Frequently Asked Questions

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Q1. I have been to the APS before, but because I am a student, I did not get a permanent badge. How do I get into APS now?
A. Give us a call or email and we can request a gate pass good until the end of the year.

Q2. We are arriving on Saturday and our beamtime begins Sunday. Can we get the APS training on the weekend or do we have to come a day early for training?
A. We can make arrangements for weekend training if we know your plans ahead of time. Let us know what would be convenient for you.

Q3. We have heard there may be a problem crossing the Canadian border with samples and tools. Do you have any suggestions?
A. We are happy to write a letter explaining who we are, the purpose of your trip, who and what is coming to Argonne. This has helped groups in the past.

Q4. We're coming in a few days, and want to add a person who is not a U.S. citizen. Can they come just as an observer?
A. No. The APS understands how important it is for your group to come to the beamline, but the DOE has established procedures, which we must follow. Exceptions cannot be made for security or safety issues.

Q5. I always wear a dress or skirt, and do not wear slacks. The APS prohibits shorts and skirts. What can I do?
A. We have lab coats available, which you are welcome to use. This will satisfy the APS requirements.

Q6. Our Professor is not coming this trip. How can he/she call us on the beamline?
A. The phone numbers are:
 • 14-IDB: 630-252-0454
 • 14-BMC: 630-252-0453
 • 14-BMD: 630-252-1714
 • Computer Room: 630-252-7512

Q7. We would like to come a day early and work on our samples. Would your lab be available.
A. Yes, call your staff contact person and be sure that the lab is available and that we have the equipment you will need.

Q8. I am the new organizer for our group. I don't know the login name and password. Can you help me?
A. Yes. We do not keep passwords, but we can send you the access code and give you the opportunity to create a new password. Contact Kathryn Tietz or Rob Henning.

Q9. The APS notified me that my GERT training has expired, but I just renewed GERT at Brookhaven. Do I have to do that again?
A. No. Bring your new GERT card with you. We'll make a copy and send it to the APS for their records.

Q10. I would like to ftp my data back home, but our firewall only accepts ftp connections from computers with known IP addresses. What are the IP addresses of the BioCARS computers at Argonne?
A. The IP addresses of BioCARS computers are as follows:
 • bm14cbu.cars.aps.anl.gov    164.54.161.114
 • bm14dbu.cars.aps.anl.gov    164.54.161.115
 • id14bbu.cars.aps.anl.gov    164.54.161.116

Q11. I would like to process my data back home using HKL2000. How can I do that?
A. There are three def.site files available for use (PC users, right click the link and choose "Save Target As..."):
 • 14-BM-C ADSC 315 - download
 • 14-BM-D ADSC Q4 - download
 • 14-ID-B MarCCD 165 - download