Jul 09, '09 07:30:00AM • Contributed by: redcap
These instructions cover setting up a FireWire 800 link, a MIDI Network Link, VNC access using Vine Server, which is much faster than ARD. Also, you can easily use your G5 as a bridge to connect to two-pin devices (most video-cameras). Latency is minimal and the data path is more than sufficient, if all other interfaces are disabled it is also somewhat secure. These instructions also go over the issues I have encountered, and specific Cocktail features that aid in VNC/file access.
What you need is a Mac running 10.4 or greater with a working monitor and video card. If the video card doesn't work, and you turned have remote access via ssh/telnet on, then you're in luck -- check out this hint Works great, then you can set up the Vine server and disable the Apple remote access server (be sure to use a different display number on the Vine server.)
Cocktail is required, and you can optionally use Vine Server and Chicken of the VNC. You can easily use any VNC server, including the built in one, as well as any VNC client. I've tried a few combinations, but I enjoy this one the best.
Restarting/Automatic Login
When you restart, if you have automatic login disabled you will need to login, and dismiss the 'no keyboard monitor attached' dialog. Even if you do have automatic login, you'll probably have to dismiss this dialog. Setting up the server to mount disks without user login (under Disks » Misc) is very helpful.
Video Issues
If you do not have an AGP video card installed, then many applications that rely on openGL or quartz extreme (FCP and Motion, for instance) won't run. QuickTime and VLC work, but video playback isn't full-speed (it's about half-rate.) I have also successfully used eyeTV with the dongle by ElGato to share recorded episodes and flip through channels (at a very high latency).
VNC Specific Issues - Cocktail Configuration
I noticed the biggest boost when turning off the Desktop in the Finder using Cocktail, and using a 1024x768 screen. While for many this takes getting used to, I run like this on all my computers now, and find it's easier to organize files without it. Remember that when you click on the Finder icon, it will either bring a window to the foreground or make a new one. Use Cocktail to disable all those interface tricks as well. Millions/thousands of colors doesn't seem to make a difference, and it usually doesn't work properly with many applications.
Firewire Device Behavior
Take care when plugging in FireWire devices. By default they will appear on the shared Mac (meaning not the G5.) To mount devices on the G5, first disconnect the FireWire cable from the client Mac, connect the device to the server, wait a brief moment, then reconnect the client and resume operations.
Step by step Run down
- Set up FireWire access
- Set up the VNC server, either Vine or the built-in one.
- Configure Vine to run independently (this will let you turn off automatic login, and allow you to login to your Mac.) Server » Preferences » Startup, then click the System Server button to configure. Instructions are on the screen. Note: when logging in, your connection will be interrupted. Reconnect after about 30 seconds.
- If desired, turn off all other network interfaces (including disabling Bluetooth), or you can use an internet connection (mine is off because my wireless is busted, as well as the Ethernet.) Also this makes things much more secure if you are leaving your devices open and discoverable.
- Turn on file-sharing. (If you log in with the admin account, you should have access to all mounted drives. SMB works, but I often have issues with this method.)
I have also found that if you have an Oxygen 8 (or other USB-powered audio device), it may be beneficial for you to set up the audio MIDI network play-through with the Audio Midi Setup Application (in Applications -> Utilities). It's somewhat straightforward, but here's a brief overview.
To configure your G5 server (after install of the appropriate M-audio driver), run Audio Midi Setup and click the Enabled check box. The Live Routings top pull-down should be set to 'Keystation Port1,' and the bottom to 'Network Session 1.' On the MacBook or other computer, click on the Network object and connect to the server.
Open the application and configure the device manually; auto-detect probably won't work, so manually set up your device and have it use 'Network 1' as the MIDI device. Add any additional devices if necessary.
