Preamble:
This page summarizes the whole of the information to be known to use the acquisition INDRA at GSI. This acquisition is within the GANIL standard. If one wishes information a little more general concerning acquisition GANIL, one will refer to the Web page of GANIL site.
In the event of problems, contact the people at the end of this page.
Procedure to be followed to launch the acquisition
The Alpha station of acquisition (GANIN3)
Command and Control of the detector
What it is necessary to do in the event of a CRASH
This note describes the method to be followed to start acquisition from Scratch. To succeed, it is imperative to carry out the instructions in the order indicated under penalty of inopportune errors.
First of all, check that the bays and air-conditioning are working. All the bays of electronics must be lit, i.e. one must see:
If it is not the case, the following steps will not succeed.
The first stage consists to connect on bus VME. This makes it possible to have thereafter a direct control of information circulating on this bus (commands of the electronic modules, acquisition...).
Two VT100 consoles are dedicated for this use. They are found opposite to the Alpha station GANIN3. One of the consoles is used for connection on bus VME (the left one, called INDRA_1), the other being dedicated to the monitoring of High voltages (bus CAENET, on INDRA_2). They are both connected to DECServer which authorizes the connection between the buses and these VT100.
1) Console VME Indra_1:
Swing between the windows " W1 Indra " and " W2
Transfert " by pressing on the key Switch Session.
In the event of problems (too long response time), it is necessary
to make a reset on the CPU.
After the operation, the following message should appear:
Tout c'est bien passe...on va passer en a24 On est passe en a24
(All it's well... one will go to a24 We are in a24)
The file carries out a certain number of commands CAMAC and VXI of configuration of the modules (gains, pedestals, initialization of the trigger...). This operation thus takes a certain time (2 to 3 minutes) patience.
From now on, by typing on key SURV ACQ, one accesses the control of the processors state of acquisition (PF01, PF02 for the VXI, CAM1 for the CAMAC and SBUF for the Ethernet connection). One can also see the number of acquired events.
Acquisition is now ready to be started. One can go directly here to the launching of acquisition on the Alpha station (GANIN3). The following steps are usefull for launching the task of monitoring of the HV.
Wait a few minutes that the display of the table of the HV appears.
What follows described in detail the procedure to launch acquisition from the Alpha station.
Answer the questions with :
One reaches then the principal menu of acquisition after a more or less long time.
(If the message "acquisition did crash" appears, it is necessary to start by rebooting the VME and starting again the whole process)
2 windows appear then (in the forms of icones):
Depou Command and Depou Visu
The window command will be used thereafter to perform the acquisition commands (option Co) whereas the second is there to launch the visualization of the spectra (option vi).
This window is created within the data analysis of the session manager.
The prompt GAG_CMD should appear.
If it is not the case, a problem of dialogue between VAX and the VME is done. It is necessary to come out of acquisition and to start again the procedure from the stage Depou Surveyor (kill the windows create previously).
On the improbable assumption when that still does not go, it is necessary to contact one of these people because the problem is more serious.
See Command and Control of the detector.
If the preceding stages occurred well, acquisition is ready to be started. What follows gives the commands to carry out the usual commands of acquisition; they must have performed in the window Depou command under the prompt GAG_CMD.
The logical name mka600 is then defini.
Wait whereas the indicator tape in use must lit permanently.
The cartridge is then ready to receive the data.
It should be noted that if one places this order whereas the indicator tape in use is still twinkling, the message tape is not software enabled is displayed. In this case, wait until it does not flicker any more to start again the operation.
In the event of non-response of the reader, one can force with the hand the extraction of the cartridge while pressing on the button tape unload on the reader. It is then necessary to start again the operation of the cartridge mounting.
Caution: if one launches storage on cartridge of a run, the
file will crush the possible files on the cartridge.
If the cartridge contains already data files which one does not want
to crush, it is necessary to place at the end of the last file written
by the command:
type skip/eot mka600
Caution: if ever a command acq start/store has placed before this order, acquisition will start in mode store all the same; in this case, it is necessary to specify the option explicitly nostore.
In this case, a support on any key returns to the prompt GAG_CMD.
Note: this command does not affect acquisition.
See also Command and Control of the detector.
These orders must be geving from the GAG_CMD windown. Note that to visualize the spectra, it is necessary:
where xxxxx is the type of desired detector; he corresponds to the following types:
It is the same procedure which for launching. One will replace simply start by stop.
It is the same procedure which for launching. One will replace simply start by clear.
spectra show
Note: the fact of starting the spectra does not have any effect
on acquisition, the corresponding parameters are written on tape whatever
the starting spectra.
The Command and Control of the detector make it possible to modify the operation parameters of electronic modules INDRA, as well on the level of the VXI as of the CAMAC. Given the number of software available (9), one will avoid launching all the programs on the same station!
One launches these programs by opening a window DECTERM since Session manager.
This program manages the read/write of the operation parameters of modules VXI and CAMAC (gains, maskings, windows, etc...)
The program indra_cel pilot the visu and of define automatically pages to visualize INDRA standard spectra (ChIo, Si, CsI, Etalons (Gauges), Pin diode, Multiplicities).
The program controls the setting on and off the power supplies of the detectors.
The program indra_ht_m2 manage this operation by ring, contrary to indra_ht.
The selector allows to define the release conditions of acquisition (multiplicities, Physics mode or generator...)
The inspection makes it possible to visualize the signals directly on an oscilloscope in the casemate of acquisition (the frame of inspection is beside the Alpha station, in the contiguous tiny room).
The scales make it possible to know the releases number at output of the discriminators. They make it possible to see immediately the detectors counting in the noise or nothing at all.
This program create automatically the " slopes " generator under the whole of the modules Silicon and ChIo and to write the result on cartridge.
Initially try to locate the error and its cause.
For that, here what it is necessary to do:
On console VME, to look at the error message. It generally indicates the type of error with which you are confronted. If it is not the case, you can call the window of monitoring of the CAMAC CAM1, or that of the acquisition on the right of SURV ACQ, or then that of the Alpha station GANIN3.
Carry out the series of following operations according to the diagnosis of error.
Error(s) from processor(s) of acquisition
If it is one of processors PF01, PF02 or CAM1 which is standing, one can carry out the following command on the window GAG_CMD from the Alpha station:
acq init_vme/noconf
The column status of window SURV ACQ of console VME must display figures opposite each processor and the following column must be marked stopped.
In this case, it is enough to start again acquisition while typing:
acq start
In the contrary case, you needs to initial directly the CPU accused (PF01, PF02 or CAM1).
For that, one will type on console VME (window 8: >) one of the following commands:
resetcpu
= > reset of the 3 processors (practically equivalent to a RESET " hard ").
resetcpu 1
= > reset of PF01 only.
resetcpu 2
= > reset of PF02 only.
resetcpu 8
= > reset of CAM1 only.
In all the cases, one will answer by O to launch the procedure.
Attention, if one where to initial again PF01 or PF02, connection TCP/IP between the VME and VAX can be stopped; in this case, one will go to the section Time out TCP/IP.
It is about an interruption of the Ethernet connection protocol TCP/IP between the VME and the Alpha station.
On the Alpha station, in the window GAG_CMD :
acq set/newread : to start again a new task of the buffers reading of acquisition
acq start : to start again acquisition.
Synopsis
Reader DLT for the data storage is on the case with the format turn located on the right of station GANIN3 named TZ87N. Should be drawn the handle (it must be in perpendicular position) to introduce cartridge DLT. The cartridge must be introduced in way so that the label is towards outside and that the top of the cartridge where is marked the DLTape initials finds towards the Alpha station.
tape allocate mka600
If a messsage indicates that the logical name mka600 is not defined, one will proceed as indicated in the paragraph definition of a logical name for reader DLT.
tape mount mka600 : " mount " the cartridge
Acquisition is then ready to use the cartridge like storage medium; it will have then to be specified with each launching by the command acq start/store, or well by the command acq start/store/run=xxxx where xxxx will be the number of the run which one wants to write. If the number of run is not specified, an automatic incementation is made between each run that one stores (not incrementing on the not stored runs).
CAUTION : the cartridge is ready to be written and you thus should be ensured not to crush old runs by possibly carrying out the following operation.
To come out a cartridge DLT of the reader, it is necessary to proceed as follows:
tape dismount mka600
The cartridge is rewind then automatically and the indicator Tape in use starts to flicker.
To withdraw the cartridge, it is necessary to operate the handle after having imperatively awaited the end of the flickering of the indicator Tape in use (that can take a few minutes if the cartridge were completely used).
If one wishes not to rewind the cartridge for a later use, it is enough to place the following order:
tape dismount/nounload mka600
Since window GAG_CMD on the Alpha station GANIN3:
To set out again properly, the step to be followed here:
Contains the correlator, the selector and modules markers of time.
Contains the QDC of Silicons and ChIos (QDC6412V)
Contains the discriminators of Silicons and ChIos (FCV48)
Contains QDC-discris of CsI
Note: to turn on a frame VXI correctly, it is necessary to press on AC then DC and to have the 2 lit associated green diodes.
Note: If the procedure correctly occurred, it is displayed that connections of resistances of the 4 frames were successful (message appearing at the end of the procedure).
If one wishes to modify the spectra defined for visualization, it is necessary to carry out the series of following operations since the window GAG_CMD on the Alpha station GANIN3:
exit : output of the controls mode and return to the general menu
ct : call of controls experiment menu
mo: call of modification of the lists menu
sp : edition of the files spectres_egsi.dat containing the spectra characteristics
We can then modify the file by adding, removing or modifying one or more spectra. The parameter / dim=(xxxx) give dimension in channels of the spectrum considered.
Once these modifications finished, one leaves the file by backing up the contents by the key F10 or Ctrl-Z. In the event of error, one can leaves file without backing up the modifications while typing on the key Do, then while typing quit.
One leaves in menu Modifications of the lists while typing Return
co : compilation of the modified spectra.
With the exit of compilation, if all it passed well, one leave the menu control experiment while typing Return. A second typing on Return purge the old versions of the files.
In the contrary case, it is necessary to edit again the file spectres_egsi.dat to correct the error.
co : to return into GAG_CMD command mode
acq stop : to stop acquisition if it is not already done.
acq set/newcontrol : starts again a new version of the control of acquisition.
Caution: if one does not make acq set/newcontrol, acquisition will start in the old style and will not take account of the modifications carried out.
acq start: starts again acquisition with the new version of the control of the spectra.
If one wishes to modify the routines FORTRAN user (acq_ctrl_user) which make it possible to carry out operations specific to each acquired event, one will place in window GAG_CMD and one will carry out the following operations:
exit : exit the controls mode and return to the general menu
ct : call of the controls experiment menu
ed : call of the modification of the programs menu
One can then modify the file wished by typing the selected option. It is reminded of that the various files are called:
Once these modifications finished, one leaves the file by backing up the contents by the key F10 or Ctrl-Z. In the event of error, one can leaves file without backing up the modifications while typing on the key Do, then while typing quit.
One leave in menu Modifications of the programs while typing on Return
fo : compilation of the modified programs
li : link of the programs with the program of acquisition
With the exit of the link, if all it passed well, one leave of the Control menu experiment while typing Return. A second typing on Return purge the old versions of the files.
In the contrary case, it is necessary to edit again the file modified to correct the error.
co : to return into GAG_CMD command mode
acq stop : to stop acquisition if it is not already done.
acq set/newcontrol : starts again a new version of the control of acquisition.
Caution: if one does not make acq set/newcontrol, acquisition will start in the old style and will not take account of the modifications carried out.
To visualize the spectra with VISUGAN, you must above all start the spectra on the level of acquisition. This operation is done on the level of the window DEPOU Commands under the prompt GAG_CMD.
To start the spectra
Clear the spectra
to stop the spectra
To carry out commands on the VME
There are macros making it possible to carry out directly since the window Depou Commands - GAG_CMD, of commands VME. Here is the list of principal:
The Pedestal mode makes it possible to run the QDC without a physical signal at the entry. That thus makes it possible to determine the pedestal of the coders precisely.
The procedure is double because the QDC ChIo/Si and CsI is not the same ones.
ChIo/Si/Etalons Pedestal:
Stop acquisition: acq stop
Positioned the selector in mode generator test (menu generator of the selector). Withdraw all the other modes (electronic generator and light).
Mask all the discris ChIo, Si, Si75, SiLi, CsI
Carry out to come of the QDC ChIo/Si/Etalons in Pedestal mode
These 2 operations are combined in only one by the execution of file VME since GAG_CMD : vme exec start_pied_si
Start again acquisition: acq start
Awing the MRQ to count between 40 and 50 cps/s; the pedestal mode is then put.
Note: MRQ is accessible via a cable LEMO on the frame CAMAC near the station GANIN3, in the corridor. It is enough to swing this signal to put or to remove the cable of the labeled input MRQ.
CsI Pedestal:
Stop acquisition if it is not already done: acq stop
Mask all the discris ChIo, Si, Si75, SiLi, CsI.
To carry out to come of the QDC CsI in Pedestal mode
These 2 operations are combined in only one by the call to the following command since GAG_CMD : vme exec stat_csi_pied
Start again acquisition: acq start
Swing the MRQ to count between 40 and 50 cps/s; the pedestal mode is then put.
Note: MRQ is accessible via a cable LEMO on the frame CAMAC near of station GANIN3, in the corridor. It is enough to swing this signal to put or to remove the cable of the labeled input MRQ.
To come from the Pedestal mode to the normal mode
As previously, there are two procedures according to whether one put in pedestal mode ChIo/Si/Etalons or CsI.
ChIo/Si Pedestal / Etalons
Stop acquisition if it is not already done: acq stop
Uncover all the discris ChIo, Si, Si75, SiLi, CsI.
Carry out to come of the QDC ChIo/Si/Etalons in normal mode
These 2 operations are combined in only one by the call to the following command since GAG_CMD : vme exec stat_si_pied_restore
Withdraw the mode generator test selector and to come by again in mode physics.
Start again acquisition: acq start
Swing the MRQ to return in physical mode.
Note: MRQ is accessible via a cable LEMO on the frame CAMAC near of station GANIN3, in the corridor. It is enough to swing this signal to put or to remove the cable of the labeled input MRQ.
CsI Pedestal
Stop acquisition if it is not already done: acq stop
Uncover all the discris ChIo, Si, Si75, SiLi, CsI.
Carry out to come of the QDC CsI in normal mode
These 2 operations are combined in only one by the call to the following command since GAG_CMD : vme exec stat_si_pied_restore
Come by again in mode physics on the level of the selector.
Start again acquisition: acq start
Swing the MRQ to return in physical mode.
Note: MRQ is accessible via a cable LEMO on the frame CAMAC near of station GANIN3, in the corridor. It is enough to swing this signal to put or to remove the cable of the labeled input MRQ.
To come in generator/physic mode
The INDRA selector makes it possible to function in two quite distinct modes of release.
It is pointed out that the selector is controllable from VAX stations only (GANILB, GANIN0 and GANIN2) by opening one DECTERM and placing the order then indra_trigger.
Click to see the window selector here.
The first is the physical mode (mode by default one starts acquisition) and constitutes the mode of standard release of data acquisition.
The second, called generator mode, allows to start the inputs discris by a generator of which the period is adjusted by the selector (it is about 40 Hz by default).
To come from one to the other it can be done in 2 manners:
- the 2 modes were authorized on the level of the selector (2 associated indicators are green).
In this case, it is enough to swing the MRQ to come from one mode to the other.
- Only one mode was activated on the level of the selector.
In this case, it is necessary to press on the box associated with desired release (it must then change from the red to the green) and to inhibit other release by the same operation. The validation is done then while pressing on the box Ecriture VXI (Writing VXI).
Attention, without validation no modification!