Howto #12
Problem: Error upon first start of pics_gui.

    Diagnostic :
  • exposure finished.
    loading file 
    
% MESSAGE: Expression must be a scalar in this context: MESSAGE.
    
% Error occurred at:  FXREAD            169 /export/home/local/lib/idl/astrolib/ pro/fxread.pro
    
%                     LOAD_CCD          689 /export/home/pmas/idl/PICS/pics_gui.pro
    
%                     PICS_GUI_EVENT   2569 /export/home/pmas/idl/PICS/pics_gui.pro
    
%                     WIDGET_PROCESS_EVENTS
    
%                     $MAIN$              1 /usr/local/pmasSW/p3d_init.pro
    
% Execution halted at:  LOAD_CCD          689 /export/home/pmas/idl/PICS/pics_gui.pro

    Explanation :
  • This error occurs when pics_gui is started with mosaic configuration, but does not find an initial file of the expected amplifier channel (D) in the default data directory. Known bug.

    Solution :
  • Start mosaic bias from IDL command line:
    
pics_s_bias,e
    when finished, restart pics_gui.

    Applies also in standard 1-chip configuration when no fits file is found in default directory.