1. General Computer Layout

Our computer network can be roughly separated into five parts: (1) ADSC data collection computers, (2) MD2 operation computer, (3) two computers for the beamline control, (4) three computers for data processing and structure solution and (5) data storage and backup. You should use computers in category (1), (2) or (3) ONLY for data collection and the beamline controls (no Web browsing, games, music etc). In addition, there are two more shared computers in the back user area.

The control room for 24ID-C station is pictured in Figure 1.

Figure 1. General view of the main working area on 24 ID-C.

ADSC computer is used only for current diffraction image visualization. To start the ADSC software: find on the desktop a diamond-shaped icon called “AutoADSC” and double –click on it, a new window with green font will open. Next on “auxiliary” computer in the CONSOLE script under detector tab select “UTILITIES” and choose “Restart ADSC system” – a new GUI will start after in a while. All other functions of the ADSC GUI are for exclusive use of the beamline personnel.

MD-2 Operation computer is NOT used by users.

Check Troubleshooting section on how to restart the whole MD-2 and how to restart ALL user beamline control software.

Beamline Control Computers The beamline control software runs on two different Windows computers, namely "master" and "auxiliary". The video from these computers is output to 3 rightmost LCD monitors (see picture above). You can switch between these computers by pressing corresponding button on KVM switch (below the top shelf). All user operations are done on "auxiliary" computer only.

To start the main script, find on the desktop the icon EXEC_Intel (or it may be called EXECUTOR).

A new empty window will appear. Click on File and choose "Prior .CXE Selection", drag the mouse to the right to select the script "C:\CONHEAP\PHI_MD2_PILATUS_NEXT.CXE" (if the Pilatus detector in place). As the beamline is under constant development, the current name of the script may be different; the support beamline personnel will notify you. Click on "Execution Option" and choose "Execute Script"

Now you should see the new windows coming (Figure 2):

Figure 2. View of AUX computer with running script PHI_MD2_PILATUS_NEXT.cxe"

This is your MAIN working area and you can do all following functions:

access the crystal centering interface (3-click alignment, focusing, ligths, kappa-goniometer, snapshots collection, basic robot operations) XTAL CENTERING tab
access data collections interface with different protocols DATA COLLECTION
adjust the orientation of the MD2 table relative to the beam (MD2 AUTOALIGN)
change the size of the beam aperture (MD2 APPERTURE); check he current aperture value
change energy and run EXAFS and CHOOCH
maximize the flux and optimize the beam position ( TRIM_X and TRIM_Y POSITIONs);
move in/out the sample sensor RETRACT/INSERT SS;
retract/insert the cold-steam nose RETRACT/INSERT CRYO;
open/close sample shutter; check the status of the main shutter; get APS ring status
define the desired beam flux (TRANSMISSION button)
check the current values of the energy, flux (arbitrary units), transmission ( in % of the full beam), detector distance, ADSC state and the status of the beamline software (busy/ready)
access several functions of the script running on the MASTER computer (MASTER OPS)
read several parameters (to communicate with you support personnel, if requested)

ATTENTIION: Users are forbidden to reboot any beamline computers, unless explicitly authorized by the support personnel.

General notes for trouble-free operations:

Note1: Please always watch the status of the control system: When the system is busy doing something the indicator in the middle on the left side will say so (red button and SYSTEM BUSY), don’t do anything until the system tells you SYSTEM READY. It is normal for the software to display SYSTEM BUSY for a couple seconds at anytime.

Note 2: Do NOT open the hutch door or close the main shutter, if the system is changing energy or collecting EXAFS scan or doing the autoalignment or collecting diffraction data. This may results in the mechanical damage to MD2. Besides, the beam may be lost because the system will try to optimize zero level flux and will move the mirrors to the wrong positions: Check the troubleshooting section how to recover the lost flux

Note 3: Only ONE user operation is permitted at a time; i.e. don’t try to align the sample when changing energy , etc.
Also crystal alignment should be done only at one computer: either inside or outside the hutch

Note 4: The system responds to the location and time where and when the mouse is released , so be careful NOT to drag the mouse during the "mouse click". Please also avoid double-clicking.

Note 5. Please follow ALL instructions from your support personnel. Any deviations or shortcuts are dangerous and will lead to unpredictable results and/or physical damage of the equipment.

Note 6. During the non-business hours, if there is any problem, first check the troubleshooting section of this manual, before calling your support personnel