G1 Hardware

Overview

Basic computer navigation:

  1. Type "ssh g1hutch" in a terminal window at the G1 desk computer, to login to the computer in the hutch that controls all hardware and data collection.

  2. For alignment, setting up motors, slits, or counters, or performing scans, type "spec" (on the g1hutch computer)to start the main hardware control software.  If you get an error, it probably means spec is already running from another terminal window, possibly on the console in the hutch.  Two "spec" processes can't run at the same time.  This includes the rspec process needed to run the Q1. If that software is running, you will need to type "stop_ccd" followed by "stop_rspec" before starting a normal spec process.

  3. For taking CCD images with the Q1 detector , there are a few steps.  First, quit any instance of spec that is already running.   Next, type "start_ccd" from a g1hutch prompt, followed by "start_rspec". 

  4. Alternatively the Flicam detector is setup. The platform to run this detector is spec from the g1hutch-prompt. For more information how to operate it click here.

Hardware setup Dos and Dont's:

  1. Do turn off the power to motors before disconnecting a cable.  Not doing so can damage the motor.

  2. Do use care when opening, closing the shutter and/or the CCD garage door.  If you are doing alignment scans with the shutter open ("opens" within SPEC), disable the garage door using the right-hand switch on the control box (the short rack-mount unit just below the counter display above the G1 desk).  Before enabling the garage door, close the shutter ("closes" in spec).  You can always check the status of the shutter by observing the small, black UNIBLITZ box in the hutch, on the left-hand rack below the optical table.  One red light means the shutter is closed.  Two reds and one green mean the shutter is open and x-rays can reach the detector. 

  3. Do not over-tighten bolts into the raised portion of the optical table.  The depth should not exceed about 3/16".  Beyond this depth there is a thin steel sheet which protects the lead shielding for the beampipe. 

  4. Do not assume that software limits on motors for XZ jacks are correct, or will protect against all possible collisions. These are manipulated constantly.  When setting up an XZ jack, watch out for possible collisions, especially with the upstream flightpath.  Within SPEC, use "wm motor_name" followed by "set_lm motor_name low_val high_val" to protect from collisions. 

  5. Do ask for help if you don't understand any of items 1-4.