Consultant Projects

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[edit] Completed Projects

  • Dali = New PC! Alex L sent an email about this. Dali is the new Windows XP PC in the VMIL. It is nearly identical to the new Zim. Please install all of the necessary applications found on the spreadsheet that Jess and Cecilia made. Jess started installing some packages, you can check the spreadsheet. Salvador Dali, and all his crazy cape-wearing sword-carrying madness, would be so proud! Darrens 14:57, 21 April 2008 (CDT)


  • Callibrate the new Dell monitors Arbus + Warhol have new 24in widescreen monitors. The default settings are very blue/green. Please check in the user manual and/or on the software CD (both located behind Warhol's monitor) about how to color calibrate these displays. There may actually be a color profile on Dell's website or on the disc that you can download and set these machines to read in their monitor/display settings in control panel. Darrens 11:12, 10 April 2008 (CDT)
    • I messed around with Arbus's monitor. Couldn't find anything in the manual, on the CD, or on the Dell website. I did, however, use the buttons on the front of the panel and switched the color mode to "Custom RGB" and selected 100% for each color. It seemed to brighten everything up and take the blue-green out. There was a user on Warhol, so didn't get a chance to do it on that machine. - Jess 13:07, 14 April 2008 (CDT)
    • I just did the same for Warhol - Jevon 15:06, 14 April 2008 (CDT)


  • Install ITG Software Tracking to Windows Machines

I mentioned this in the meeting on Friday, about how we need to switch the software tracking on the Windows machines, so that the Scheduled

Windows Task that runs every night uses the software tracking script on Groke, rather than the version we installed locally to each machine. This

way each time Dean makes a change to this script, the change is automatically taken into effect on each machine and we don't have to reinstall the

script locally.

Please see the software monster page for instructions and use the normal software installation machine checklist


  • VMIL Software List for New PC's' Alex and Umair are building us some new machines for the VMIL. I think I mentioned this a while back at our staff meeting. Because we will be doing several fresh system installs in the coming weeks, we need to develop a list of software to put on these machines--sort of the base list of packages that all VMIL Windows machines need to get. Please begin working on this list here on the wiki. This will hopefully prevent us from leaving off packages that user's need, and should also give us a list to check off once you start the installations on these new PC's. The version #'s are not really important here for the purpose of this list--you are assuming the latest, most up to date version for each package.

I'll go ahead and list a few, please continue to populate this list. To get some ideas for what to put on this list, you can:

-look at a current VMIL windows machine (not Warhol)

-check this beta-stage software tracking page we've been working on (for now Unknown OS in the table refers to the XP VMIL machines): https://www.itg.uiuc.edu/admin/software/list2.cgi

-look on Groke in the software folder

-check the VMIL software monster page: https://www.itg.uiuc.edu/admin/vmil/

-The googledoc has been shared with all the consultants. If anyone else would like to be added to the list of collaborators, just send an e-mail or post here on the wiki. The document is also published and can be viewed at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pxsoR-i6ySjsrXBnSUVRbLA - Jess 12:58, 31 March 2008 (CDT)

-A majority of the software is now installed. There were some problems I encountered. Details are listed on the software list. Adobe CS3 applications will need to be installed after scripts are written. -Jess 11:27, 14 April 2008 (CDT)


  • Update VMIL pages on ITG website We usually get "business" by word of mouth here in the VMIL, but every so often people use the good ole interwebs to check out our lab and see what we have to offer. Currently several of the VMIL pages are pretty out dated, pictures and text both. Can someone please update this page, adding new pictures and modifying the text. Don't worry about getting every single detail about the lab in the text descriptions, just a general update is fine, mainly remove things that seem out dated. If I think of stuff to add later to these pages I will do so. If you have any questions about content just email me and I will answer them. This is *your* chance to thrust the VMIL into the 21st century!
    • i.e. there is was a portion on this page ( http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/vmil/multimedia.htm ) that reads read "This allows users to post versions of their video on the world wide web, include it in presentations, or distribute it via CD-ROM (and soon, DVD)" It now reads "This allows users to post their videos on the internet, include them in presentations, or distribute them via CD-ROM or DVD", and the context of the paragraph has been altered/modernized to match. (Jevon 15:32, 28 January 2008 (CST))
    • main page is here:
    • the previous page links to a bunch of other pages that need updated, there might be others:
    • OLD: Users can edit the video as they would a word processing document (?? this just sounds weird to me ??), apply effects, titling, transitions and audio.
      • NEW: Users can edit video with their choice of video editing software (i.e. Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro) and add effects, titles, transitions and audio.
    • OLD: Its computational hardware provides the resources for high-end work, including large amounts of RAM, 21" monitors, graphic accelerators and other enhancements.
      • NEW: Its hardware provides resources for high-end work, including large amounts of RAM, 21"+ LCD panels, graphic accelerators and other enhancements.
    • OLD: After orientation, you will be given an ITG account which includes logins to our UNIX and Windows NT workstations...
      • NEW: After orientation, you will be given an ITG account which enables logins on all of our machines...
    • Updated: http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/printing/3D/ - Jess 11:28, 10 March 2008(CST)
    • I made a lot of changes to http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/help/ today! There is so much outdated crap on our website =P - Jess 1:16, 12 March 2008(CST)
      • There is a broken link on: http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/help/ Under the "Macintosh" section, the link titled "Quickstart Guide to Using Final Cut Pro". Anyone know where this is really located? - Jess 12:50, 12 March 2008(CST)
        • It looks like the only version left is super-old. I fixed the link, but we really should either rewrite it or delete it. If we rewrite it, I suggest we used the Wiki as opposed to making a new webpage, as it's easier for everybody to edit. -Jevon 15:08, 12 March 2008 (CDT)
        • This is what we currently have on the Wiki for FCP: <http://groke.itg.uiuc.edu/mediawiki/index.php/Final_Cut_Pro>


  • Kahlo Sign Can someone please make another computer name tag sign for "Kahlo". This is for the (still being built) computer that is going next to Krasner in the 3D printing room. I put a monitor for Kahlo on the desk in this room next to Krasner's monitor. For imagery on the tag, Kahlo is Frida Kahlo the Mexican painter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frida_Kahlo). Thanks! Darrens 11:56, 21 April 2008 (CDT)

- I <3 making computer tags :) Done - Jess 13:14, 21 April 2008 (CDT)


[edit] TOUR FRIDAY

This takes priority over everything below, we have a tour tomorrow that we need to clean up for. Please work on the following before doing anything else during your shift:

-clean desk tops using 409 spray and paper towels (microct area especially dirty) -Done --cecilia 14:46, 10 April 2008 (CDT)

-pick up any trash on floor or table tops

-take mac monitor box to 5th floor attic (you will need to call security to let you in, their phone number is 244-2692

  • Called security, but nobody was home -Jevon 15:11, 14 April 2008 (CDT)

-setup microscribe on zim, place to the left of zim's monitor (NextEngine Scanner will go on right when it arrives), don't worry about getting this to work, we will mess with that another day, for now it just needs to be attached properly to zim. It's setup but missing power cord. --cecilia 14:52, 10 April 2008 (CDT)

-move the little tables/cabinets that are by the main VMIL doors into the VMIL addition in the middle of the room Done --cecilia 14:52, 10 April 2008 (CDT)

-move glue/pans next to dan's mac into the VMIL addition middle of the room (on table) Done --cecilia 15:03, 10 April 2008 (CDT)

-put tall mat cutter (in front of my desk) in VMIL addition center of room It's by the soundbooth waiting for a loving home. --cecilia 15:13, 10 April 2008 (CDT)

-put black mat board (in front of my desk) behind the sound booth where mat board goes Done --cecilia 14:52, 10 April 2008 (CDT)

-wrap and put away any cables you see, there tends to be a bunch back near the video rack (headphones, firewire, etc)

-there is a set of the new comsol v3.4 paper manuals next to dan's computer, please put these in between hofmann and microct, on the table top below the "Automated Production..." poster. Please take all the old comsol v3.3 manuals that are next to arbus and put them in the cage.

-anything else you notice that needs cleaned/picked up, please take the consultant initiative and get it done


I will take care of cleaning up my desk and the never-ending pile of stuff that it accumulates. Darrens 09:01, 10 April 2008 (CDT)


  • Get ZBrush 3.1 working for non-admin users on Basquiat

ZBrush is great software for 3D drawing/modeling, however it happens to suck when you go about trying to install it on a multi user machine, due to some weird licensing issues the company insists on maintaining. I did the original install on Basquiat as administrator. However, I later found out that you must do some funky installation setup as a regular user if you want non-admin users to be able to open ZBrush w/the correct license key. So we need to do a complete uninstall/reinstall of this program on Basquiat.

-Uninstall ZBrush version 3.1 completely from Basquiat

Z-Brush is uninstalled --cecilia 15:24, 1 April 2008 (CDT)

-On Groke, download the folder here windows/software/applicaitons/zbrush/3.1

-Refer to the license and registration file in this folder

-Contact Pixelogic support at 1-888-748-5967 and get the play by play of exactly how to install Zbrush 3.1 on a multi-user machine so Non-Admin regular users can use the software (they will know what you're talking about, they know it's a problem and will guide you through this, probably having you login as a regular user to install the software instead of administrator. I have read some online about this but everything just says to contact them directly so they'll guide you through it).

-The Pixelogic people may give you a new activation code. PLEASE note any codes they give you in the license and registration file on Groke and save the changes to this file on Groke.

-Once properly installed, test that it works w/a non-admin account that is different than the one you used to install the software.


  • Create/Print New MicroCT Warning Sign In the great PC monitor switch-er-oo of yesterday, the MicroCT monitor ended up being a Dell as planned. The old monitor has a sign on it that read "Reminder: Usage on this machine is logged automatically. Your account will be charged by the hour." It was a small sign that was stuck to the bottom left of the monitor to warn users not to login unless they were using the MicroCT. Can someone please print a new little sign using the photo printer in Kendra's office (doesn't have to be very big, just readable). I think we have little 4 x 6 sheets you can use and trim down. And then tape it to the bottom left of the MicroCT monitor. Jess 12:10, 14 April 2008 (CDT)


  • Design/Print Monitor Signs for New Machines We have 3 new computers either in the lab or coming soon. Can someone please print the monitor signs for these guys, in the size and same style as the others.

ooops, thanks Jess. The computers' names would probably be helpful to know:

dali = new windows xp machine (will go near basquiat on eizo widescreen monitor)

duchamp = new linux machine (going next to warhol on eizo widescreen monitor)

wegman = new mac (will go on 30" apple monitor currently owned by Peterson)

(Peterson then moves down to 23" apple monitor near sliding glass doors)


Does anyone know where the template file is? I thought we had dug it out of Micah's home directory last time. I think the Meier sign was the last one we made, does whoever made Meier's sign have this file?

Darrens 12:19, 10 April 2008 (CDT)



  • Install all ITS printers on new Zim

-Please go here http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/printing/

-Read the instructions for installing all ITS printers

-Download the file instprinters.bat

-Run instprinters.bat

-Restart the machine

-Test these printers as a regular user not Administrator

note: Windows presents some initial delay in displaying these printers after installation (and the logout/login procedure). This delay should happen only once. After that, the printers should show up for all users of that given system.

- Done Jess 15:24, 03 April 2008 (CDT)


  • The Apple Monitor Round-Up We need to shift around some monitors to make way for new machines and such. Here is the plan, I think if you carry it out in the order below it works fine and dandy. Just ask me if you have any questions or if this is confusing, lots of switching and old/new mac connector jargon going on here:

The old Apple Monitors, the ones with the clear molded plastic around them (not silver shiny newer ones), use a silly, Apple-proprietary connection called ADC. This is a connector that bundles display and USB together into one cable. The problem is that only old G4 Apple machines still have ADC connectors on the computer and we don't have any of these anymore. ADC has been killed by Apple, but the monitors are still good to use. To attach them to a machine w/DVI display outputs you have to convert the display signal and strip out the USB signal into a separate cable. So essentially that means 1 ADC = 1 DVI + 1 USB

Please....

- Disconnect the old ADC apple display that is currently on Winogrand. Remove it and the white Apple ADC to DVI/USB converter box that connects this display to Winogrand. Place this monitor on the table in the middle of the new addition, next to it's twin brother. Put the white Apple converter box from Winogrand next to the apple monitor on Dan's desk (you'll need this later).

- Disconnect both of the old ADC apple displays from Matisse (found in new addition). ONLY disconnect the ADC cables from the converter boxes! You will need these converter boxes to stay on Matisse for the monitors that will go here. You are only removing the monitors by unplugging the ADC connection from the converter boxes, DO NOT DISCONNECT the ADC to DVI/USB hubs from Matisse. Place these 2 monitors aside to use later.

- Connect the 2 old apple displays, that are now on the center table in the new addition, to Matisse. This should just require plugging in their ADC cables to the converter boxes already on Matisse. Please change the signage accordingly. If you need velcro there is some in the storage cabinet above my phone on my desk.

- Disconnect the newer 23" silver shiny apple display (uses DVI connection) from the Mac (Richter) on Dan's desk. You'll want to shut down this Mac before doing so. Put this monitor on Winogrand.

- Using the white Apple ADC to DVI/USB converter box that you stole from Winogrand earlier, connect the old apple display that you took off Matisse (use the one that has the velcro stickies, it is the brighter of the 2.


If you have completed this mission successfully, you should end up with a VMIL that has:

Winogrand = newer silver apple display connected via DVI

Matisse = 2 older 23" apple displays connected via 2 black/yellow/silver ADC converter boxes

Richter = older 21" apple display connected via white Apple ADC converter box

1 extra older 21" apple display not connected to anything


Darrens 11:48, 31 March 2008 (CDT)

-Monitors rounded up.--cecilia 15:00, 1 April 2008 (CDT)

  • Clean Chair (Best headline yet?) Anyways, We were able to rescue one more green chair from the attic to match the ones in the current VMIL, since we have about 10 new workstations and not enough chairs. However this chair has been sitting in the attic for quite some time and is pretty dusty. There is a vacuum in the VMIL that might work to get this dust off the upholstery, just use water and paper towels to clean the plastic portions and even the upholstery if the vacuum doesn't work. The chair is in the Winogrand/Iannis area, pushed under the desk that has no computer/monitor.

If Jevon still wants Cecilia to do some dirty/tedious work, maybe this one will meet his demands. Darrens 10:36, 31 March 2008 (CDT)

-Sorry Jevon, I went ahead and did it! - Jess 12:52, 31 March 2008 (CDT)


  • Install all ITS printers on Warhol When we re-built Warhol's system drive, we apparently did not re-install the ITS printers.

-Please go here http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/printing/

-Read the instructions for installing all ITS printers

-Download the file instprinters.bat

-Run instprinters.bat

-Test these printers as a regular user not Administrator


note: Windows presents some initial delay in displaying these printers after installation (and the logout/login procedure). This delay should happen only once. After that, the printers should show up for all users of that given system.



  • Decommission Cyberscanner We need to clean out the cyberscanner room in the basement (room B650) and surplus the cyberscanner (only the scanner itself, NOT the computer that is running it, the computer goes in the cage). There are all kinds of tools and junk down in this room, please bring anything useful up to the VMIL and I will go through it. Please throw all trash away. You will need to get the Beckman tag number off the Cyberscanner before taking it to the shipping and receiving guys who will surplus it for us.

http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/vmil/equipment/cyberscanner.htm

This room is no longer ours and is being take over by another group (BIC), we are supposed to be completely out of this room by this week.

If you have questions about what to throw away versus what to keep please just ask me. The desk and chairs in there can stay, they are Beckman's and the building guys will take care of them. Darrens 16:47, 4 March 2008 (CST)

Cecelia did this w/her bare hands. Consider her the cyberscanner-destroyer from now on. Darrens 16:47, 4 March 2008 (CST)

  • Warhol - Complete Installation Warhol experienced a failure of its system (C:) drive last week. Alex L replaced this drive, but all the software is now gone (Alex did install a few basic packages). We need to do a complete software installation on Warhol now, reinstalling anything and everything that someone might use on this machine. For most packages you can go on Groke and find the installer for the most recent version. Don't worry about getting everything on there, Dan and I will help get the obscure stuff installed. For now please start by installing all the usual suspects:
  1. All Adobe CS3 packages (those that have an installer file on Groke)
    1. After Effects - DONE
    2. Encore DVD - DONE
    3. GoLive - DONE, thanks to Kendra for the serial key!
    4. InDesign
    5. OnLocation - DONE
    6. Premiere Pro - DONE
  2. Firefox - DONE
  3. MATLAB - DONE
  4. Mathematica - I'm having a problem with this installation. The install script says to enter the Name, Organization, & Serial, but Mathematica asks for a "Password" in place of "Serial," and the serial key does not work as the password. Thus, Mathematica can only be run in "reader mode." If anyone else can take a look that'd be great. - Jess 13:25, 30 January 2008 (CST)
  5. Maya - To install or not to install? Maya's on both lists =/ I didn't do anything with it. - Jess 14:30, 31 January 2008 (CST)
  6. Image J - DONE
  7. ChemDraw - ChemDraw 10.0 doesn't seem to be available on groke. It appears to try and install version 9.0 and this serial key is expired. - Jess 14:45, 31 January 2008 (CST)
  8. Quicktime Pro - DONE
  9. Sorensen Squeeze - DONE
  10. Rhinoceros - DONE
  11. Hypersnap - DONE
  12. (other things you deem necessary for users)

I will try to add to the list above as I think of stuff.

Do not install:

  1. AutoCAD packages (Dan is working on a new installer)
  2. MAYA 2008 (needs new Maya license server to be installed)

Darrens 07:18, 25 January 2008 (CST)

  • Print Covers for VMIL Wall

We've achieved 6 new major journal covers since the last time we printed and framed covers for the VMIL wall. Whether you think about it or not, you all helped with this indirectly by keeping the VMIL machines up to date, happy, and capable of 3D modeling. Way to go! It is now time to print these files and take them to the framer...for framing. Kendra has contacted the publishers of these journals and got them to send us the final 300dpi versions of the cover for printing. We will print them on the Epson photo printer in Kendra/Janet's office down the hall. Please print 2 color corrected copies (use CMYK mode in Photoshop) of each cover and make sure to leave the crop marks ON when printing (crop marks can be turned on in the print 'output' menu when you go to file>print). Don't worry if it takes a few prints at first to get the colors looking right. All of the files should be sized properly when they open, they should all have image sizes of 8.5"x11". Some of them have a publisher's border and the files are 9.2"x11.9" but this includes the border. This is ok since the cover image itself is 8.5"x11" and it will be matted before it is framed. I checked and they all appear to be 8.5"x11" covers so it should not require you to resize anything.

The files to print are in a folder on my public share here: http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/~darrens/graphics_department/covers4printing/. I do not have all of them yet (only 4 of the 6), but I will add the others as soon as I get them from the publishers, it should be soon. Please work on printing the ones we do have for now.

Covers to print inculde:

  • Nature Nanotechnology - April 2007 (Vol 2, No 4) - Jess 14:16, 21 February 2008 (CST)
  • Chemcial Reviews - April 11, 2007 (Vol 107, Issue 4) - Jess 12:43, 03 March 2008 (CST)
  • Applied Physics Letters - May 21, 2007 (Vol 90, Issue 21) - Jess 14:17, 21 February 2008 (CST)
  • Inorganic Chemistry - October 29, 2007 (Vol 46, Issue 22) - Jess 12:43, 03 March 2008 (CST)
  • Nature Chemical Biology - December 2007 (Vol 3, No 12) - Jess 14:17, 21 February 2008 (CST)
  • Nature Photonics - January 2008 (Vol 2, No 1) - Jess 14:18, 21 February 2008 (CST)

Once they have all been printed, Kendra is going to take them to get framed. Darrens 17:21, 18 February 2008 (CST)


  • Improve the world of Fluorescence Microscopy ITG staff Mark Bee is trying to expand the capabilities of the ITG fluorescence microscope downstairs. He came to to us asking if we could print him a tiny tiny version of the Macbeth Color Checker calibration tool at the highest dpi possible. He needs this printed on our inkjet printer in Kendra's office.

Here is a link to the printer's spec page where the max dpi should be listed: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/ProImaging/ProductDetails.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=C635011UCM&displayProductSpec=Y

Hers is a link to the Macbeth Color Checker file. This file is huge in pixel dimension (4516 x 3120) with a dpi of 399 (yes, an odd dpi number i know): http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/~darrens/Shared/macbether_color_checker.jpg

The tiny print needs to me 5mm max on its longest side. There are 4in x 6in sheets of photo paper next to the printer to use for this.

You will need to use Photoshop to do 2 things: -decrease the physical size of the image to 5mm on longest size -adjust the dpi to the highest possible you can (do not resample)

  • Maya 2008 Install

Installing Maya 2008


Arbus | Basquiat | Iannis | Keaton | Krasner | Pollock | Warhol | Zim


Windows XP:

  1. mount the Maya2008.nrg file using Nero Image Drive
  2. when the Maya install starts, click on INSTALL MAYA
  3. scroll down the scroll bar to see the entire license agreement then click the radio button "I accept...", then click next
  4. make sure both maya 2008 and the docs are checked to be installed click next
  5. wait a long time, the "Installing..." bar will reach 100% several times...
  6. finally you get to the point where you actually install Maya, click next
  7. choose custom install, choose to install ALL features, to default location
  8. check all boxes, except .PPM and .PNG (make sure to check Maya Environment...
  9. check ONLY add to System Path...
  10. click install to begin installing, even though you've already been installing for 15 minutes...
  11. click finish when the install is done
  12. ah ha, you are NOT done, now install the docs...
  13. click next a few more times and you are done
  14. don't reboot yet, if it asks
  15. copy aw_hofmann.dat (from groke) to C:\FlexLM\, create the dir if neccessary, remove any other .dat maya files that are in there. make sure NOT to remove the matlab/comsol.dat file, which i believe is called license.dat
  16. copy "Maya 2008 Complete.bat" (from groke) to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Maya2008\bin
  17. create a shortcut to this batch file, and copy that shortcut to: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Quick Find
  18. create another shortcut to this batch file, and copy it to: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Autodesk\Autodesk Maya 2008
  19. for both shortcuts, set the icon to the maya icon and set the "run" to minimized (right click on shortcut -> properties, etc. the icon is at: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Maya2008\bin\maya.exe
  20. now REBOOT
  21. run maya 2008, make sure to unblock maya from the windows firewall


If there are any problems email alex @ alazarev@itg.uiuc.edu


alex february 12th 2008


  • USB Ports on Keaton I had multiple users report that they couldn't use the USB ports on Keaton, both the ports on the machine itself and the 4port USB hub that is sitting on the desk. Can someone please diagnose this and see what we need to do so users can use USB devices on this machine. On the machine there are ports on the front, the usual USB ports on the back, an extra USB card on the back of the machine w/4 ports, and an external USB 4port hub that sits on the desk next to the monitor. This thing has more USB than it knows what to do with, let's just get it fixed and add/remove whatever necessary. Darrens 11:24, 24 January 2008 (CST)
    • Ahh, Keaton's USB ports . . . this thing has gone through alot of them because, for a while, people kept using devices improperly (we think) and burning them out. I'll check into its newest problems. Jevon 14:45, 28 January 2008 (CST)
    • I'm recommending this goes to Alex. It seems that the newest USB addition (the 4-port card) is now shot, as well. Jevon 14:59, 28 January 2008 (CST)

We are replacing Keaton and will no longer try to fix the multitude of broken USB ports on this machine or buy a new USB card. We will just work around Keaton not having USB function for a couple more weeks until it is replaced. Darrens 12:32, 15 February 2008 (CST)


  • VMIL Software Pages http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/software/
    • I think the only thing that needs to be done is regarding this project is for someone to edit/re-create the Unix software page(s). There are two links currently listed here on the software page. If someone who has experience with Linux could work on this, then the project will be complete.Jess 13:27, 26 November 2007 (CDT)
    • check -Jevon 13:47, 11 February 2008 (CST)


  • Delete Staff Backup Files
    • All data is now backed up. I'm experiencing some issues with deleting the users' folders. Some errors are a result of the file types the folders contain (i.e. a shortcut) and some are folder permission related. Anyone who wants to mess with it, give it a go! -Jess 14:45, 06 December 2007 (CST)
    • -This shouldn't be a huge problem; if Darren has full sudo, it's all good. Otherwise, we can talk to Alex. BTW: According to the smb.conf, the path to the projects directory on Hera is /home/projects. Jevon 16:32, 7 December 2007 (CST)
    • squared away -Jevon 15:18, 28 January 2008 (CST)


  • Re-hang Framed Journal Covers The jack-hammering on the VMIL east wall is done. Can someone please hang up the frames on the wall, they are sitting in a pile behind my desk. Also, before I took them down I made a little diagram to remember how they fit on the wall, please follow this little diagram so that they all fit on there properly w/out having to move any of the hangers: http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/~darrens/VMIL_Addition/covers.jpg

Darrens 12:42, 18 January 2008 (CST)

Thanks Jess! Darrens 11:20, 24 January 2008 (CST)


  • VHS Tapes Digitized - Animal Sciences Group These are the super slow speed (18 hr) tapes. We were given the tapes to see if any of our decks could digitize them. We tried this out on our timelapse/highspeed deck yesterday but no luck. I will get back with these people and ask them to bring in their deck that they used to record the tapes, this should be able to play them back. If their deck works with our system, someone will need to train Carol Curtis (Animal Sciences contact person for project) on how to import video and use Final Cut Pro for digitizing and compressing video into MPEG files. I will probably do this but would like whoever is around to sit in on this training to learn more about how to do this process, especially since it looks like we are doing this a lot lately and it'd be good for everyone to be able to do this. I'll let you know if/when she is coming in.

-We have a new deck to try these tapes out on, it is the larger of the two sitting on the table by Winogrand. The tapes are in a box behind my desk next to the microCT stage boxes. Please try them out on this deck and see if they can play and be digitized at the correct speed, I think last time we calculated that these are 18 hr tapes. Darrens 08:55, 14 November 2007 (CST) -Jevon 14:39, 5 December 2007 (CST)

-Carol is supposed to bring by the original deck that these tapes were recorded at today (Mon Nov 26). Can someone try them on this deck once it is here Darrens 10:34, 26 November 2007 (CST) -Jevon 14:39, 5 December 2007 (CST)

-Carol dropped off the deck today, it is next to the new user login machine with the box of their tapes on top. Please try the tapes in this deck to see if it works. Darrens 16:37, 26 November 2007 (CST) -Jevon 14:39, 5 December 2007 (CST)

-Tried the latest deck out; works great! On this deck and with these tapes, all you have to do to correct the timing is hit "REC/PLAY SPEED (UP)" once. To whomever digitizes them: try fiddling with the tracking and whatnot to get the picture looking decent before recording. -Jevon 14:39, 5 December 2007 (CST)

-I met with Carol, we did some math about the project. It goes like this: 96 tapes x 18hr per tape = 1,728 total hours just to digitize these tapes, and this does not include the time it takes to cue up the tapes and the enormous amount of time it would take to compress this much video into the MPEG files they need. Second problem (even though the first one is enough of a problem to end the project): the amount of data is enormous. Just one tape, when digitizing, turns out to be ~1.215 terabytes of raw video before compression. Anyone know what 96 x 1.215 terabytes is? We will consider this project on permanent hiatus.Darrens 14:34, 18 December 2007 (CST)


  • Adobe Software Continue to install the Adobe software on all PC's in the VMIL. Dan is writing installers for these as we get them. Darrens 13:29, 28 September 2007 (CDT)


  • Backup, Then Delete Old Staff Accounts

We're going to back up old staff member's accounts. Here's how to do this on the PCs.

1) Login as Administrator on the local machine. (You can use remote desktop for this.)

2) Open a window into the folder \\hera-itg\projects\backup.

3) In there you will see backup folders for the old staff members we are planning to eliminate. This is the list of people you should be looking for.

4) Open a window to C:\Documents and Settings

5) For each name listed in the hera backup folder, look for a folder in Documents and Settings with their name. 

  a. Open that folder, then open the Desktop folder.
  b. If there is nothing in that Desktop folder, we are assuming the
     entire thing (everything in that person's Documents and Settings
     folder) can be safely trashed.  Blow away that D&S folder.
  c. If there *is* data, then do the following:
     i. Create a subfolder in that person's hera backup with the name
        of the PC.  E.g.:
             \\hera-itg\projects\backup\annihsia\basquiat
     ii. Hold down the SHIFT key and drag their Desktop folder into
         the hera folder.  This will move the contents in there.
     iii. Once the move has finished, trash the rest.

6) For each name listed in the hera backup folder, look for a folder in the Workspace(s) with their name. 

  a. Open that folder.
  b. If there is nothing in that folder, it can be trashed.
  c. If there is data, then do the following:
     i. If it doesn't exist, create the hera backup subfolder.  E.g.:
           \\hera-itg\projects\backup\annihsia\basquiat
     ii. Hold down the SHIFT key and drag their entire workspace into there.

7) Move to the next machine and repeat.

Basquiat and Zim have already been done, so you can use them as examples.


I have completed Iannis, Arbus, Pollock, Warhol, Micro CT, and Keaton except for these:

Iannis: myoung1 [done by Jess 13:37, 26 November 2007 (CST)]

Arbus: myoung1 [done by Jevon 13:59, 26 November 2007 (CST)]

Pollock: mawolfe, myoung1, vjimenez [done by cecilia 13:30, 30 November 2007 (CST)]

Warhol: myoung1 [done by Jess 13:49, 26 November 2007 (CST)]

Keaton: myoung1 [done by Jevon 12:58, 26 November 2007 (CST)]

The reason these are not deleted is because I get an error message: "contains a name too long for recycle bin" (or something of the sort) although the Desktop folder looks empty.

Also, for Krasner, it won't let me create a new subfolder in hera backup folder. So I have only deleted the folders that were empty.--cecilia 16:14, 13 November 2007 (CST)

Krasner's done. -Jevon 14:28, 26 November 2007 (CST)

-Once you figure out the problems listed by Cecilia above, we should have all this former staff data moved to the appropriate folders on hera and deleted off the VMIL machines. We can then begin burning individual CDs/DVDs (depending on amount of data) for each former staff member. Please label each disc with the staff's first and last name along with their ITG username. After the discs are burned, please delete these folders we created on hera. These CDs/DVDs will serve as the final/only existing copy of former staff's data in case they ever come asking for their data. Darrens 10:52, 26 November 2007 (CST)

-All DVD's are burned except mhgillet's data. There is one file in this folder which is a 7.66 .tar file, which is some sort of compressed file. We'll need to burn this on a dual-layer DVD, which are available in Kendra's office. Other staff data backup folders can be deleted. -Jess 17:34, 03 December 2007 (CST)

-All data is now backed up. I'm experiencing some issues with deleting the users' folders. Some errors are a result of the file types the folders contain (i.e. a shortcut) and some are folder permission related. Anyone who wants to mess with it, give it a go! -Jess 14:45, 06 December 2007 (CST)


  • Loanerizer Version 1.1 Release? There are a couple small things I've been trying to do in the loanerizer that aren't working. Jevon, could you take a look at this with me next time you're in, so we can decide if it's possible to make the changes within the current loanerizer? or if they'd require too much work for what they are worth? Darrens 16:37, 26 November 2007 (CST)

- One problem solved, the other will require some major reconstruction; that will be a new version. For now, if you want to sign-out a single accessory (like a Canon remote control), create an entirely new piece of equipment (named something like "Canon Remote Control") and remove the accessory from its original home. When it's returned, make sure to re-add the accessory. Jevon 14:45, 5 December 2007 (CST)


  • VMIL Wiki Sign Please create a sign with the URL for the VMIL Wiki on it (http://groke.itg.uiuc.edu/mediawiki), directing Kubrick/Video Rack users to the Wiki for all the How-to guides we created and all the other helpful info on the Wiki. We have had people repeatedly ask for this link who use Kubrick. Please place the little sign somewhere in the large sound booth where people will notice it. Thanks. Darrens 10:56, 7 December 2007 (CST)

- done by cecilia 15:30, 7 December 2007 (CST)]


  • Box-O-Gloves Sign There are now white cotton "lintless" gloves for people to use with their drawing hand on the Cintiq monitor. These are inexpensive enough that we can consider them semi-disposable, so if a user takes one they could re-use it, but people don't have to share these between users. I found if you cut off the thumb, index, and middle finger parts of these gloves, it makes a nice Cintiq glove giving you a smooth surface to touch the monitor and not leave hand oils and smudges on the screen, while keeping your gripping fingers uncovered to hold the stylus (try it out for yourself!). Anyways, can someone please create and print out a little sign that will go on this box telling people what the gloves are for and encourages them to use them. The box of gloves is sitting near the Basquiat/Cintiq. Darrens 10:47, 7 December 2007 (CST)

- done by cecilia 15:30, 7 December 2007 (CST)


  • Delete User Files No no, not the active ones. Rather, we have a list of user accounts that we are deleting. Our delete user script can get rid of their data on zeus, but unfortunately we have to then go around to all the VMIL Windows machines and delete their folders on the Workspace Drives, any backup folders they have on the Workspace Drives, and their preferences folders located on the System Drives. You have to do this for EACH user account we delete on EACH WINDOWS machine. You must be logged in as administrator to do this. I will post a list below of the usernames whose folders we need to delete. To find the folders corresponding to each user that you should delete, look in the following places:

D:\<netid>

D:\<netid>.bak ***this will only be present sometimes***

C:\Documents and Settings\<netid>

Here is the general format we'll use for doing this:

Because other users will be on various machines when you are doing this, you will most likely not be able to delete an entire user at once. So please list which machine you have cleared a user's data from after the user name on the list. This here is the old list, check the googledoc that jess made for the most current list. I will add to it as we get more Delete Users Page


It looks like the google doc shows most of these are finished. If there are any accounts remaining to delete please do so and then move this task to the completed projects section on this page. It'll be great to have all these accounts removed at last! Darrens 10:52, 26 November 2007 (CST)


I spoke with Ben about updating this page because of the outdated specs on the machines. At this point, this page is probably more of a deterrent to people using the lab than a good advertisement, with how outdated things are. We decided NOT to continue listing the individual specs for each machine, rather we'll just list the OS of the machine and create some kind of heading statement at the top of the machines list that says something about how the VMIL machines have fast single/multiple processors, lots-o-ram, etc. This will be the overarching description so we're not constantly trying to keep it updated every time we add some RAM to a machine or upgrade a hard drive. This means the pages that link off this page showing individual machines' photos and their "software highlights" can be removed. After we finish updating the hardware, we'll just create a new software page too, more of a list of what we have rather than what each machine has. Hopefully this will help clean up our site and make it more reflective of the lab....and people will no longer think we're running all Windows NT workstations, not that there's anything wrong with Windows NT you know : )

Darrens 09:09, 4 October 2007 (CDT)

In Progress by Jess 14:35, 8 October 2007 (CDT) - A second set of eyes and opinions could be useful with this project. Anyone who wants to help edit, have at it! I finished re-formatting the equipment index page. We need to update all the imaging peripherals sub-pages as well as add equipment that isn't listed

Jess 16:10, 15 October 2007 (CDT) - I think I've got the equipment page just about finished. I'm working on the software pages now, located at http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/software/. I could use some help with these. I've begun to list the basic applications for Windows and Mac, but I don't really know anything about the Linux machine. I also don't know how detailed we want to get with our lists, so leave any opinions here or just update the website.


  • Update Staff Page Please add Michael Peyton and Cecilia Ostberg to the ITG staff page: http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/people/ Sorry for not noticing that you guys were missing from here until now.


  • Winogrand DVD burner replaced Hooray to Jevon for fixing this. My bad for taking 5 years to get things going on fixing this. We tested a disc on the burner, it works great. Completed by Jevon


  • VHS Tapes Digitized - Psychology Group I mentioned this at the last staff meeting, we have one VHS tape that Jevon started to digitize. If you're looking for something to do and have never use Final Cut Pro to digitize video, let me know. This would be a good time to show you how to do this if you don't know. It's something we get asked to do quite a bit, so the more who can do this the better.

Cecilia and I did one of these, the compressed quicktime files turned out to be huge, so we might end up chopping up each tape into 5 or so individual quicktime files (since Windows and OS X have limits on file size for viewing/opening video files). For now we'll just wait until the grad student who dropped off the first tape (laura thomas) returns with the other videos. I let her know the first one worked and she said she would drop off the rest.Darrens 15:34, 29 October 2007 (CDT) -she came back and got her tapes, doesn't need any more digitized for now, case closed. Darrens 11:59, 13 November 2007 (CST)


  • Cleanup, Best Behavior, etc We have a VERY important tour today that begins at 5pm. It's very important for our group, enough so that we need the place looking very clean...and important. For everyone today (Thursday) during their shift, please help with the following:

-dust/clean table tops and tops of monitors/decks/etc (dust from printer is everywhere) with 3M foamy cleaner or windex

-clean LCD monitors with softcloth (in drawer next to dan's pc)

-pick up random items laying around lab

-put up all manauls laying around, straighten up books

-straighten up loose cables on/under desks

-whatever else you think would make our little lab look better

Thanks so much for helping out with this. I know cleaning time is not exactly everyone's idea of a good time. Thanks though, it really helps. Darrens 09:48, 8 November 2007 (CST)


  • Lightbox Jevon started fixing this, just posting this to serve as a reminder. If you can J-Wild, I think since you started it and know what to do, it just makes sense for you to finish trying to fix this rather than explaining it to someone else. Let me know if there's anything I can help with this. Darrens 09:22, 12 October 2007 (CDT)

I ordered the replacement switch to fix this, it has about a 2 week delivery on it. Whenever it arrives, I'll get it to you Jevon. Darrens 09:26, 18 October 2007 (CDT)

Jevon 13:52, 29 October 2007 (CDT) - . . . all over it. Have switch, will travel.

Jcwild2, the eagle has landed (in the basket on my desk). Godspeed son. Darrens 09:28, 8 November 2007 (CST)



  • Inventory Numbers from Equipment The Beckman business office needs the inventory numbers from all the equipment we have available for checkout. This equipment is listed here: http://www.itg.uiuc.edu/fees.htm#vmilfees . The numbers are usually found on a silver metallic sticker with a barcode, although sometimes the number has just been written on the device itself if there was no convenient place to stick one of these silver stickers. Either way, there should be an inventory number corresponding to each piece of equipment. Some items listed on that page, like camera kits, will have multiple stickers/inventory numbers. The XL-H1 camera kit for instance has at least 3, one on the camera, one on each firestore hard drive, possible more. For the devices/kits with multiple inventory numbers , please note which inventory corresponds to which specific part of the kit. Darrens 09:31, 6 November 2007 (CST)

Completed by --cecilia

  • CRT Surplus Our attic cage where we store equipment has fast become a difficult place to walk through. We've been talking about getting rid of all the CRT monitors for a while now, so I think it's time we do it. We can't just throw these things away, instead we have to "surplus" them, meaning we bring them to Beckman Shipping & Receiving on the first floor and they take them and get them sent to the Illinois state surplus warehouse or something like that. Regardless, they are not in use and can be removed to make a lot of room in the cage. I'm sure in this process we'll discover some other things that can be sent to surplus as well. To begin this you'll need to go to Shipping & Receiving (room 1726) and get a big cart to transport them back downstairs. If you notice other large items in the cage that you think we can get rid of please let me know. Darrens 11:31, 23 October 2007 (CDT)

One note, we want to keep 2 of these CRT's, 2 of the larger black Mitsubishi ones. I have marked these 2 with bright pink post its that say keep. They are under a table on the left side in the back. We may at some point need them for displaying stereo video which cannot be done on an LCD monitor. Darrens 16:37, 23 October 2007 (CDT) Thanks for doing this Jevon and Jess. It's great to have that stuff out of there. Darrens 16:06, 24 October 2007 (CDT)


  • Online Equipment Checkout System aka "The Loanerizer" Jevon is working on this, Jess too. Darrens 14:28, 28 September 2007 (CDT)

Can we get all of our current equipment into this system. I know much of it already has been entered, if there's anything else that needs to be added please do so. Darrens 12:14, 22 October 2007 (CDT)

Completed by Jevon


  • Bookshelf Shuffle This needs to be done as soon as possible. We have a grey metal bookshelf in the back of the VMIL near the 3D printing area. Michael in his awesomeness cleaned this shelf off the other day and it is ready to be moved. This shelf needs to go into the cage (the building guys will actually move it for us). But before it can go in the cage, we need to make room for it. The only conceivable place to put this is just to your left when you enter the cage, with the shelves facing you as you walk in. The only way to do this is to move some stuff eastward along this wall. Once this metal shelf has room to enter the cage, the guys will move it there and then they will move our other wooden bookcase full 'o books into its final resting place in the back of the lab, where the metal shelf used to be. Please ask me and I'll give more details on how/what to get moved in the cage to make this little switcheroo possible. Darrens 09:55, 22 October 2007 (CDT)
  • Michael's Picture

I will try to get this done the next time Michael and I are in at the same time.

Jess 13:12, 10 October 2007 (CDT) Completed by Jess

  • Sign for Vista machine After some research on the world wide web, it is true that the new vista machine will be spelled "Meier". I found the folder in Micah's home directory where all the original computer name tag files are stored. To get to these files connect to zeus and then go to this folder:

users > mawolfe > desktop > untitled folder 4 > everything that was on the desktop before > computers

From here you can copy these files to your own space and work on them from there. For now we just need a "Meier" sign on the Vista machine. In the coming months we'll several more of these for the new machines. Once you've designed the file, print it out on the printer in Kendra's office, mount it to foam core using the mounting adhesive in the back. I have velcro sitting on a cabinet above the phone on my desk. This is how we attached them before and should work fine. Darrens 12:27, 8 October 2007 (CDT)

Completed by Jess 14:35, 8 October 2007 (CDT)

  • Caselight 4 One of the bulbs is not working on the large (4 bulb) Lowell Caselight kit, which can be found in the equipment cage. Please check to see if this is the bulb or the unit. If it is the unit, it should still be under warranty. Contact Lowell and give them the serial number to find out. If it is the bulb, just get the specs on it and give them to me, I'll purchase a new one. Darrens 14:28, 28 September 2007 (CDT).

I checked both the Caselight 4 and 2. All of the bulbs work properly. --cecilia 14:40, 2 October 2007 (CDT)

That's strange (that they all work), the last 2 times I have used it the same bulb on the Caselight 4 kit was flickering, like bad bulb or hardware problem. Well if it's not broke I guess we shouldn't fix it, let's just wait and see if any more users report problems. Crisis averted...hopefully. Darrens 16:51, 3 October 2007 (CDT)

  • Clean Canon 1Ds & Lenses Use canned air to dust the exterior bodies of the camera, all accessories, and lenses but do NOT use air on sensor or glass part of lens surface. For these delicate parts use the lens brushes we have. They are in a drawer behind my desk, just ask for them. Please check the large Pelican case that the camera and accessories go in and determine the best way to clean this off as well. Darrens 12:27, 8 October 2007 (CDT)

Completed by --cecilia 15:36, 9 October 2007 (CDT)



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