\documentstyle{report}
\pagestyle{headings}

\title{The FITS Test Tape \\
Version 4B}

\author{Donald C. Wells \\
National Radio Astronomy Observatory\\
Edgemont Road\\
Charlottesville, VA 22901\\
(804) 296-0211, FTS 538-1271}

\date{Document printed: \today }


\begin{document}
\pagenumbering{roman}
\maketitle
\begin{abstract}

The contents of FITS Test Tape 4B are described. This tape is an
interim version. Its sole purpose is to distribute examples of the
new Tables Extension format to sites which are reviewing it. Four
tables files are first on the tape (two by ESO, two by NRAO),
followed by the twelve files of Version 4 of the test tape.

\end{abstract}

\chapter{Introduction}

Version 4 of the FITS Test Tape was constructed in February 1982.
During 1983 the design of the new Tables Extension of FITS was
negotiated. Draft proposal documents have circulated. Now the
European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the National Radio Astronomy
Observatory (NRAO) have each developed the ability to write tapes in
the new format. They have exchanged sample files. ESO has already
demonstrated that the generalized tables software of its MIDAS system
(Munich Interactive Data Analysis System) is able to read tables
written by NRAO's AIPS system (Astronomical Image Processing System)
and also those written by ESO's older "IHAP" system. NRAO can read
its own extension files and is currently developing a more
generalized capability (the first test will be to read ESO's sample
files). When this work is finished and a few more experiments are
completed, it will be possible to say that the feasibility,
practicality, and desirability of the new design are fully
demonstrated. The group which developed the design expects that it
will be adopted in 1985 by the North American working group, the
European working group and by the IAU Commission 5
as a new extension to the FITS agreement. Recipients of this tape and
the supporting documents are requested to study them closely. Please
send comments and reports of discrepancies to either
\begin{verbatim}
    Preben Grosbol
    European Southern Observatory
    Karl-Schwarzschild Strasse 2, D 8046 Garching, F. R. G.
\end{verbatim}

or to
\begin{verbatim}
    Eric W. Greisen
    National Radio Astronomy Observatory
    Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA  22903-2475, USA
\end{verbatim}

Reports of successful new implementations which read the tables files
or of intentions to implement it as the format for writing tables
data will be especially welcome.

\chapter{The four sample tables extensions}

The first four files on the tape are examples of the new FITS tables
extension format. Note that the content of the files is quite
different, reflecting the different needs of the software packages
which wrote these files. Please consult the tape dump listings as you
read the following discussion:
\begin{verbatim}
   Clean Components appended to a VLA map (NRAO)
   Antenna Locations appended to a random-groups file (NRAO)
\end{verbatim}

\chapter{The 12 files of Version 4}

The original 12 files of Version 4 of the test tape (February 1982)
are appended to the four new tables files. Therefore, in the
documentation for the 12 files increase the file number by 4 (i.e.,
where the document talks about file "7" read "11").

\end{document}