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We have enabled the ability for TEM users to view (and if they have permission to drive) the collection workstations remotely (ie without needing to be on site at SLAC nor on being on the SLAC computer networks). This is achieved using a combination of VNC software and web-based X-serversCryo-EM workstations can be monitored and controlled remotely by authorized users.

In order to gain access to the remote sessions session you must first:

  1. Have a valid SLAC unix account
  2. Have access to a web browser
  3. Be able to communicate to SLAC via http to port 3443 from from your laptop/workstation etc. (local policies on firewalls differ, please see your local IT staff)
  4. Be a collaborator on an active experiment
  5. You may need a high resolution monitor A 4k monitor is recommended for the best experience (eg, a 4K monitor is advised)

 

  1. .

Instructions for FastX3

...

  1. Open the following link in a web browser codebrowser
    1. https://
    fastx
    1. fastx3.slac.stanford.edu:
    3443/
    1. 3300
    2. Log in with your SLAC Unix
    account
    1. credentials
    .
  2. Click on the blue 'Launch Session+' button
  3. In the popup that appearsmenu, select
    1. TEMBETA
  4. Click on the blue 'Launch' button
  5. Once up, you will see a list of "Bookmarks" on the right
    1. select 'cryoem'; the icons should show 'cryoem- tem1 (Admin)' etc.; if you need write access to make changes on TEM2, choose "cryoem - tem2 (Admin)". if you are a user who only needs view access on TEM4, select "cryoem - tem4 (User)"
    2. the box underneath will populate with the appropriate command line - no need to change
  6. Click 'Launch'
  7. Enjoy!
  8. should see two windows - one for the Camera and one for the Microscope. You should be able to move and adjust the windows as you would normally.

If the mirrored screen is too large for the window on your local machine, you can zoom out:

  1. Move your mouse to the middle top of the browser window (just underneath the URL bar). There should be a grey rectangular box that expands as you mouse over it
  2. Click on the cog icon
  3. Uncheck 'Use Smart Scaling'
  4. Click on the blue bar to set 'Scaling' to 0.5x
  5. You may also want to use 'adjust network settings' to optimize responsiveness or image quality. Your feedback on this matter is welcome.

If you wish to make use of multiple monitors and more flexible window layouts, you can download and use a native client for FastX3 at https://www.starnet.com/download/fastx-client. Use the above url https://fastx3.slac.stanford.edu:3300 for the server connection settings.

Issues:

If you get a permission error on a password when you start the windowing session, then it may be because you do not have an active experimental session on the microscope. Please check with your local SLAC representative.

We have seen on occasions that only one of the remote screens show up; with the other showing a 'Connection Reset' error. In this case, please dismiss the dialog, close the active (working window) and try relaunching a TEMBETA session again as defined above.

If you continue to experience problems, an authentication bug in FastX3 may be causing you issues. Basically, a 'token' needs to be acquired in order to gain access, however, we have found that this version of FastX does not consistently renew your tokens. In order to rectify this:

  1. Log out of FastX3 (in the original browser window, click your userid on the top right, and select Sign Out)
  2. Log back into FastX3 at https://fastx3.slac.stanford.edu:3300
  3. Click on '+' and select the 'Terminal' icon
    1. when a window pops up enter 
      kinit && aklog

    2. This will ask you to re-enter your SLAC Unix Account password to renew your token

    3. you can close the window and/or enter exit
    4. This will automatically close the connection to the Terminal
  4. Repeat steps above to open a session on TEMBETA

If you are still experiencing difficulties, please report your issues with your SLAC representative or email ppascual@slac.stanford.eduPlease note that the fastx session is persistent; ie if you close your browser, you can rejoin at any time by visiting the website again and selecting the relevant session. Will probably need to do something about automatically kicking people off.