NYSBC Policy and Protocol for Remote NMR Spectrometer Operations.

• NmrRemoteoperationRequest

General considerations for remote use

NYSBC is offering capability to remotely access Computers to specifically approved affiliates. The current model is to use a linux based package (VNC) to allow the remote user to control the desk top of the computer that is being remotely accessed.

Because of the current complexities involved and the potential for inadvertent damage, remote operations will be highly regulated and controlled by NYSBC. Not all of the issues have been solved yet, but we do expect positive interactions with the remote operators to gain insight into solving the remaining issues.

Requirements for remote operation:

1. Preferably NYSBC staff will be present on site during all remote operations. This confines remote operations between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. dependent on staff availability. We request that all remote operation periods be arranged prior to the session so that the staff can plan accordingly to be available. Weekend and holiday remote operations are not yet available, other than by specific arrangement with facility staff and with infotech staff . The sessions are automatically terminated at 600P.
2. A previously provided, static, verifiable IP address from the remote institution. Remote operations will not be supported from private residences.
3. Previously installed VNC software.

Sequence of events for remote operation:

1. At least one week in advance user has scheduled with NYSBC staff for a remote operations session.
2. User has provided NYSBC with a static IP address, preferably to CEM Remoteoperation Request or NMR Remoteoperations Request . IP addresses can be verified using www.whatismyip.com
3. On the day(s) of the remote session NYSBC will open the appropriate port on the computer, at the previously arranged time. There will be no remote access on weekends and holidays.
4. Establish phone contact.
5. Establish remote connection to computer through VNC. NYSBC will provide the appropriate IP address to the user listed on NMR Remoteoperations Request for NMR .
6. Login as usual using this user’s existing login name and password.
7. At the end of the day NYSBC will close the port on the computer. This will force the remote session to terminate.

What users can expect from remote operation:

1. Once the remote connection is established and login completed, the desk top of the computer will be transmitted back to the user’s computer.
2. At this point the computer will take input from both the keyboard at the user’s remote location as well as from the local keyboard. The same is true for the mouse.

NMR Specific issues

Requirements for remote operation for NMR:

1. Only affiliates who have been approved to operate the spectrometers at NYSBC will be offered the ability for remote operations. This requires at least one visit to NYSBC and that the affiliate has operated the spectrometers under staff supervision and examination.
2. NYSBC staff must be present at the spectrometer during all experimental set-up procedures. This confines remote operations between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. dependent on staff availability. We request that all remote operation periods be arranged prior to the session so that the staff can plan accordingly to be available. Weekend and holiday remote operations are not yet available. The sessions are automatically terminated at 600P.
3. A previously provided, static, verifiable IP address from the remote institution. Remote operations will not be supported from private residences.

What users can expect from remote operation for NMR:

1. Once the remote connection is established and login completed, the desk top of the HP computer will be transmitted back to the user’s computer.
2. Subject to change with new Topspin versions. The staff will establish VNC connection with cryolaptop PC. This allows the remote user to monitor the cryoprobe's operational parameters. It also enables the remote user to initiate a cooldown if required.
3. At this point the hp computer will take input from both the keyboard at the user’s remote location as well as from the local keyboard. The same is true for the mouse. Verbal phone communication is required so that any coordination can be rapid .
4. The user would now continue by starting Topspin as if they were on-site. The role of the staff is to be the local eyes and hands.
5. Functions such as lockdisp, gradshim, ased, rsh, edte, etc. should present no problems for the remote users.
6. Lock and manual shim functions are controllable by the remote user through the bsmsdisp window in a push button manner. Some individual users may Trash.findDFdf this a bit unwieldy. These functions can be performed by the local staff.
7. There is no automated sample changer.
8. Tuning will need to be done by the local staff for spectrometers were ATAM is not available.
   
9. We have found phasing also to be a bit unwieldy, as well, however this can be managed by the remote users, with patience, if desired.
10. Once the user has set all parameters & completed the CRYOPROBE OPERATIONS CHECKLIST , they need to inform the spectroscopist when they intend to start the experiment. EXPERIMENTS CANNOT BE STARTED IF THE SPECTROSCOPIST IN NOT PRESENT.
11. Processing data within the Bruker software should be as usual, with the above mentioned exception of phasing. Processing with other 3rd party packages should also be possible, i.e. NMRPIPE, if the packages have been install on the HP computer. However, we have not tested any of these other packages for remote operation, and they are not supported.
12. Once the experiments are started for the week (or several days), remote connection to the HP computer will be disabled. Users will not be able to remotely login at will to check on experimental progress. For this purpose data will need to be downloaded from the sftp server. If needed remote access can be re-enabled at an agreed upon time and date depending on staff availability.

• Set ALLOWTOPICVIEW =

-- MichaelGoger - 20 Jan 2006