Remote Cluster Testing

This page contains instructions on how to test ParaView running on a remote server or cluster. It is only a procedure for testing - it does not explain how to actually do the connection.

Test setup

• ParaView client needs to be running on a local computer, blade or workstation.
• Remote server needs to be running on the target server, with at least 2 (preferably 4) pvservers.

Cluster test with Source

• Edit/ Settings/ Render View/ Remove Render Threshold. Change this to 0, OK. This will force all future rendering to the target server, and not on the local client.
• Sources/ Sphere. Apply. Spin, spin. Delete.
• Sources/ Wavelet. Apply. Representation Surface. Color by RTData. Rotate Wavelet. Make sure that the edges of the Wavelet go somewhat rough (saw toothy). This means we really are rendering on the cluster.
• While still on Wavelet, Filters/ Alphabetical/ ProcessID Scalars. This will paint by rendering process number.

Cluster test with Source

• Read in some data. Make it simple, such as can.exo. Spin, spin. Play, play.

Tools to help debug

• When you qsub nodes, add a -e fileName and -o fileName. Then, error and normal output prints should go to these files.
• View/ Memory Inspector will tell you how much memory you are using.
• Help/ About/ Connection information will tell you the number of pvserver processes you have and how rendering is being done, along with other useful information.
• Edit/ Settings/ Advanced/ Render View/ Show Annotation will write some debugging information to the screen.