Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Wed, 06/13/2012 - 22:11
A couple of month ago I used VSTAR to look at some SuperWASP fits files. I downloaded 2.13. When I attempt to open a SuperWASP file I get a read error. (path = File-->New Star from SuperWASP fits file) Anyone else had this trouble and is there a fix?
Thanks, Ed
(Inexperienced VStar User)
Hi Ed,
I wonder if you have the latest version of the SuperWASP VStar plugin. You can get it here:
www.aavso.org/vstar-plugin-library#superwasp
There are also instructions on this page for installing it and the tamfits file you need.
A while back, the format of the SuperWASP files changed, so the plugin had to change as well. If you have an older version of the plugin, it won't work, even with the latest version of VStar.
If you still have trouble, please let us know. It might also be helpful to attach the SuperWASP file you are trying to open.
-Sara
As Sara said, another
Hi Ed
As Sara said, another visit to the plugin page may be all that's needed, and pointing us to the file you tried to load will help us reproduce your problem.
Feel free to tell us more about the specific error you saw (text or screenshot) too.
A small correction: the Kepler format changed awhile ago (and the Kepler plugin was updated) rather than the SuperWASP format.
Thanks.
Regards,
David
Many thanks Sara and David. I downloaded the latest plugins and now I have it working.
Ed
Excellent!
Don't
Hi Ed
Excellent!
Don't hestitate to ask questions about VStar or make suggestions for improvement.
It would be great to hear more about what you're doing at some stage.
Regards,
David
Thanks, David:
The only time I used VStar with SuperWASP was to check on a EB that had a published period. I am now interested in an S-class variable in Bootes. So---I have to actually learn how to do period analysis from scratch. In that regard I has ordered the Foster book on analyzing light curves. So I have a ways to go before I can effectively use VStar with SuperWASP and ask intelligent questions. Hopefully I will get there.
Ed
Hi Ed
Grant's book is excellent. I go back to it often.
Some of my blog posts have adapted examples from Grant's book for use with VStar.
In the meantime, if you haven't had the chance, look at Aaron's 5-star tutorial.
Apart from this, if you have specific questions about how to do period analysis in VStar, please don't hesitate to ask here.
I'm the first to admit that VStar badly needs a "documentation boost". This is on the TODO list.
Thanks.
Regards,
David
Hi David:
I have the 5-star tutorial and it's an excellent introduction. As to more documentation of VStar: my opinion is that the major thing needed is a glossary defining the various functions with some link to more information about each function. Once I have this information I can learn about how to use each function by reading appropriate resources cited in the glossary or my own search of the literature. Maybe this resource already exists?
Ed
Hi Ed
What kinds of things would you like to see in the glossary? For example, the meaning of some of the Analysis menu items?
I think also that in general, a regular user manual would be worthwhile vs the simple help page that exists now.
Regards,
David
Hi David:
Sorry for the late reply, I have not checked this forum for a while. I think the one idea is to have a PDF file that explains the basic functions and covers the terms. Even better would be combining this with a tutorial using some fairly easy variable (say a Mira?, EB?) whose data can be downloaded and run through the various functions. Bare bones, but you get to run through the functions and obtain an answer that is given to you in the tutorial, building confidence.
The five-star tutorial is an excellent start, but I think it can be fleshed out to make it more comprehensive.
Ed
No worries. I completely agree with your comments and it's definitely on my short to medium term TODO list.
Thanks for the input Ed.
Regards,
David
Hi Ed, all
The content of this post is an example of the level of documentation I ultimately want to provide:
https://dbenn.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/cleanest-paper-examples-using-vs…
More can be found here:
http://dbenn.wordpress.com/category/astronomy-science/vstar/
Regards,
David