An Introduction

Changes to Access Grid at Daresbury Labs

The Goal

• Make your life easier– Many new features are based on feedback– Requirements, ideas, suggestions are still

welcome

• Reduce wasted time– Auto-AG refinements– Less reliance on working with the Venue Client– Power control for Cameras/Screens/Speakers

Big Changes

• No need to switch on Cameras etc.– These are now powered on by Auto-AG

• They’ll turn themselves on when you click Guided Mode / Start Venue Client

– They power off automatically too• When the Projectors normally switch off

• Auto-AG– Integrates Virtual Venue list

Auto-AG’s New Look

Here to make your life easier

DON’T

PANIC

Auto-AG

• You don’t have to use the features– But:

• Quicker• Easier• Safer!

• Ongoing development– Got a feature request? Send me an email

• accessgrid@rl.ac.uk

Booking a Meeting

• Check the AG Outlook Calendar– Is the room free?

• Be detailed– Virtual Venue

• Can always use CLRC DL if using A1• If it’s a shared venue, specify which

– Shared Presentation, Browser?

• Let us know if you cancel the meeting

Venue Client

• A quick note– Main app for AG Conference

• Cumbersome• Obtuse

– Essential for Auto-AG

• Basic Operation Tutorial– You shouldn’t need it– But you need to know about it

Basic Node Operation

Setting up a Meeting:Preparing the Room

• Call the Operator if PC is logged out

• Choose Guided Mode– Launches Venue Client– Turns on Cameras and Projectors

Setting up a Meeting:Choosing a Virtual Venue

• Pick a Virtual Venue from list– Auto-AG has the same list as Venue Client– Can’t find your Virtual Venue?

• (Attend Advanced Node Operation)• Call Operator for assistance

– If it sounds like a pub name:• This is a shared venue managed by the AGSC• If you notify an Operator before the meeting, we will add

the venue to the list

Setting up a Meeting:Choosing Your Path

• Basic Operation:

Setting up a Meeting:Auto Positioning

• Click Auto Setup to arrange windows– Each additional click will close and re-open feeds– Be patient and don’t move the mouse!!

Setting up a Meeting:Adjusting Camera Positions

• Default positions are zoomed out– Click ‘Adjust Cameras’ on Wizard

• The 3 front cameras are controlled by Auto-AG• Hold down the buttons to move/zoom the camera

– Try to fit 1 or 2 people to a camera• Camera should not be looking lower than the table• Try to use all of your cameras effectively

Setting up a Meeting:Don’t Forget the Audio!

• Auto Setup will un-mute microphones– Click ‘talk’ button to toggle if unchecked

• If one site is too loud or quiet– Use RAT to change levels

• Use RAT sparingly– It likes to crash!

Setting up a Meeting:Shutdown

• That’s pretty much it– Keep an eye on the first ~10mins

• In case more sites join, or problems manifest

• When the meeting is over:– Press ‘Shutdown’ on Wizard

• This will close Venue Client• Turn off Projectors• Turn off Cameras• Turn off Speakers/Screens

Summary

• There are a lot of things to do– That need doing quickly

• Don’t expect to get things right away– Improve over time– Learn the quirks of AG– Sometimes problems are out of our hands

Questions?