Moving SICS

Moving the SICS Server to a new Computer

Moving the SICS server from one computer to another involves quite a few steps:

  1. Recreate the directory structure on the new computer.
  2. Copy all necessary files across: All necessary files should be available from backup or under the /data/lnslib/sics/instrument tree on lnsa10.
  3. Edit the instrument configuration file and make all pathnames reflect the new directory structure. It should be enough to adapt the home variable at the top, but better check. All paths references must be renewed if the directory structure is changed from the one described above.
  4. Edit the client scripts to reflect the new location of the server. Only the box and logpath parameters should need to be changed.
  5. Edit the DataNumber file and set the number above the last valid data file number used. Otherwise the automatic numbering scheme for data files gets messed up.
  6. Test the new Installation!

Exchanging the Macintosh Serial Port Server

In its current configuration at SINQ, SICS requires a Macintosh PC running a serial port server program. Exchanging this Macintosh requires the following steps:

  1. Exchange the Macintosh physically. Plug everything as it was before the exchange. Not every Macintosh can be used. Any other Macintosh from another instrument or the spare Macintosh from the EDV-cabin will do. Other Macintoshs require some serious screwing and software installation procedures.
  2. Edit the instrument configuration file and replace all references to the name of the old Macintosh PC with the name of the new Macintosh PC.
  3. Test it!
If you do not plug the serial devices back onto the Macintosh as they were, you need to adapt the channel numbers in the configuration file as well. The standard plugging scheme for the serial port extension box on the Macintosh is like this:
  1. Motor Controller 1
  2. Motor Controller 2
  3. Counter Box