Starting EPICS
    The first thing to do when starting an experiment is to determine which account to log on as to take data. If it is an outside user group, they should log on as either s1bmuser or s1iduser, depending on the beamline that they are using. If the users are internal (sector 1) they should log on as either hexray, hhl, polar, or time.
    Once logged on, the command, "startepics", starts the data acquisition software on the Sector 1 account. This command checks to see which workstation you are logged onto and automatically brings up the top level MEDM screen for the nearest experimental. To override this feature simply give the station which you want as an argument to the command i.e. "startepics 1bmc" ( 1bmb, 1idb, 1idc, or 1test ).
    In addition to the command line argument "startepics", some of the beamline accounts have been set up to startup the data acquisition software by double-clicking on an icon on the front panel shown below. Suggestions for a better icon are welcome.

    It is also a good idea to open up a serial communication link to the VME create when starting an experiement. This is done by typing "cu l ttya" or "cu l ttyb" in an xterm window. This aids in diagnosing any software problems if they crop up. This connection can also be opened from the front panel on some of the beamline accounts by clicking on an icon in a subpanel above the icon shown above.
Posted by: Becki Gagnon ( gagnon@aps.anl.gov)
Content by: Jonathan Lang ( lang@aps.anl.gov)
Posted by: Becki Gagnon ( gagnon@aps.anl.gov)
Content by: Jonathan Lang ( lang@aps.anl.gov)