Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Using the Translator

• How do I get started using the translator for my favorite spectrograph?

• I have an instrument-specific translator question -or- I found a bug in an instrument translator. Who do I reach out to for help?

Translator Applications

• Can I run a translator locally on my machine?

• Can I use a translator for solar data? What about calibration data?

• How does the translator handle different RV algorithms? What if, for example, I want a file that is a stellar template for template matching?

Adding a New Translator to the Data Standard

• I want to develop a new instrument translator. How do I get started?

• What does it mean to be compliant with the standard? E.g. Observatory required keywords vs Standard keywords

• What version of Python should I be using? Is there Python version control?

• The current data standard doesn’t accommodate a header keyword that is important for my instrument. What do I do?

Change Review Board

• What is the Change Review Board?

• How do I submit change requests for the data standard?

• What is the process for assessing change requests?

• How often are changes implemented?