to be transferred in a standing request are determined at the time the request executes.Data files can be transferred to the user's directory on the CDHF (staged transfer) or directly to the user's remote computer system (direct transfer). The following examples use the staged method of transfer. For information on setting up your computer system to accept direct transfers, refer to Section 4.2.5 of the CDHF User's Guide. Before trying to execute the following examples, obtain the name of your home directory on the CDHF by typing SHOW LOGICAL SYS$LOGIN at the VMS system prompt. The destination address you will use in the examples looks like the following address:
- ISTP::disk:[dir]
The following is an example of a scheduled request to transfer GEOTAIL orbit data for 01-JUN-1993: 1. Select the "User Data Transfer Services" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Create Transfer Request for Cataloged Science Files" option. 3. Type the execution date (the default is an immediate transfer). 4. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 5. A default Mail Address appears; modify it if desired. 6. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 7. A default Transfer Destination appears; set this to be your home directory as described above. 8. Press the Next Block key to advance to the next block. 9. Type the mission identifier GE or press the List key to obtain a list of mission names from which you can select, highlight GE, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 10. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 11. Type the datatype OR or press the List key to obtain a list of data types to select from, highlight OR, and press RETURN to fill in the field. 12. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 13. Type the descriptor DEF or press the List key to obtain a list of descriptors from which you can select, highlight DEF, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 14. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 15. Type 01-JUN-1993 into the Start Date field. 16. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 17. Type 01-JUN-1993 into the in End Date field. 18. Press the Next Block key to move to the next block and perform the query. If records are found in the database, they appear in the second block on the screen. 19. Use the arrow keys to move to the file to be selected for transfer, and press SF1 to select individual files. Use SF2 to select all files in the list. 20. Press the Commit/Accept key to commit the request. 21. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge the request. 22. Press the Exit/Cancel key to exit.The transfer request is queued and executed at the specified time. After the request is executed, an E-mail message providing the status of the transfer is sent to the address entered in step 5 above.
To set up a staged standing transfer for GEOTAIL definitive orbit data, perform the following: 1. Select the "User Data Transfer Services" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Create Standing Request for New Science files" option. 3. Type the date and time of execution of the first execution of the standing request. 4. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 5. A default Mail Address appears, modify it if desired. 6. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 7. A default Destination Address appears; set this to be your home directory as described in the previous example. 8. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 9. Press the Next Block key to advance to the next block. 10. Type the mission identifier GE or press the List key to obtain a list of mission names from which you can select, highlight GE, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 11. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 12. Type the datatype OR or press the List key to obtain a list of data types from which you can select, highlight OR, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 13. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 14. Type the descriptor DEF or press the List key to obtain a list of descriptors from which you can select, highlight DEF, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 15. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 16. Type the effective catalog start date for request (must be no earlier than the current date/time). The request looks for files cataloged after this date. 17. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 19. Type the time interval for the execution of the request. The value can be from 1 to 7 days. 20. Press the Commit/Accept key to commit the request. 21. Press [RETURN] to acknowledge the request. 22. Press the Exit/Cancel key to exit.
To remove a standing request from the request queue: 1. Select the "User Data Transfer Services" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Query/Modify Standing Requests for New Science Files" option. 3. The standing transfer requests you have entered as displayed. Use the arrow keys to view each request. 4. When you have the request displayed that you want to delete press the Delete Record key. You are asked if you really want to delete the record. Answer Y or N and press [RETURN]. 5. Press the Exit/Cancel key to exit.
Updating Key Parameter Quality Information
Authorized users are allowed to enter quality information on key parameter files into the CDHF catalog. The examples below illustrate two mechanisms for performing these updates.To manually update the key parameter quality information, perform the following: 1. Select the "Update Key Parameter Quality" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Key Parameter Update Form" option. 3. Press the List key to obtain a list of mission names from which you can select, highlight your selection, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 4. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 5. Press the List key to obtain a list of data types from which you can select, highlight your selection, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 6. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 7. Press the List key to obtain a list of descriptors from which you can select, highlight your selection, and press [RETURN] to fill in the field. 8. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 9. Enter the starting date for the query (or use the default). 10. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 11. Enter the ending date for the query (or use the default). 12. Press the Next Block key to execute the query. The results are displayed in the second block of the form. 13. Enter PASS or FAIL in the Key Parameter Quality field. 14. Press [TAB] to advance to the next field. 15. A default KP Certify Date (the current date) appears. 16. KP Certify By defaults to your username. 17. Type any comments if desired. 18. Press the Commit/Accept key to commit the request. 19. Press the Down key to display the next record and go back to step 13 to continue updating the Key Parameter Quality information or to step 20 to exit. 20. Press the Exit/Cancel key to exit.The second method of updating key parameter quality information is to supply the quality information in a file, which is then processed to update the database. The following example shows a method of creating a file with the appropriate information and then instructing the User Interface to use that file to update the database.
Updating key parameter quality information using a text input file
You can update key parameter quality information simultaneously for numerous files by using information supplied in a text file. The format of the file is shown as follows (either upper or lowercase may be used): KEY PARAMETER QUALITY UPDATE FILE FOR USER [your username][logical filename]
[key parameter quality, PASS , FAIL, or null string]
[comment]
[logical filename]
[key parameter quality, PASS or FAIL]
[comment]
.
.
. For example, the following file contains information to update three key parameter files. User SMITH must have key parameter quality update privileges for GEOTAIL PWI key parameter data. The first file is marked as PASS and has no comment in the command field. The second and third files have comments in the comment field and are marked as FAIL and PASS, respectively. KEY PARAMETER QUALITY UPDATE FILE FOR USER SMITH
GE_K0_PWI_19930525_V01
PASS GE_K0_PWI_19930526_V01
FAIL
Excessive noise
GE_K0_PWI_19930527_V01
PASS
Only data after 0200GMT should be used
After creating the file with the update information, perform the following: 1. Select the "Update Key Parameter Quality" option from the main menu. 2. Select the "Process Key Parameter Update File" option. 3. Enter the name of the input file containing the key parameter quality update information. If the file is in your default directory, you can simply enter the filename; otherwise, you must enter the complete file specification. 4. Press the Accept/Commit key to start the update. You will receive status information on the progress of the update. 5. When the update is complete, you are prompted to press [RETURN] to return to the form.
What Else Can I Do?
This Quick Tour of the CDHF User Interface has been provided to help you obtain information and data products from the CDHF without having to wade through pages of documentation. The examples are designed to get you started as quickly as possible in using the CDHF User Interface. But many other functions and features are in the User Interface. The intrepid are invited to explore further by perusing the user's guide, which contains detailed information on all functions and options of the User Interface.Where To Go From Here
The ISTP CDHF User's Guide contains detailed information on all available options and functions in the User Interface.Whom Do You Call
? If you can log into the CDHF system, type HELP @SITE PERSONNEL to obtain a list of people to contact for various problems. Below is a list of contacts for system or data access questions: Problem E-mail Telephone
Problems with the User Interface ISTP::PAC PAC @ (301) 286-3228
istp1.gsfc.nasa.gov
Login problem, forgotten ISTP::SYSTEM (301) 286-9561
password, and other access system@istp1.gsfc.nasa.gov
problems
Data access privilege changes ISTP::SCHNEIDER (301) 286-5543
schneider@istp1.gsfc.nasa.gov
Other ISTP data questions ISTP::WMISH (301) 286-5444
wmish@istp1.gsfc.nasa.gov
APPENDIX A--KEYBOARD MAPPINGS
This appendix provides keyboard mappings for various terminals, keyboard types, and emulators.
VT100 Keyboard Mapping
VT200 Keyboard Mapping
VT200 Keyboard Mappings on Mac extended keyboard
Keystrokes for VT100 emulation mode
Comments/Questions/Suggestions: webmaster@www-istp.gsfc.nasa.gov
Official NASA Contact: Mr. William Mish (wmish@istp1.gsfc.nasa.gov)
/ NASA Home / Goddard Space Flight Center Home /
Last Updated: 11/19/96
