Remote Observing Software/Setup
Remote Observing operations at LBTO are typically available from dedicated “satellite” facilities or from the HQ Remote Observing Room.
Please refer to the Remote Facility Policy for more information on who may observe remotely and how to gain authorization to do so.
Software Requirements
- Cisco Secure Client – For VPN access. You will be provided a download link for the software after logging in to vpn.lbto.org
- Please request VPN access when completing your Observing Request form if you do not have existing credentials.
- Fedora Linux users can use the system network manager to handle the VPN access instead. Users should be aware that it is necessary to set ipv4.never-default to yes if using the system network manager to avoid all internet traffic being routed through the LBTO VPN.
- ThinLinc Client –
- ThinLinc Download Link
- Please note that beginning with the 2026B semester, the remote observing workstations will run an updated operating system that is incompatible with X2Go. Observers must use ThinLinc to connect to robs1 and robs2.
- VNC Client – For PEPSI observing you will need a VNC client. Recommendations: RealVNC Viewer or TigerVNC viewer.
Connecting to the Remote Workstations
After connecting to the LBT VPN, launch ThinLinc and connect to either robs1.mountain.lbto.org or robs2.mountain.lbto.org
The username is your partner account (inaf, osurc, az or lbto), passwords should be available from your member coordinator.
Note that it is no longer necessary to specify a MATE desktop. robs1/2 now run a lightweight XFCE desktop by default.
Launching the Instrument GUIs
Instrument GUIs for LBCs, LUCI, and MODS should be launched within the ThinLinc window.
The VNC window for PEPSI should be launched locally (i.e. outside of ThinLinc).
See the Instrument pages for specific information on launching the individual instrument GUIs.
End of Night shutdown
After closing all of the software GUIs, please ensure you log out of ThinLinc. Select your username at the top right of the ThinLinc screen and select “Log Out”.
Note that simply closing the ThinLinc window will leave your session running on the remote observing computer and we want to avoid leaving old sessions running indefinitely.
