Fifth IVS TOW (TOW2009)
Summary of participants' evaluation
Compiled by D. Behrend

Multiple "x"s indicate the number of people making the same comment.


1. Classes
==========

Best:  xxxxx xx  Experiment Pre-checks and Operations
       xxxx  Mark 5 Advanced Topics
       xxxx  Cryogenic System and Receiver Maintenance
       xxxx  Spectrum Analyzer Testing of Analog RF Systems
       xxx  Automated Pointing Models Using the FS
       xxx  Antenna Gain Calibration
       xxx  Hardware Maintenance
       xx  General Station Troubleshooting
       xx  Phase Calibration Basics
       xx  RFI Sources, Identification, Mitigation
       xx  Hydrogen Maser Monitoring and Maintenance
       x  VLBI Basics
       x  Digital Backends and Digital Processing Methods
       x  Mark 5 OS and Mark 5C Software Development
       x  Mark 5 Disk Module Testing and Shipment
       x  Timing Systems
       x  Software Correlation
       x  FS Remote Interface Demonstration
       x  Field System Near Term Future Plans

Least: xxx  Mark 5 Advanced Topics
       xxx  Software Correlation
       x  Cryogenic System and Receiver Maintenance
       x  Troubleshooting without a Mark IV Decoder
       x  Spectrum Analyzer Testing of Analog RF Systems
       x  Timing Systems
       x  Introduction to the K5 System
       x  Experiment Pre-checks and Operations 
  
      
2. Arrangements
===============
                     ++   +   0   -
Web registration      9  12   .   .
Hotel                11  12   .   .
Food                 11  13   .   .
Transportation        7  10   2   .
Class content         8  13   3   .
Notebooks             9  12   3   .
Class assignment      6  14   3   .
Other*                .   3   .   .

* not specified


3. Overall
==========

Liked best:  xxxxx xxxxx xx  meeting VLBI people
             xxxxx xx  intertact and discuss problems with experts
             xxxxx  practical lessons
             xxx  learning new material
             xxx  hearing about status of other stations
             x  class presentations
             x  friendliness of people
             x  arrangements
             x  weather

Liked least: x  air-conditioning too strong (too cold)
             x  level of some classes too high
             x  notebook not in color
             x  lecture topics not always clear
             x  the drive from the hotel
             x  mosquitoes
             x  everything was good

Wanted but was not offered in a class:
- DOMINO related topic
- deployment of DBE/dBBC
- managing a Mark 5 system
- more Mark 5 Advanced Topics
- changing maser pumps

Improvements for TOW2011:
- more astronomical VLBI topics
- better indicate level of classes
- split classes into basic and advanced levels and indicate them
- mark new courses or courses with new material
- have new topics for the classes
- more classes on VLBI2010
- combine "Maser" and "Timing Systems"
- more programming sessions
- offer special session for discussing site specific problems
- schedule classes in correct order: Amp, Gnp, then Tab
- schedule "Writing Station Specific Code for the FS" prior to
  "Special Topics about the FS"
- offer PDF files instead of big bunch of papers
- open Web registration earlier (for Visa purposes)
- early notice and class assignments
- stay at Nashua Sheraton next time
- maybe offer a visit to a VLBA station

Other comments:
- notebook and presented versions can differ, distribute electronic
  version of presentation
- Great cookies!
- Great workshop!