Notes from TOW Teachers dinner, May 12, 2011
Notes by D. Behrend

Notes are in order of teacher remarks, as we went around the
table. Relevant comments are indicated by rectangular brackets.


Individual Remarks
==================

Rich Strand, Pre-checks and operations, Hardware maintenance:
In the past two years there have not been many changes in terms of hardware.
The hardware of the new system is not out yet. Classes worked exceptionally
well; the students asked many questions. The hardware class is still very
useful. Overall, this was the best TOW Mike and I taught at. 

Irv Diegel, Maser:
This TOW was interesting for the new technology and new faces. The interest
level for students in the maser class was high.

Martin Ettl, FS Remote Interface, MCI demo:
This was my second TOW participation. I appreciate the opportunity of
showing the e-Control software. The TOW has a distinct family feeling.

Alexander Neidhardt, FS Remote Interface, MCI demo:
We missed the bar in the hotel as a meeting point. For the new technologies
it would be worthwhile to organize a miniTOW, for instance, in Madrid
in conjunction with the next General Meeting (GM2012).

Alessandra Bertarini, Understanding Correlator Feedback:
This was my fourth TOW and my second as teacher. The correlator classes
were not well attended. Renaming the class (to understanding correlator
feedback) did not do the trick. It would be better to make the class
mandatory. It is easier to explain these things in person than via
e-mail. It was excellent that the digital techniques were covered.

Chet Ruszczyk, e-VLBI Overview, Mark 5 OS, RDBE Overview:
I taught three types of classes. I felt the size of the classes was too
small. I noticed a disconnect between the advances in the new technology
and the corresponding upgrade paths. Overall, it was a good TOW.

Dirk Behrend, Program coordination and Web site:
We had late cancellations that made the financial planning difficult at
best. A possible remedy could be to collect payment prior to TOW. The
meeting went very smooth in a relaxed atmosphere.

Brian Corey, phase cal, RFI, FFT, decoder, troubleshooting, electronics:
Overall it was a very smooth run. The attendees were a bit US-centric;
representation from more countries would be good. It seemed there were
more chiefs than indians. I could have taught my classes ten years ago,
the content has not changed much over the last decade. The RFI and Pcal
classes can be shrunk; they did not run the full length. FFT was great
with the added contribution from Tom/Rick. I am very happy with the
organization.

Michael Lindqvist, Antenna Gain Calibration:
This was the first time I taught at TOW. It was good to see the new
technologies. My class went okay in the three installments. I am a
bit disappointed that the EVN was not well represented. The order of
classes should be theory before practice.

Mike Poirier, Pre-checks and operations, Hardware maintenance:
This was a good TOW. I did not have as many classes as in previous
TOWs. There was a lower number of indians, but those were very good.
For the next TOW we should integrate the new technology into Pre+Obs.

Ed Himwich, Pointing, FS Coding, various lectures:
I also had fewer classes this time. The interaction with smaller
classes was better. I agree that the correlator class should be
forced on all operators. The printed version of the notebook has
benefits. The price differential of $40 [between more expensive
and chosen hotel] should be reconsidered as deciding factor. Brian
should earn the MVP [most valuable player] award.

Gino Tuccari, DBBC Overview:
This was my first TOW as a teacher. I have a very good impression. The
people were eager to learn and discuss. There were not as many stations
represented as possible. I appreciate the great support from Haystack.

Kerry Kingham, VLBI Basics:
TOW is one of the best IVS meetings: it is a team building meeting; you
learn from your peers. I was the anti-Brian; I only taught one class.
Why it is me who gives a class on how VLBI works remains a mystery
[VLBI was invented at Haystack]. 

Alan Whitney, Mark 5 System Overview, Mark 6 System Development:
I gave a couple of talks. It was a good meeting. It was thin on the
number of stations that were covered.

David Hall, Understanding Correlator Feedback:
This was my fourth TOW and my first as instructor. The station personnel
was somewhat missing from the correlator class. Heidi deserves a medal.

Bob Campbell, Amplitude Calibration Theory, ANTABFS:
This was my first TOW of any sort. Coming from JIVE, this has not a
high priority. My classes were more geared towards astronomy. I was
surprised to have had so many students. The EVN has the single-day
TOG meeting; there it is also difficult to get the stations represented.
At a future TOW perhaps other people from EVN may come. It was benefitial
to hear about Mark 6, RDBE, DBBC, among others.

Richard Hambly, Timing Systems, FFT:
This was my fourth TOW. With Tom not being able to come, I used Tom's
viewgraphs. When Tom cannot deliver his little side-stories, some of
the viewgraphs need to be reworked. Rather than in the timing class,
I got feedback in the other classes. I got a lot out of the conference.

Chris Beaudoin, DBEs/Digital Methods, VLBI2010 analog electronics, MCI Demo:
This was my second TOW, my first as a teacher. I expected more stations
operators; there were more people that were engineering oriented. It was
a good experience.

Jonathan Quick, Linux System Administration:
I am glad to be back. I slightly changed the Linux class; it went
reasonably well. There should be no slot left open in the individual
class assignments of attending operators. As a teacher, it is frustrating
not to get to attend many classes. We may possibly go for a full week.

Dan Smythe, Mark 5 Advanced Topics, Troubleshooting w/o decoder:
I had eight classes this time, which is a little less than last time.
One student complained about that there were fewer hands-on classes.
[Ed: We need a common body of hardware and capabilities.] [Kerry: We
could prepare a list of capabilities that are mandatory for all stations.]
[Ed: We are resource-limited.]

Mike Titus, Understanding Correlator Feedback:
I can only echo what was said before about the correlator class. Maybe
a lecture would be better; perhaps after Kerry's talk.