Configure Mini Inst

To install a mini inst, you need to install the EPICS backend and add the following in the \NDXxxxxx\configurations\ area.

  • startup.txt: contains a list of the IOCs to start (use the IOC name as in the IOCs list)

  • globals.txt: add macro values you want the IOCs in startup.txt to start up with. To do this, add a line per macro of the format <IOC_name>__<macro_name>=<macro_value>.

Startup and shutdown

You can start up the mini inst using the normal start_ibex_server and stop it with stop_ibex_server. It will look for the startup.txt and start up the mini inst instead of the full IBEX server if it exists.

Updating config

If you update a configuration in globals.txt then don’t forget to restart the IOC. This can be done either by running start_ibex_server but it is more efficient to console to the IOC and restart it using ctrl+x.

Adding Devices

If you want to run an IOC in a mini-inst then:

  1. Add the device name to the “startup.txt” (C:\Instrument\Settings\config\NDX<instrument>\configurations\startup.txt)

    • e.g. JSCO4180_01

  2. Then set macros in “globals.txt” (C:\Instrument\Settings\config\NDX<instrument>\configurations\globals.txt)

    • e.g. JSCO4180_01__PORT=COM13

  3. Run make iocstartups in the epics terminal. This adds the device to the allowed running devices.

  4. Start IBEX server as normal start_ibex_server.bat

  5. If you are running the IOC to allow a Vi in SECI to communicate then configure that vi (usually the pv prefix)

    • e.g. Run C:\LabVIEW Modules\Drivers\Jasco PU-4180 HPLC Pump\Jasco HPLC Pump - System.llb - Initialisation File change IOC Root to IN:CRISP:JSCO4180_01:

  6. Run the Vi

Running ARINST and/or ARACCESS in a mini-inst

ENGIN-X will run a mini-inst for the Instron stress rig that needs to use both ARINST and ARACCESS. These need to be added to startup.txt and MySQL needs to be installed and running on the machine.