Subseries 4.3 - Instruments, Computer Systems, and Programs

1.18m of textual records

Sub-series consists of records related to the astronomical instruments and computer systems used for research at the David Dunlap Observatory. Records document Bolton’s efforts to maintain and modernize the DDO’s instruments and computers through the acquisition, maintenance, and upgrades of equipment as well as the technical documentation and specifications for the equipment. Included are records related to the PDS microdensitometer, CCD camera, spectrographs, Grant Spectrum Comparator, VAX computers, and more. Records include correspondence and memoranda, product information sheets, research notes, test and calibration data, technical documents and instruction manuals, technical drawings, computer file directories for Bolton’s and Fieldus’ files, product and service quotes, purchase orders and invoices, and license agreements.

Several files also contain records documenting many of the computer programs that were used to record, process, and manipulate data. These files are often named after the program written in all capital letters. Records primarily include technical documents and both printed and hand-written FORTRAN program scripts. Some of the files also contain research data that was used with the programs.

Most files are arranged in their original order, apart from a few files that were added into the series by the archivist.

Open

• Additional correspondence, grant applications, and financial records related to the various instruments and computers at the DDO are located in Series 2: Correspondence, Subseries 4.2: Financial and Grants, and Series 5: Research and Publications.
• Additional documentation of the instruments and computer systems at the DDO is located in Sous-fonds 2, Series 2: DDO and Research.