8. Data Transfer Using X-Terminals

Previously acquired microprobe data may be summarized and transferred using x-terminals in the department and elsewhere. The instructions for summarizing and transferring should be followed carefully, failure to do so could interfere with the processes running on the microprobe.

1) rterm castaing.eps.mcgill.ca

This command opens up a terminal in which you can run software on castaing. If you are in the department, the addressing information after castaing should not be needed.

2) Logon to castaing

The first line in the terminal window asks for a password. Press return. A login prompt will appear. Login with your account name (jx1, jx2 ... etc.) and password. Once you have logged in correctly you will see a UNIX command line.

3) setenv DISPLAY "xterm-name"

This command tells the probe computer where to display graphical programs. The "xterm name" refers to the name of the terminal. This may be either an IP address (e.g. 132.206.152.53:0.0) or a name (e.g. probe-xterm). Most departmental xterms have the name (or number) written on the monitor case. To find the name where this is not the case, enter the command "env" in a regular window on the terminal. The name or numbers following the "DISPLAY" entry are the required data

4) off_menu

This command starts an "off-line" version of the EPMA software. This program is not truly offline, and it is possible to affect the operation of the probe. You should only use the process menu to avoid problems. You may now use the Summary ( Process Quantitative Analysis Summary) program to summarize your data (see Chapter X in manual for an explanation of the summary program). It is recommended that you save your data files under your group name, not the sample name. This will allow for easier cleanup of old summary files. These files are deleted regularly and so should be saved offline.

5) Initialize End of Menu

Close the EPMA menu.

6) Transfer data files to local storage.

There are two ways to get your data from the probe computer to your local computer by email and by ftp

  • A) E-mail
  • Data files can be emailed to any computer on the Internet and locally extracted to files by the user email program. A program is available for email transfer. Follow the example below. Text in italics signifies program output, bold text signifies user input
  • $ ksh probemail
  • This will start the mailer program
  • File to mail (including directory if necessary) : mica.*
  • Indicate the files you want mailed. Wildcards (*,? ) are permitted
  • Enter e-mail address : user@geosci.lan.mcgill.ca
  • Your e-mail address
  • Enter subject : probe_data
  • Subject line. NB no spaces are allowed in this line
  • This will send all the files specified in the first line to your mailbox. This may take up to several hours, (usually 10-15 minutes) so be patient. If you get an error message to the effect that mailbox or mbox don't exist, you can ignore it.
  • B) FTP

  • You can also receive you data by FTP. The basic use of FTP is beyond the scope of these instructions. See probe staff for help. The full machine name is castaing.eps.mcgill.ca . The probe computer will not allow anonymous FTP, you must login with your account name (e.g. jx1,jx2, ..) and password..

  • NB. Data summary files are not considered essential data and may be deleted without notice. (The actual raw data is usually left on the computer for 1-2 months depending on disk space. It is then archived to tape.)