[Aavso-photometry] Starting up CCD Obs of Variable Stars

[Greg Crawford]

After taking forever and a day to get ready for variable star obs, I think I am
ready to begin. I thought I might start with the CCD observing program for faint
CVs and LPVs. I chose a CV because I am reading about them in the book by ("the
other") Brian Warner. I like to have some intellectual input to complement any
obs I make so I have an understanding of the physics behind it.

Given my southerly latitude (-32), I thought I'd start with UU Aql. (I had given
some thought to RX Cen, but the comment about sequence needing extension put me
off for a first timer).

A few questions:

1) UU Aql seems to be entered into the following table twice. I'm not sure if
that is an error or conveys significant information. See here:
http://www.aavso.org/observing/programs/ccd/ccdlpv.shtml#table

2) How often should observations be made? I am used to tracking an asteroid
throughout the night with continuous observations from 30 degrees altitude in
the east to 30 degrees altitude in the west. Are obs of a CV handled in the same
way?

3) The program appears to only want obs through a V filter. After struggling
with T/Cs, FOEs and ZPs for limited all-sky photometry for asteroids, I've
discovered how easy variable star observers get it when they have a (secondary)
standard field in the field of view. :-) (In MPO Canopus software, after
measuring the images, a few clicks gives you standardized measures using the
QuickMags method.) If I also have observations in B and R, should they be
uploaded to WebObs as well?

4) How do I get an observer code? Do I have to qualify in some way in the same
way that minor planet observers must submit obs to the MPC?

Greg