3D Modeling Lab:  Using The Lab

Standard Hours Of Operation

The standard hours of operation for using the 3D Modeling Lab are between 6:00AM - 11:00PM, Monday to Friday.  Note that the door to the Lab is locked at all times and can be opened using an access card, which is issued upon request to registered Lab users.

The Lab is automatically alarmed between 11:00PM and 6:00AM, Monday to Friday.  It is also alarmed all of Saturday and Sunday, as well as during any University holidays. 

• Standard Hours Of Operation

Monday to Friday, 6:00AM -11:00PM.

• Alarmed

11:00PM - 6:00AM Monday to Friday.

All Saturday, all Sunday, all University Holidays.

Security Alarms

If you are in the Lab when the alarm automatically arms it will trigger when you exit and the University of California Police Department(UCPD) will be summoned.  Should that happen immediately call the UCPD on the room phone at x51491, tell them who you are and alert them that the alarm for Math Sciences Room 5601 was accidentally tripped.  Get your ID out and wait for the police who should be there quickly.

Extended Access

If you require additional hours of access to the Lab ask the Lab Coordinator, or contact portalats.ucla.edu and apply to have your hours extended.  You will receive an alarm code and short instructions on how to use it.  This will give you full 24 hour a day, 365 day a year access to the Lab.

Accessing Workstations

Make A Reservation (by sending email to: portalats.ucla.edu) to ensure clients can appropriately plan their work and schedule their lab time.   Registered users may reserve equipment once they have completed their orientation and are assigned accounts.  You must be a registered user to utilize the workstations and access filesystems.  The lab is also available for registered users on a drop-in basis provided the equipment is not in use.  See "The Basic Rules of Equipment Use" below for qualifications.

Basic Rules of Equipment Use

1. Please endeavor to show up on time for a reservation.  If you show up 20 minutes or more late, your reservation is forfeited, and your time will be made available to other registered users.
2. The lab is also available for registered users on a drop-in basis provided the equipment is not in use.  If a user with reservations shows up on time you must give up the workstation.  If you have a reservation your reservation will be made available to other users if the machine or software is not in use 20 minutes after the reservation time.
3. Please cancel reservations you are not able to keep.
4. The GIS workstation is reserved for GIS users only.  GIS users are entitled to use any unused Lab workstation on a walk in basis.  However if a modeling user shows up the GIS user will have to  immediately give up the modeling workstation.
5. When you are finished with a workstation please be sure to log off.
6. If you are running a process of any kind on a workstation and will not be present to attend to it, please put a notice on the keyboard that the workstation is being used.  Do not monopolize the workstations with your processing or tie up any workstation for a prolonged period of time.  Should that happen, with no prior arrangement having been made, the Lab staff will terminate the process and log you off.

Hardware

The 3D Modeling Lab consists of modeling workstations running Windows2000, an additional workstation used for scanning, and a Mac running OSX.  All the PC modeling  workstations are identically configured so that a client who reserves time in the Lab is sure to have the same resources available, no matter which station is reserved.   For a more detailed description of the hardware available go to 3D Modeling Lab: Workstations And Other Resources.

Software

A wide variety of modeling, graphics, navigation and archiving applications  are maintained in the Lab.   Applications such as  Multigen Creator, Maya, 3D Studio Max, Lightscape, FormZ, Lightscape, Mental Ray, NuGraf, Photoshop, Illustrator, CompupicPro, Open GL Performer, vrNav, LivestagePro and VRworx are maintained on every modeling workstation.  For a more detailed description of the software in the Lab see 3D Modeling Lab:  Supported Applications.

Home Directories And Workspace

Every registered user is issued a home directory and ample disk or workspace on a remote filesystem.  That filesystem is called NFS4 and is automatically mapped to the "V:" drive when you log in.  This work and storage space resides on fast hard drives that are accessed via gigabit network connection.  It is monitored, backed up regularly, and kept in good working order.  It includes the home directories and is where users normally save and access all of their work.  If you do not find the "V:" drive after logging on to a workstation contact ATS staff.

Your account will also rely on a roaming profile, which comes into effect as soon as you log on to any 3D Modeling Lab workstation.  This profile tracks your system preferences, your desktop icons and your application preferences.

The System Drive: Reserved

The "C:" drive is designated as the system drive on all of the Lab workstations.  Do not save any files to the "C:" drive. There are applications that prompt you to save to "C:" every time you save a file. Save to the "V:" drive instead.  Change the default location of the prompt if you are able to.  Any user information or programs saved onto the "C:" drive will be deleted by Lab staff.

Local Disk Space: Short-Term Temporary Disk Space

If you want to save files locally or if your application requires the improved performance of a local disk you can use the "E:" drive.  To use the "E:" drive: Create a folder on "E:\Users" with your login id as the folder name. Files on the "E:" drive will be deleted periodically so be sure to move them over to or back them up on the "V:" drive as soon as you can work without the local disk space.

There is an also a fast SCSI  "F:" drive  on each workstation, which provides additional user space in conjunction with very high speed access.   Create a folder on "F:\Users" with your login id as the folder name.  Files on the "F:" drive will be deleted periodically so be sure to move them over to or back them up on the "V:" drive as soon as you can work without the local disk space.

Changing Passwords

To change your Lab account password please refer to 3D Modeling Lab: Changing Passwords.

Moving Files

Files can be moved within ATS or to and from remote file systems using FTP or secure FTP, both of which are provided on all of the workstations.

CD's And DVD's

If you wish to read CD's or record files to CD, each workstation is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD combo drive which can read and burn CD's, and read DVD's.  CD burning software such as "Nero" and DVD playing software such as "PowerDVD" is also provided.

Downloading Programs

If you wish to download and install a program do not do it onto the "C:" drive.  All applications and downloads found on the "C:" drive that were not put there by Lab staff will be quickly deleted.  Download and install the program onto the "E:" drive or the "F:" drive, where they will remain until these drives undergo a periodic cleaning.

Instruction

ATS does not at this time provide classes in the use of the applications it supports in the lab.  It does however provide limited training and tutorials for certain applications to registered Lab users upon request.  Lab staff are available for assistance in modeling, and in the use of the applications on Lab workstations, as well as providing modeling related consulting services.  Notify the Lab coordinator or contact portalats.ucla.edu if you need assistance.

Reporting Problems

Should you run into any problems using hardware or software, notice any behavior that might indicate a virus, or have any trouble accessing  the Lab be sure to report it immediately to Lab staff, either in person or by e-mailing portalats.ucla.edu. Be as specific as you can in reporting the problem.  We will respond as soon as is possible.

For more information on the ATS 3D Modeling Lab contact portalats.ucla.edu.