Posted by: Peter Willendrup in software, simulation, Scandinavia, open source, neutron, Monte Carlo, McStas, Internet, denmark, computer on
Jul 18, 2010
The McStas developer team is happy to report that the 1.12b release of our software is finally out.
You can get the installer packages from our download page
McStas 1.12b is mostly a bugfix release, but some new components and example instruments have been included. McStas 1.12b will be the VERY last release in the 1.x series.
Part of the reason for McStas 1.12b and its late arrival is our delay in releasing the next major version, McStas 2.0.
McStas 2.0 will be released late 2010 / early 2011 and will introduce new features that could break ceartain backward compatibility, hence we move from the 1.x series. We are also considering a replacement of the GUI and plotting tools for McStas 2.0.
For a complete list of changes in McStas 1.12b, see our CHANGES document.
The new relase was tested on these platforms:
- Mac OS 10.5 Leopard and 10.6 Snow Leopard (but should work on 10.4 and 10.3 also). Both 32 and 64 bit, Intel and PPC systems are supported.
- Ubuntu Linux 9.10 Karmic Koala and 10.04 Lucid Lynx, 32 and 64 bit .deb's are provided. Note: Do not expect these debs to work on earlier releases or other distributions, e.g. Debian
- Windows XP, Vista and 7, 32 and 64 bit. We only provide 32bit executables, but they are tested to run OK on 64 bit
- On other systems, feel free to try our source distributions
The McStas and VITESS teams are happy to announce the joint
*** McStas / VITESS user training workshop 2010 ***
To take place at Backafallsbyn in the Swedish island of Ven, May 17th-21st.
The workshop is a school in order to train technical staff and instrument scientists in using Monte-Carlo code to design better neutron devices and instruments. The programme is split into sessions dedicated to different parts (optics, sample environment, detectors, ...). If you work in one of these areas, and feel like simulating it, then this school is for you, especially if you've never done so before.
36 years ago today we were watching Jackie Stewart winning the Monaco Grand prix. Not on TV but at the trackside itself. I was doing a post-doc at the EU laboratory at Ispra on the shores of Lago di Maggiore. Neutron scattering with a view of the Monte Rosa. It was a defining year for me in many ways. We had headed down to the coast on Friday night and found ourselves a hotel in Ventimiglia, which is certainly twenty miles away from somewhere, but I'm not too sure where. Someone will know. Tickets on Saturday morning were not difficult to come by at 90 Francs a time - about 15 € - "did they let you keep the seat" exclaimed my Father, who was somewhat allergic to spending money, and so we headed off to the famous swimming pool with grand prix cars roaring around the track during the practice session. The next day was all noise and excitement, smells and glamour mixed together, and a Scottish winner. Quite an event.
As we look forward, with a certain anticipation, to the dinner of Research Ministers in Brussels on Thursday night where our fate (well, that of the ESS) might well be decided we can reflect on the risks and uncertainties of the Monaco Grand Prix. It is not won until the chequered flag is frantically waved as the winning car passes by in a flash. A lot can happen in a Grand Prix even on the final lap. We have to keep our eyes on the road as we negotiate that final lap for ESS. And we do well to remember that once that flag is waved, then the real work begins !
Happy motoring!!
