Ruisard, K.J. Baumgartner, H. Beaudoin, B. Haber, I. Koeth, T.W. Teperman, M.R. JACoW Geneva, Switzerland 978-3-95450-180-9 10.18429/JACoW-NAPAC2016-TUPOB12 English 507-510 TUPOB12 ion lattice octupole quadrupole focusing Contribution to a conference proceedings 2017 2017-01 http://dx.doi.org/10.18429/JACoW-NAPAC2016-TUPOB12 https://jacow.org/napac2016/papers/tupob12.pdf Nonlinear quasi-integrable optics is a promising development on the horizon of high-intensity ring design. Large amplitude-dependent tune spreads, driven by strong nonlinear magnet inserts, lead to decoupling from incoherent tune resonances. This reduces intensity-driven beam loss while quasi-integrability ensures a well-contained beam. In this paper we discuss on-going work to install and interrogate a long-octupole channel at the University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER). This is a discrete insert that occupies 20 degrees of the ring, consisting of independently powered printed circuit octupole magnets. Transverse confinement is obtained with quadrupoles external to this insert. Operating UMER as a non-FODO lattice, in order to meet the beam-envelope requirements of the quasi-integrable lattice, is a challenge. We discuss efforts to match the beam and optimize steering solutions. We also discuss our experiences operating a distributed strong octupole lattice.