The PySALT user package is the primary reduction and analysis software tools for the SALT telescope.  Currently, these tools include basic data reductions for  RSS and SALTICAM in both imaging, spectroscopic, and slot modes.   Basic analysis software for slot mode data is also provided.  These tools are primarily written in python/PyRAF with some additional IRAF code.  

Instructions for the installation of the PySALT package are below.    They are also provided in the tarball.  In order to install PySALT, several other packages have to be installed as well including python, PyRAF, and IRAF.   Descriptions and links to each of those packages are included under dependencies.  All of the dependent programs are available on the SALT ftp site.  If you are downloading the package from outside South Africa, it is suggested that the dependencies be downloaded from their original source.

• Installation instructions for PySALT
• Dependencies of PySALT
• OS specific instructions:
  • Redhat 4.2/CentOS 4.2
  • Ubuntu Dapper 6.06 LTS

The PySALT user package v0.33 was released on 06 March 2009 and can be downloaded here. Release notes are available.  Programs that PySALT depends on can be found here.

Documentation can be found here.  For each task, the PySALT help file is provided.  In addition, a manual for slotmode analysis is also available.

The PySALT  packages have been tested on the following platforms:

• Ubunto v6.6
• RHEL4.2 / CentOS 4.2 (Fedora Core)

At this early stage of the project, both data and software are provided to the PI on a shared-risk basis. we hope PIs will remain patient during this development phase and enter into the spirit of the exercise by providing feedback and bug reports back to SALT via salthelp(at)saao.ac.za.