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KPNO Filters: Finding What's There and How...(1Dec93)
to Borrow Them
(from KPNO, NOAO Newsletter No. 36, 1 December 1993)

                         Filter Data Bases

A text file containing data on all the filters in the KPNO collection
can be obtained via anonymous ftp as described in detail in the
September 1993 NOAO Newsletter. (Use "ftp orion.tuc.noao.edu," log on
as "anonymous" with your name@machine as the password, "cd
kpno/filters."

The original data base (filters.db) lists the full complement of KPNO
filters. The length of this data set may occasionally prove to be a
burden when trying to seek out a specific filter only to learn that the
desired filter is of the wrong size. We have now broken down the data
base into smaller sets based upon the filter size. Odd size filters and
1 by 1 inch filters are listed in 1inch+.db. The 2 x 2 inch filters are
given in 2inch.db and 4 ~ 4 inch filters in 4inch.db.

The subdirectory "plots" contain transmission data for many of these
filters, and will eventually contain the complete set.

                          Borrowing Filters

There is a steady level of requests from the outside community to
borrow filters from KPNO. We would like to remind everyone of the
policy for these loans.

Many filters are frequently used on the mountain by visiting
astronomers. These filters are on a restricted list and cannot be lent
out. Filters scheduled for observations in the queue observing program
will also fall into this restricted category since the actual time of
use of a specific filter is difficult to predict.

Filter loan requests can be made by sending George Jacoby a letter or
e-mail message. That message should include the following:

List of the desired filters (by KPNO number)

A scientific justification for the request

Where the filters should be delivered

Where they will be used

The date the filters are needed

The date the filters will be returned

A FAX telephone number where the Loan Agreement form can be sent

The loan period should not be longer than a few weeks as long term
loans will not be permitted. Students wishing to borrow filters are
required to have their project advisor sign the letter. Borrowers may
be asked to pay shipping costs, especially if Federal Express is
required.

Following approval, the standard NOAO Loan Agreement will be Faxed for
signature. This agreement includes the estimated monetary value of the
filter for which the borrower will be responsible. The signed agreement
should be mailed or faxed back to KPNO prior to release of the filter
for shipment. Upon return of the undamaged filter, the Loan Agreement
will be terminated.

Sam Barden, Jim De Veny, Ed Carder

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