WFI ETC Web Interface
Welcome to the RDox home page for the Roman WFI Exposure Time Calculator (ETC) Web Interface!
Under Construction
The contents below for Roman are under construction and will likely change as the WFI ETC is developed.
What is the Roman WFI ETC Web Interface?
The Roman WFI Exposure Time Calculator Web Interface enables ETC calculations in a browser. This tool is based on the JWST ETC Web Interface; it uses the Pandeia engine at its core and allows users to set up complex scenes and observations through an easy-to-use graphical interface. It also outputs plots and relevant metrics to help users assess the feasibility of their observations with the Roman WFI. The Roman ETC Web Interface was first released to the astronomical community in September 2024 and development will continue in preparation for the initial Roman call for proposals.
The Roman WFI ETC Web Interface can be accessed through this link: https://roman.etc.stsci.edu/
Tips for the Roman WFI ETC Web Interface
How do I get started with the ETC Web Interface?
Below are two methods for those who want to begin using the ETC Web interface:
1. The 'Quick Start' icon on the ETC Web Interface page, shown in the Figure of the ETC Web Interface, will take you to a new Workbook and walk you through (with the blue dialogue boxes) setting up the ETC calculation with an observing mode of your interest. Once you are satisfied with the calculation, you can switch to 'Login' or 'Create Account' to save the workbook.
Figure of the ETC Web Interface
The top image is a screen capture of the main ETC Web Interface page showing the Quick Start button. The bottom image is a blue dialogue box that is initiated after clicking Quick Start. This box guides users through the workbook with instructions.
2. The 'Sample Workbooks' offer example workbooks that are curated to show various observing setups using the ETC. The Figure Showing the Sample Workbooks provides an image of the drop down menu for the Sample Workbooks. If you are not familiar with how to access the Sample Workbooks, please see "How do I access different workbooks once I am in a workbook?" below.
Figure Showing the Sample Workbooks
How do I access different workbooks once I am in a workbook?
Once users are within a workbook and want to switch to a different workbook, they can access their other workbooks by clicking the account dropdown menu from the top right and selecting the first option (either your user ID or anon_#### if working anonymously).
Figure Demonstrating Login Options
Do I have to log in to use the ETC Web Interface?
No, users can either work anonymously or log into the ETC Web Interface. However, if you are logged in, your work is saved after you log out and can be accessed in future sessions.
Can I share my ETC Web Interface work?
Yes, it is possible to share workbooks with collaborators. This is available only when logged in. Work done anonymously is lost after the user leaves the ETC Web Interface session. Users are therefore encouraged to log into their accounts to avoid losing their ETC Web Interface work.
I did not log in and am working anonymously. Can I still save my workbook?
Yes. If a user begins a workbook anonymously, they can switch to a log-in session and own the workbook at the end. However, once the anonymous user leaves the ETC Web Interface session, the workbook cannot be recovered.
What software performs the calculations for the ETC Web Interface?
The ETC Web Interface uses the Pandeia software to do all the calculations necessary.
For additional questions not answered in this article, please contact the Roman Help Desk at STScI.