Expedition 397P was a roughly one month tie-up in Cape Town with a service call for SERCO (Emile Mylan for microscope maintenance) and a full suite of computer replacements in all labs. A Kick-the-tires-light-the-fires effort was executed after/during install. The documentation here includes details on Imaging related issues encountered during this period.
System Status
PICAT
Tested post computer replacement, result: fully functional. New Adobe Suite installed on PC, use NetIDlogin credentials.
TIFF images don't get uplaoded by Image Capture. Image Capture does sometimes skip TIF or JPG file upload if the user doesn't pick the metadata as flow from top to bottom.
CLOSEUP
Tested post computer replacement, result: fully functional.
MICROSCOPES
All microscopes had, objectives and oculars as well as the transformer boxes were checked and cleaned by the SERCO contractor Emile Meylan. This is the list of findings:
| Microscope property number | Microscope Type | Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| 90871 | Axioscope A1 POL | Stage counterweights had to be cut down which was accomplished for all three specimen holder sets of that type on board |
| 90869 | Axioscope A1 POL | XY stage faulty (inner pulley system problem), Serco can’t fix this, needs to go back to Zeiss – tested 3 other stages, 2 out of 3 are broken and will be send to College Station to be forwarded to Zeiss |
| 91187 | Axio Imager A2 | - known issue with PCBA board, which has missing parts on order, - scope is set up for fluorescence, unsure why in that spot |
| 91188 | Axio Imager A2 (MBIO) | No issue reported. |
| 90229 | Axioplan POL | Bertrand lens is de-laminated, attachment not useful, so it was removed. |
| 90207 | Axioscope POL (Thin Section) | No issues reported. |
| 90257 | Axiophot | Stage couldn’t be moved far enough to focus on specimen, it was discovered that gear inside wasn’t lined up, Serco had to remove focus knob covers and align 15 O-rings back to where they are needed in order to move stage to correct positions. Recommendation from Serco – don’t tinker with inner workings of scopes if not absolutely necessary, send to Zeiss or have Zeiss rep service call. |
| 91060 | Stereoscope | Magnification knob doesn’t stop at 1x or 8x, no way to fix it as body is glued shut. Stored in Imaging Lab as fall back for high usage expeditions. |
| 90812 | Stereoscope | No issue reported. |
| 91105 | Stereoscope | No issue reported. |
| 90811 | Stereoscope | No issue reported. |
| 90812 | Stereoscope | No issue reported. |
| 90228 | Stereoscope SV11 (reserve in Imaging Lab) | No issue reported. |
| ODP00584 | Old grey stereoscope (reserve in Imaging Lab) | No issue reported. |
Microscope cameras
The SPOT ideal cameras installed on all stereomicroscopes work well on the new generation PCs that were installed this tie-up, however the other SPOT cameras are not communicating properly over the fire wire connection. For now, the old PCs are back on these stations until we can purchase different cameras, or IT can find a solution to communicate with the camera. IT ordered different PC boards to test with the cameras. They might be delivered for 397T (unsure) or 397.
SHIL
The IMS code has been updated just like on all other IMS loggers. Several old bugs were back and had to be fixed again. A bug list can be found in the confluence bug tracking sheets.
PHOTOGRAPHY
No issues encountered. All equipment is working well.
PRINTER
EPSON STYLUS 4900
No issues encountered. All working well.
EPSON ecotank
No issues encountered. All working well.
Items received
- Printer ink for Epson ecotank and Stylus
- Phone case/screen protector for Foldio iPhone
- Light bulbs for Imaging Office
- Tripod head that holds more weight (for remote setup for group pictures)
Items ordered
- Small tripod for Foldio phone
Items shipped to shore
- Prepared shipment with all camcorders as the technology has not been used in a decade (see tech reports) and is outdated at this point
- Old grey Zeiss microscope and accessories
- Several light box transformers (we have too many here)
- Two Maerzenhauser XY stages that only work in one direction (for repair at Zeiss)
Miscellaneous
One additional task was to prepare for the new SEM/EDS system install during 397T. A tracking confluence page has been created, where all information, manuals, progress etc. are reported. It would be nice to keep using this tracking page until the project is finished and approved by all stake holders. The page is located on the front page of the Laboratory Notebook and linked: 379PT SEM EDS install