LO – ALO REPORT

Bill Mills, Lisa Crowder & Tim Bronk

Expedition 323: high latitude, paleo-oceanographic research on the long-term ocean and climate trends (through the Pliocene–Pleistocene) in the Bering Sea.

Portcall Activities:
Expedition 321T ended in Victoria, British Columbia with the first line ashore at 0800, July 5th (Pier A, Ogden Point Victoria South). Loading/unloading activities included the standard science/operational supplies and were accomplished without incident. The vessel took on routine fuel and bulk drilling materials. Local PR activities and tours were conducted and the ship was visited by former science and technicians, taking advantage of the vessel's location in a North American port.
Service calls:

• 2G cryogenic magnetometer helium refill
• Cannon copier service
• Elevator inspection and repair
• TransOcean derrick and lifting gear
• Lifeboat #2 was removed from the vessel for repair (replacement lift rafts were installed)

On July 10^th, the last line was away at 0704 starting our transit to our Bering Sea sites via the Juan de Fuca Straits and the Gulf of Alaska.
Underway:
Bathymetric and navigation data was routinely recorded on all transists

Analysis Summary

Sampling Summary

LO-ALO Cross-Over Notes:
AMS/Inventory
Labeling: Continued in UTS. Magnetic label holders were ordered as a good way to label the drawers and allow items to be easily moved.
Inventory problems: We ran out of waxed boxes, ethafoam rod, acetone, small, medium and XL gloves, and got very close to running out of personal boxes and blue & clear end caps. We used empty d-tube boxes for core storage, loading boxes two wide by 4 tall, banded on pallets

Special projects
Logistic Shop: Is no longer a shop (perhaps we should call it the Logistics Stores?) Anyway, a major house cleaning project resulted in the disposal of a K-boxes worth junk left over from Singapore and demobilized materials that should have never been sent back to the ship. Another K-box of excess materials, redundant shop equipment, core splitter capstan parts, etc was returned to College Station for disposal/storage. An effort was made to collect random stashes of tools and materials around the lab and consolidate them here.
The Logistics Store is roughly organized according to the layout as shown in the sketch below.

Plumbing
Shop Tools
Unistrut Parts
Grinding DiscsShipping
SuppliesToolsPaints
Shipping
Hardware
Spc Hardware
Hardware
Hardware
PlumbingLarge new cabinet Equipment






Large new cabinet






This reorganization project is a long way from being finished. Three new "small parts" vidmar cabinets where order to replace the old "Equipto" drawers for the nuts and bolts. The plan is to mount these three cabinets on the aft bulkhead and then mount three of the shelve cabinets on top. A fourth, larger cabinet, with deep drawers, was ordered for the sand paper and bulky materials to be installed at the end of the "Shipping/Spc Hardware" cabinets.
The decks were repainted by the ships crew.
Sooner or later we are going to have to blow out the Singapore dust in the overhead cable trays and duct work ..any volunteers?
Staging Area: The panel saw was moved into the Pallet Stores and a new work bench installed in its place (with stereo system). The "really big" shop vac is currently stored in the Pallet Stores. Not sure what to do with it. Need to get a consensus with the other crew at portcall. I'm leaning to sending it home and just using the smaller shop vacs fir dust collection.
Grating was installed in the overhead creating the Forward Bat Cave (FBC). We have stored SCBAs, Igloos, the soft glove box and ceiling material in the space, with room for more stuff.
Metal bench grinder installed on the forward wall between the elevator and stair doors. Crew painted the decks and walls
Science Stores: Floors were painted and rope racks installed at the forward end. Still lots of opportunities remove unneeded or overstocked materials and make additional storage space available. It would be nice if we can move all of the tape supplies and glues from the core reefer to this space. These products don't require refrigeration, just AC and we really need the space it would free up.

Pallet Stores: During the port call and transit a large cage system was installed in the gas bottle corral. This contains tissues, kim wipes, etc.. In the forward end, shelving and dividers were installed to hold construction materials and sheet stock. The panel saw was relocated from the staging area and mounted to the starboard side of the bottle coral next the sheet stock.
Next to the stairs (from the galley) additional racks were installed to hold waxed boxes (~700) and personal boxes with some storage on top of the rack. This freed up a significant amount of space in the pallet stores. At the end of these racks, the new (and very large) -86 freezer was installed.
The platform was cleared off and a work bench installed along with the big wood sander. Together with the drill press and the band saw, we now have a small wood shop.
The ship's electricians removed several lights blocking storage on top of this new core box rack. One of the extra lights was mounted in the bottle corral providing much needed light. Power for the -86 freezer was relocated, telephone relocated to the starboard bulkhead next to the stairs and outlets were mounted at the new shop bench on the platform.
A second, larger Aft Bat Cave (ABC) was installed in the hatch and must be accessed with the aluminum folding ladder. There are two hooks welded to the framework to secure the ladder. This bat cave has 24 d-tube boxes which have been removed from the inventory as an emergency reserve.
Ship's crew repainted all of the decks, handrails and the zero lift. They also touched up welding marks on the bulkheads.

Splitting room: A plexiglas guard was made for the large MK saw and the plastic splash hood for the parallel saw was repaired. A guard is still needed for the smaller MK saw.
Plastic sheeting has been added to the starboard wall over the fiberglass sink area as a splash guard. The isoduct electrical service was raised to a safe height near the ceiling and electrical cabling for the saws and water solenoids was cleaned up.

Data Checking: Stephanie Zeliadt has made new LIMS Web Tabular summary reports to streamline data checking prior to splitting cores and boxing. The reports are found at http://web/ (JOIDES Resolution Home Page) under LIMS Web Tabular Report, Summaries. The reports are called Core Split Summary, Image Summary, and Analysis Count.
ET Shop Supplies: Went through the drawers and boxes stashed in the Downhole lab and Core Entry; sorted what to keep, toss, or return to CS. What remained was reorganized into the Vidmar cbinets.
Core Lab: New shelving was added to the Strat Correlation area and into the niche, just forward of the paleomag lab (hallway to quarters).

Problems Encountered
Analytical Gas Lines: During the cruise, the following locations were checked for leaks (none found):
1. Two sets of connections in the void space between the elevator and fwd machinery room.
2. Connections in the ceiling at main deck.
Connections are still isolated valves to core lab and chem. lab at the F deck.
Elevator Mechanical Space: To get access to the lines in the mechanical space forward of the elevator (below Main deck) it was necessary for the ship's crew to install an inspection platform. The platform can be accessed from the lower hatch and internal ladder. Inspection of the fittings in this space showed no leaks.



Biomix line is leaking above the desk in the chem. lab. It is necessary to remove cabinet and light fixture to reach to the leak. (not resolved)
To inspect the connections in the IT office the cabinets above the desk on the starboard bulkhead will need to be removed but we could also place some valves in the science stores to isolate this lower section. ..much easier to install valves.
During the cruise, Chem. tech notify that Argon pressure drop when start the ICP. ½ inch line was temporary hooked up from regulator to main line above the gas bottle rack but no change. It is necessary to reevaluate regulator system at the gas bottle rack.

Core Storage: – "Houston, we STILL have a problem!" The central rack added on 321 was very handy but 5700 meters of core still overwhelmed the reefer. Our only option was stacking the core boxes very, very high, much higher than we ever stack boxes. For stability, criss-cross the waxed boxes. Icing of the fans was a major issue caused by stacking the boxes too high in front of and around the fans blocking air flow. Found out from the Dan (chief Engineer) that ours fans do not have an electrical defrost system just a passive system (refrigerant turned off). We need to have the system up graded or icing will become a continuing problem.
MK-101 Saw :We used the MK-101 saw for splitting hard rocks. It no longer has the vibration/oscillation problem with the support bar installed (machined and installed by Al). The saw still bogs down very easily even though the diamond blade was switched to a thinner kerfed blade. It might be the type of clay-rich rock we've been cutting. On the transit in we changes out the ¼" water solenoid to ½" and clean up the electrical which may eliminate the bogging problem.
Additional ½" solenoids have been ordered to upgrade all of the saws.
Core Splitter: The electric brake for the saw did not make the Victoria portcall. It will be installed in Yokohama.
Floors: The floor under the core splitter (starboard-aft corner) buckled up from water incursion. This is not supposed to happen! The offending material was chipped away and will need to be painted as a temporary fix. We left it unrepaired/unpainted so that we can show the problem to management in Yokohama. This is a warranty issue with TransOcean. We need to remove the entire floor and replace it was the proper material.
Repaired the floor outside the Microscope Lab but needs to be refinished and repainted.
Discovered that ODL has 12 gallons of our grey floor paint in their paint locker. Some of it was used to paint the Camp Boss's office, but it did not go off. So I'm not sure if we should use it. The captain is ordering odorless epoxy paint for our floors.
Quarters Showers: We need to order adjustable shower holders. There great for some one tall but we are drowning the the wee folk.

CORE LAB

Kristin Hillis
Summary
This being the second full expedition for this crew, the core lab ran fairly smoothly, despite the fact it was a high recovery cruise, with 5700m+ of core, including unanticipated hard rock.
A special project Tim Bronk and I completed on the transit to the first site was decreasing the extra space between each level of the core rack, to allow for more levels per entire rack. The racks now have 15 shelves, as there were only 12 previously. This left the rack nearest the catwalk entrance door less than 1/2 complete. Brad Julson is ordering more racks but I am unsure if they will be arriving in time for the Yokohama portcall or will be installed in Townsville. Once they arrive, the core lab will have three permanent racks, which will be especially helpful on high recovery cruises. The two center core racks were utilized primarily on 323, with the overflow going into the rack in the Downhole Lab and finally the catwalk.
We encountered very gassy cores throughout the cruise, leading to drilling holes in the core liner, sometimes on the drill floor while being extracted from the drill pipe and always on the catwalk. One of the more out-of-ordinary samples taken on the catwalk was OSL samples, which were whole rounds that needed to be shielded from the light. As soon as the liner was in place on the catwalk, a technician would wrap the anticipated area of liner with aluminum foil. Once measured, that section was hack sawed off and wrapped in more foil and placed in special bags.
Our fourth site yielded almost 50m of hard rock that had not been anticipated. One trick we found when splitting pieces of hard rock over ~40-50cm on the super saw was to shrink wrap the entire piece. The same also went for several smaller pieces that could be rejoined to make a fairly long continuous piece. We had better results shrink wrapping each joint and then the entire piece. Some of our hard rocks were still rather soft and often when a long piece was super sawed, it would break into a dozen smaller pieces and get thrown around in the saw enclosure. This led to them needing to be pieced together again and sometimes orientation was lost. The shrink wrap seemed to hold them in place well.
The Brady labeler for hard rocks was often a challenge to use. The combination of only having one real working battery and old labels from Phase 1 that came off the spool while still in the machine and jamming up other moving parts proved frustrating. The top constantly had to be removed and inside parts disassembled to remove the 'runaway' labels. Although there are two rechargeable batteries, it seems as though only one will hold a charge. Between the two labelers, we tried to take the better working parts (battery, toner cartridge, etc) and piece together the 'best' working labeler and worked with it plugged into the power outlet closest to the working table as possible. I believe a newer, updated label machine that isn't as frustrating or time-consuming to use should be ordered. It is my understanding emails have been sent to shore regarding the problems we've had with the labeler, but I have not heard if a new one was purchased. I did hear a new supply of labels would be shipped out for the Shatsky cruise, which should help with the situation of labels jamming the inside parts.
To make a comment on something from the 321 core lab report regarding storage of d-tubes in the lab. For the last two cruises we would keep two d-tube boxes opened above both the working and archive racks. We would then keep 6-8 boxes of additional d-tubes stored on their side in the elevator to use as needed. Whenever boxed cores were taken to the reefer, the 'd-tube side of the elevator' was replenished.
Problems Encountered
Lack of supplies!!! We ran out of a lot of supplies, due to having rather high recovery and probably inaccurate inventory counts. Ethafoam rod used for PAL spacers were gone halfway into the cruise, so hard rock dividers were acetoned in place. Using the extra acetone for PAL spacers and the unexpected hard rock cores lead to almost running out of acetone completely. We had to be very conservative with the acetone on the catwalk for the last two sites and had two wash bottles left when drilling operations were complete. We also ran out of waxed boxes for boxing core with two sites remaining. The solution was to use empty d-tube boxes as a replacement. Since a box of core went from 10 to 25 sections (super heavy!!), a pallet was placed in the elevator and core was carried to the elevator.
Another problem encountered was lack of space in the reefer. Core was stored as efficiently as possible and stacked rather high, and we still had to store core from the last site on the upper tween landing. We began the cruise with a very high number of d-tube boxes, most which were stored in the reefer with the excess tarped and palletized on the F-deck mezzanine. (It should be noted a new 'bat cave' was constructed in the pallet stores and an emergency supply of d-tubes are available there.) It was found d-tubes stored in the reefer, not on the shelves, should be palletized and not stacked directly on the floor. This allows for easy movement as more core is stored.
We had a problem with some of the core liner cutters spiraling rather than cutting a straight line. There seemed to be an issue of alignment and they are being sent for repair.
Equipment Performance Summary
The core splitter worked well. Most everything was split using the wire, with the exception of the hard rock. The hard rock was split mostly on the MK 101 tile saw, as we seemed to be on the boundary of the rock being too soft and broken to pieces on the super saw. As of writing this report, an automatic 'return to home' has not been added, but hopefully Bill will have time to program that feature before arrival in Yokohama
Special Projects
Throughout the course of the expedition, the floor directly under the super saw housing began to bubble up. No leaks were found in the splitting table drainage system and the cause is still undetermined. During the cleaning exercises on the transit to Yokohama, the floor was chiseled up in that area and will be painted.
New backsplashes were added behind the saws and new saw enclosures were fabricated.

P-MAG TECH REPORT

Trevor Cobine
SRM
A new version of the SRM software for measuring section samples was installed as was the new discrete sample program. The discrete sample program was not used. Software had one bug that wrote old data with a new sample Text_ID creating a duplicate file. This turned out to be the data array in the Begin Demag section was not being cleared properly. Small modification to the code fixed this and the software has run well since then.
As of the August 26, the boat has been 'sticking" in the low field region. There is no observable reason although limit switch was an error message given. Turn off motor (MO) and move boat manually back towards the HOME position and ran the #Return subroutine and everything worked again from there. The limit switch should not have stopped motion in the return direction as #LIMSWI subroutine should have allowed motion in that direction.
The low field region limit switch was mechanically sticking against the fiberglass. A small tweek to the switch arm gave this the necessary clearance for smooth operation. This is independent and before the above problems.
Molspin & D-Tech
The Molspin and D-Tech were used. It became apparent that Molspin uses COM1 and the D-Tech use COM1 also. These two units were connected to 2 different computers to avoid this conflict. The serial port changeover switch did not work as a viable solution. Also 25pin serial cables are a rare item these days.
Flexit tools
The principal FlexIt tool used was 937. We lost one set of data when a PC was restarted or the MeasurIt program was closed while the tool was running. This is a problem that needs to be discussed with FlexIt. For time based surveys and downloading from Record 0, why must we have the initializing program running for the time of the survey.
Tool 936 did not record all data on one hole. It recorded the first 17 cores and stopped recording. The DHML PC was still running the MeasurIt program. No explanation as the data downloaded without a problem. This tool also drops a few 6-8 in 16,000 random lines of data during a run. Reason for this is as yet unknown but does not seem to present any problems.
 

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES LAB

Chris Beveridge
Summary:
The physical properties portion ran smoothly for the most part with a few problems that would pop up here and there. Much of the problems were related to both user error and a hard understanding of the programs used. Many of the programs were not user friendly for the scientists causing many problems with both running and uploading samples into the database. The average time taken to process a fresh number of samples for a single site ranged from two days to four days pending on the number of samples taken. Once the samples are placed in the oven to dry it takes a noted 36 hours until you can return to process them. 24 hours to dry them and 12 hours to cool them. We found that after about 9 hours of cooling time the values error percent was negligible leaning to a quicker processing time.
When using vials for the PP samples we had to put the vial number on the top of the cap due to the marker on the vial would rub off. We also would organize the vials so that they were in order making searching and organization of the vials and samples easier. Due to the lack of organization within the MAD programs this allowed quicker searching and entering of information for data.
One thing to ensure is that you always run MADService after each shift when the pycnometer is used so that the data is uploaded into the database. This is a background running program and will not interfere with normal use of the other programs.

System Notes:
P-Wave Velocity Half Round tool
The p-wave velocity half round tool was not used during this expedition due to problems in transit by the scientists. When testing it on a core the round p-wave readers crushed fully into the section destroying that portion of the sediment. These problems might have been resolved better if cross over training had taken place and the user guide was written in a since that a freshman college student could run it.
Mettler Balance Scales
Both balances ran smoothly throughout the expedition with very minimal problems. All problems with the balances were software base.
When using the search feature to locate the sample vile the organization of the list was not well laid out. Samples would be in different orders with cores mixed in with each other over a constant list 1H, 2H, 3H....ext they would number out 1H, 10H, 11H, 2H, 12H,...ext. After sites were finished, there would still be vials that would linger in the system and not fully clear out after both masses were taken. At times vials that were entered into sample master would not show up in the search menu.
Pycnometer (MAD)
Upon arriving aboard the pyc had 2 troubled cells. Through out the expedition several problems arose with the pyc from over pressurizing of cells, full cells going down, to program issues with the software.
Working with Mike Meiring and the ET's we were able to trouble shoot many problems with the pyc and rework several components to fix the problems. Trevor Buys rebuild a faulty circuit board and working with Mike have come up with some ideas to better rebuild the device so that it is easier to work on and better functioning. Several of the cells would over pressure causing them to run a shutdown code dumping the program. This dumping of the program would sometimes lead to a loss of information in the system removing the vials from the sample selection screen. Talking with Mike we came to a few ideas on what might be happening and concluded they were just spikes and the equipment could handle it allowing us to raise the fail safe pressure from 21 to 23.
The cooling/heating temperature control unit although did not have any problem directly did have some interesting operational qualms. Several times when running the pyc constantly at sites and even in transit leaving the pumps on the water used to cool/ heat the pyc would evaporate. Although this is not a serious problem just note that about once a week it will have to be refilled with DI water. There is a brown labeled bottle for DI water just for this purpose in the pyc supplies draw. I would suggest if the mechanics of the machine allows it to run mineral oil as appose to water. Reason for this is mineral oil does not conduct electricity (the cooling pipe and electronics are all in the same enclosure) and also does not evaporate as rapidly.
The software for the pyc in its self needs serious revision. It is far from user friendly nor simple to navigate. Several problems arose from the scientists miss clicking or not being assured data uploaded. In the select sample window there was no true organizational layout causing much loss of time for searching through lists of vial numbers to find the right one. The drop menu for selecting the cells is grayed out a normal notation of either a non-editable cell or an autofill cell (this should be changed or made automatic). The sample window should be reworked for more organization of the listings or a search box implemented so that one can just type the vial number in and get the cell to assign it. The sensitivity of the program to pressure is to high causing pressure spikes that shut the system down leading to a loss of data and some times removal of vial numbers from the database. We found that after three attempts of assigning a vial to a specific cell on the third failed attempt it would remove the vial from the search listing. Due to the unfriendly method of selecting and assigning cells this happened quite often.
As of now all cells are fully operational and working within their limits. There should be new sylinoids on order along with one or two fully built cells that should arrive in Yokohama port call. Mike Meiring is working on a new electronics layout to remove the electronic boards from being housed inside the cell case and away from temperature control fluids.
Equipment returned for repair
As of now there is no equipment that needs to be sent for repairs.
Document any updates to manuals or methods.
None
Special Projects
None
Type and Number of Measurements
Samples were taken with 30cc syringes, with the ends cut off, due to a high amount of water causing the metal sampling tool to not hold the sediment for extraction. 10cc equivalent of sample was taken from 3 sections 1,3,5 or 2,4,6 when applicable. Due to high expansion rates from methane gas section one was abandoned and samples were moved to even sections as to odd. Many times physical properties samples were not taken on the A Hole causing delays in scientists reports and delays in the core flow. Expedition 323 took about one thousand physical properties samples over the course of the 7 holes. These samples were used for grain density analysis via the pycnometer.

 ANALYTICAL TRACKS

Trevor Williams

Special Tasks-Multi Sensor Logger (STMSL)
During the transit from San Diego to Victoria, BC independent measuring interval feature was added to the STMSL. This has worked well during the expedition and to my knowledge has not caused any problems.
File Upload Issues:
Sean Higgins requested a second set of data files to be written to a directory for Strator program to access because of the slowness of the data uploads. There were a couple of bugs introduced that caused file pointers to be created but not destroyed and these caused problems with uploaders.
Changes to the .NET uploaders and associated software increased the speed considerable to near instantaneous and I deemed that the second set of file would not be necessary and removed this feature as part of the bug fix. Morgan & Mills investigated and found the where the Bartington MS2 instrument code was generating the unwanted file pointer that locked the files.
There were two problems with files not being uploaded. One was a race condition that meant the text_id was not passed to the Save Data section in a timely manner. This was aggravated by the use of the Current Sample control, an artifact from development. SampleList[0] replaced calls to Current Sample control. Also, property nodes did not have error lines connected making race condition more of a problem then they should have.
The other problem causing files not to be uploaded was if the network failed that file being uploaded were not uploaded.
Other network related issue is, if a window or dialog box that utilizes the network for LIMS verification, upload, etc, and the network fails then the parent application is locked up. Sample ID entry, Log In Screen and LIMS uploaders need to be able to reconnect transparently or automatically when the network connection is re-established to allow uploader to continue uploading and sample ID entry to continue with out having to close and restarting the application.
Measurement Position Accuracy
It was observed that the measuring position was not accurate. The cause was traced to the code being used for the Acuity AR200 laser. Stale data was being stored in the serial buffer and the laser was not accurately detecting the TOP of Sample. Modified the code to:
1 Start and stop transmission of data to the serial port.
2. Clear serial buffer before reading data
3. Reading the datum and stopping transmission.
This corrected the measuring position accuracy.
Further testing was done to change the AR200 configuration to include NPN Limit Switch function. This switch was wired to the Galil @IN[6] digital input testing showed this to be a superior method of detecting the presence or not of core under the laser. The Acuity AR200 laser was setup with the commands.
S200, 50 samples per second.
X3, turn on NPN function
J2000, lower distance limit for the switch in raw units (range is 0 to 50000)
K48000, upper limit in raw units.
Refer Acuity AR200 manual for further detail.
Other strange behavior noted was that when a new sample was loaded sometimes there was a back step in the data position or double measurement at an interval. Testing has led me to believe that if there is an error detecting the top of a sample then the next measurement calculation was wrong and this can happen. Improvements to how the top of sample is detected have prevented this from happening.
A modified WRMSL program incorporating these changes and changes to the order of execution was tested with current instrument code and other instrument code under test and there were no conflicts. The addition of the NPN Limit Switch is transparent to the serial output and the data streaming.
Stop Switch
A stop switch was added to the STMSL track. Switch is on the end of the rail system and when a section reaches it, it stops the track from advancing until the section has been removed and a message dialog closed. To fit 2 full sections on the track before switch operates an extension was added to the existing rails. New rails 8 feet long are required to replace old rails and remove one mount (the double up) to tidy the system up. Rails will have to be purchased and drilled accurately on shore before shipping.
Switch Wiring
Revised the wiring for the forward & reverse limit and home switches and the digital inputs. The pull-up resistors on the 44 pin wiring card were removed as they were not necessary and this tidied up the wiring somewhat.
WRMSL
I changed the Acuity AR200 laser codes to use the newer streaming data vi's.
Problems were encountered with missing data files typically for the GRA1. These were corrected by changing the Current Sample control to SampleList[0].
Occasionally on both the WRMSL & the STMSL the puck would drive thru to the limit switch to the GRA cover. During some other testing I noticed that if the sample entry dialog box had some empty fields this would happen even if there was a length given. The sample Entry Dialog Box.vi needs to rewritten for the new scanners arriving for Exp324. <span style="color: #ff0000"><strong>WRONG! The limits switches were wired incorrectly! Swapping the switches solved the problem!</strong></span>

Section Half Multi Sensor Logger
Added background correction to the Bartington MS Instrument. Background measurement was done on the x1 range. This gave a background that varied +/- 2 SI units. Instead of -13 to -19 SI without background. Background needs to be collected on the x0.1 range as the x1 range is too coarse. Interval for background measurement is 0.5cm for about 160cm.
Added selectable measuring intervals to the controller code. This was later removed to prevent the program hanging. The cause of the hangs was not investigated as the roll back of the code seemed to cure the problem. Code implementation is similar that used in the WRMSL & STMSL control program which works fine.
There were complaints about the SHMSL being too slow. Most seem to be around the time it takes for the Bartington to Zero, lower, measure (times 3) and rise.
The Bartington MS2 meter communicated intermittently with the host PC. Meter measured OK but did not return a value to the program. Meter was removed from the logger so they could continue logging RSC data. Meter was check and found to be OK. Possible problem is the host serial port. 2 or 3 new Bartington MS 2 meters should be at Yokohama so at port call, replace the meter with a new one and test to identify which is truly faulty, PC com port or meter. Testing to my knowledge has been inconclusive to locating the actual problem component.
The Microscan MS04 label scanner was replaced by a handheld Motorola SYMBOL scanner at the scientists' request. Microscan MS04 are not the most reliable or effective method of scanning labels. Not sure if the problem is with the scanner resolution (480 x 640) or the barcode reading software, but the labels have to be rescanned too often to get a Text ID.
NGR
The NGR had its sample loader replaced during the transit from San Diego to Victoria, BC. The new system was a vast improvement over the original. Two problems that surfaces was an error message, Communication error with Galil Controller. This was handled by clearing the error message dialog box and continuing. Exact source/cause of the error is unknown.
The second was that the motion would "torque out" and show current overload red LED with the sample partially inside the NGR. This required the run to be aborted and the over current indicator reset. WSDK, Terminal > ST, MO, SH command cleared this.
The Torque limit was raised to 9.0 in the #AUTO subroutine. This equates to 6.3 amps through the motor, still within normal current operating range for the motor. The overcurrent would occur either where the rails changed or at a point after the initial acceleration had occurred. The increase in torque limit cured the problem.
A check needs to be added to the software to ensure that the sample has actually moved onto the NGR fully and not stalled partially in.
Other problem with the NGR was that the front of the titanium boat broke out, not at the high stress point where the push rod connected. An attempt to weld it back in failed as there was no Ti wire for the MIG welder. I believe this was caused by operators packing in too much etherfoam to stop the sample moving and stressed a poor weld. A piece of Teflon was fitted to the boat and the length of the connecting rod increase to correct for change in position of the sample.
At the request of the PP scientist a Motorola SYMBOL handheld scanner was located and replaced the Microscan MS04

Outstanding issues
Sample Entry Dialog Boxes for all tracks needs to be more robust and less quirky.
Sample Entry Dialog Boxes needs to remove the requirement for a user name & password or a generic user and password used in the code.
Any vi that connects to LIMS (IODPLimsServices.dll) needs to be able to restart or reconnect itself after the network or servers are restored.
In general, the LabVIEW code needs to be checked for unwire error lines, particularly on property nodes to prevent race conditions. I have gone through the code of different systems and done this but more checks are required to get what I have missed.
Bartington MS2 for the SHMSL needs to be replaced by a new unit and tested to verify whether it is the Bartington MS2 or the host PC that is faulty.
Method to halt the WRMSL & STMSL when samples are not removed. Switches need to setup at the end of the rails and wired into the Galil Controller @IN[7] , pin 22 and tested for a logic zero during Motion>Move to Next Position. Fitted to STMSL and tested but not the WRMSL yet.

CORE DESCRIPTION

Sarah-Jane Jackett
Summary
The goal of exp. 323 (5th July- 4th September) was to recover sediments for recent- Pliocene paleooceanography reconstructions from the Bering Sea.
Participants involved with using DESCLogik, the wet lab and the microscope lab, were 8 sedimentologists and 8 micropaleontologists.
A very high percentage of my activities onboard, besides from the primary task of helping with core flow, involved inputting data into DESCLogik (all data for the 8 micropaleontologists aboard, occurrences, datums and zones), assisting the core describers with data collection and editing/correcting barrel sheets once initial drafts were made by Jamie Smidt (yeoperson).
I am very thankful to Bill Crawford (imaging specialist) for his willingness to deal with the numerous microscope tasks during the entire expedition.
System notes: DESCLogik
Pre cruise preparation. A defined pre-cruise methodology would enhance efficiency. The ideal procedure as follows:
Prior to the port call:

• Staff scientist contacts participating scientists with a brief overview of what information and the format which it is required in to make templates prior to the port call. This can be distributed to the scientists several weeks pre-cruise. It will also help to start the process of thinking about explanatory notes pre-cruise/port call.

• Receive template mock-ups from micropaleontologists and sedimentologists prior to the port call.

• Construct templates for individual groups (i.e. Exp 323: core description, smear slide, tin section description, palynomorphs, plankic foraminifera, benthic foraminifera, diatoms, nannofossils, silicoflagellates and radiolarians). If the scientists have been informed of the desired data points (i.e. datum, astronomical tuning, age controls, references etc) and desired formats, in the future this process can be sped up substantially.

During port call/ transit:

• Introduce Desclogik to the scientist. The different users require different functions, one session for the micropal. group and one session for the core describers is recommended. Discuss the scientist's templates with them to ensure they are comfortable using the program to record data.

• If micropaleontologists do not want to enter their own data, as was the case this expedition, if they can enter their data in the excel export of their template with complete sample IDs, this significantly facilitates the process of uploading their data.

General error messages/ user friendly
What follows is a bullet list of changes made during expedition 323 ((CB) = modifications implemented by Chris Bennight) and suggested future changes.

• The following error messages were added (CB): are you sure you want to save over this workspace? and, Core is different in row: 0 still uploading data? The second error message is in place with the core describers in mind. Ideally this message should not appear on micropaleontology templates as zones generally occur over several cores.

• The workspace drop down list is now ordered alphabetically (CB).

• Columns within a template can be moved around and not effect previously saved data provided the column name isn't changed (CB).

• Added sample type TSB to sample type (CB).

• Added support for doubly qualified dynamic columns (CB).

• Downloaded .csv files containing commas, i.e. free text entries under summaries, comments etc, were changed (?escaping comma?) so the commas don't create new columns (Stephanie Zelidat).

• A higher rank organization of workspaces to minimize confusion would be ideal i.e. a folder per Site containing the workspaces for that site.

• Downloaded data from a doubly qualified dynamic column is broken down to an entry per row, for example, type of disturbance and intensity of were entered on one row for the same sample interval, yet they are downloaded as separate entries. The rows then require merging to facilitate checking uploaded data.

• When one tab is uploading and you attempt to upload a second the error message should read: currently uploading previous data, not pervious data.

• Once a workspace has been saved with one name, then changes are made/ data added, ideally when you re-save the workspace, the name would be prompted (as with Microsoft programs). To save scrolling though the list of workspaces to find the correct workspace.

• A spell check in free text cells (generally: comments and summary columns) would be very useful.

Sample Finder

• Being able to search by TEST e.g. NANNO, rather than sample type. Often not all nannofossil samples were entered with a TPCK for example they could be entered as if they were taken with a CYL therefore you end up looking in the wrong place.

• When a full sample text ID isn't recognized the program prompts you to choose the sample from a short list. The selection isn't remembered, each time you re-open the workspace you are promoted to re-select the sample.

• When you copy and paste a sample ID from the .csv file provided by webtabular, spaces in the sample ID are kept unlike if the user copies and pastes from the table provided by webtabular, e.g. 323-U1339A-1H-CC-PAL20 -FORAM40 (copied from table) 323-U1339A-1H-CC-PAL20 -FORAM40 (copied from .csv file). DESCLogik requires the spaces to identify the sample. Ideally the number of spaces should not be considered.

Data Manager

• Search or sort function in valve list manager is desperately needed. At present the user is required to copy and paste the information into excel and use the excel search/sort function. This function would reduce the number of duplicates which have already begun to accumulate.

• A standardized protocol for references e.g. is there is a comma between the author of a species and the year, between the author of a datum, or zone, and the year etc (particularly noticeable when working with micropaleontology entries). Again this would help minimize duplicates.

• When a new entry is made, saved and a new version added, ideally we would like to avoid closing and restarting the programme in order for the entry to appear.

• Umlauts, circumflexes and accents (è, é, ï, û etc) commonly used in references aren't supported in LIMS, once the reference is downloaded back into DESCLogik the character is replaced with a question mark.

Templates/ Data entry

• The rounded up/down method applied to calculated depths should be the same applied in sample master.

• If sample 2 is shallower than sample 1, an error message is required to inform the user.

• When an interval over several sections e.g. 1H-5H is described and a comment is made about that interval, e.g. fining upwards, the comment should be applied to that interval rather than suggesting that each section in the interval is fining upwards.

• When defining a dynamic column and using the bulk entry option, the custom list button floats around the window when you alter the size of the window.

• When the dynamic Tab Manger window is resized the save button disappears.

• Allow custom lists to associate with subvalue lists made by other users.

• Some more indication that the graphical icon to select an interval on the core photo is engaged e.g. the outline becomes blue when engaged.

• MBSF as well as ruler in graphical representation of core image.

Uploading data in DESCLogik
Occasionally the number of rows being uploaded will be grossly exaggerated. ?

Downloaded data in DESCLogik

• Ideally we would like to be able to edit the sample, for example, the section half (many core descriptions were entered on the working halves). Rather than having to delete the observations attached to the working halves from the database then re-enter the observations on the archive half. Currently only top and bottom interval depths can be changed and the entry deleted.

• In downloading all data from a long hole, there may not be enough rows to display the data. CB increased the number of rows to 1000 (from 500); ideally a larger figure again is required to ensure all data will always be displayed.

• Downloaded data needs to be sorted by depth only. Currently data is sorted with dynamic column or not as a factor.

• It would speed up the data entry and data checking process if the all tabs selection functioned for downloading. Currently it functions for uploading and clearing the data only.

Ideas
A form of 'nested tables', allowing for example smear slide and thin section data to be incorporated into the core description template (often used to define the lithology). In real time would be ideal.


System notes: Wet lab

• Pre cleaned slides required

• Big oven can be faulty

• Boiling water needed, kettle required (to wash out kerosene)

• Noland expiry dates should be considered

• 1mm thick cover slips (diatoms and nannofossils) not 1.5mm (too thick for focusing on small specimens)

• Weighing scales was placed in the wet lab from the storage. I imagine several scales could be needed during any paleo expedition in the future (Bill Mills has some ideas about previously used scales).

System notes: Microscope inventory (Also see Crawfords report)

• SPOT software requires updating; currently the software runs on a trial key (Dave Fackler)

• Any parts changed/ replaced by myself or Bill Crawford have been entered in the microscope inventory software so their location is recorded. This includes all changes made to the Zeiss Axioscope in the microbiology lab.

MICROSCOPES

William Crawford

Configuration and alignment
In the first days of the cruise the microscopes were configured and aligned as per the request of each user. Every cruise each user must go through a period of adjustment, as it is rare the same microscope is used in their home lab. Effort is made to accommodate their wishes and needs within the limits of our equipment and facilities on board. In this expedition it was requested that we remove and replace a stage converting a rotate able stage to a fixed x-y axis stage with table level adjustments. We only have one of those in stock that will fit only one style of the Zeiss Scopes in inventory. To accomplish this request, two microscopes stages were removed and replaced, and the objectives were switched along with computers and spot cam capability. Hours of alignment followed the reconfigurations, which led to a loss of work time by the scientist who wanted to accommodate the wishes of the requesting scientist.
After this was completed, the requesting scientist was not happy with the resulting scope and the original configuration had to be recreated, with the subsequent process of configuration and realignment. A lot of time and effort was required, but in the end everyone was satisfied and pleased with my willingness and efforts to accommodate their wishes. This is not the first time this type of problem has occurred on my expeditions, and perhaps more fixed stages are needed.
Chromatic aberrations of stereo-scopes
There is a major problem with the Zeiss SV11 stereo microscopes, which can be described as a rainbow affect around full spectrum illuminated images. This is due to uncoated optics and designs that do not focus all of the colors of the light to one point. The result is what appears to be an out of focus image with a red glow on one side and a green glow on the other side of the subject.
At first I thought this to be the new spot camera, but the same problem was viewed through the oculars. Further investigation via the Internet indicated that this is a problem with the SV11s. I found a clarity difference between the two SV11s in stock -one scope is markedly better than the other. Switching microscopes and working with a different light source improved the results but the problem remains and, in my opinion, it is a hardware issue. It appears that it is the desire of the program to provide digital imaging capability on the stereo microscopes. Where as the casual viewer may find the images to be acceptable, to the trained eye and certainly for publication, the resulting image quality of this combination falls far short. I believe this is a major problem that needs addressing.
Smear slide scope
The smear slide section standard scope was reputably partially disassembled by one of the scientist. Subsequently re-alignment was necessary. Later on in the cruise, I was called to adjust the scope and what I found was alarming. Mud was found on the condenser and the scope was out of alignment beyond the range of adjustment. I had to rebuild the scope from the bottom up and realign the stage. What was perceived as a stage tilt alignment problem was in fact a slide holder issue.
After aligning the stage and readjusting all of the objectives, the scope would not hold focus when moving the specimen through the field of view. This was found to be due to the slide holder lifting the specimen slightly as it was moved through the field of view. The slide holder was replaced, but note that the two slide holder replacements now in storage have the same issue and repair is recommended.

IMAGING LAB

William Crawford
DIGITAL IMAGING TRACK
Alignment, Color and Density Calibrations
The calibration of the camera was stable during the entire expedition with only minor adjustments, which were revealed by daily monitoring. With careful monitoring only two adjustments for color and a minor adjustment with the master gain was necessary.
Image Magik Correction
The Image Magik correction necessary to boost the lower densities in post processing was not functioning. Although the script showed it to be working in the Lab View Test Mode, when deployed in the actual equipment it failed.
A programming solution was explored, but the core flow and imaging needs during the ongoing mission did not allow for the time necessary to implement a programming solution. Therefore, after conferring with Chris Bennight a post processing solution was sought and deployed. To reduce the complexity of the system, I revisited Image Magik script as an alternative to the Photoshop solution implemented in Exp 320. Upon testing it, I found it to function well, and in many aspects it was superior to the Photoshop post processing option for this task. The results were excellent. Currently the image correction is being applied by an outside computer, which resides in the Marine Computer Specialist office and is monitored by them, Algie Morgan is working on a solution that would allow application of the Image Magik script within the scanner process.
Image Monitoring
Imaging monitoring of the archived files occurred daily through a data grab program provided by Stehpanie Zeliate during Expedition 320.
Uneven lighting illumination During Exp.
320 an uneven lighting illumination problem was caused by miss-mounting of one of the six lights which make up the array. This was temporarily fixed by removing one of the light bracket mounting screws, so as to allow the light lens surface to be parallel to the surface of the core. This solution, although temporary, has been satisfactory and has been stable throughout Expeditions 321 and 323. However, the mounting plates and/or the light mounting bracket will need to be re-machined to permanently correct this problem. Until then, a periodic inspection is necessary to confirm the array alignment.
Crop function. At times the crop function or in LIMS-terms, the region of interest, would not let the operator select the cropping option of the scanner program. Rather after the image is scanned, the program automatically and with apparent randomness would crop the image, save and close. We eventually identified this problem as a program error, which would lead to operator error. If the operator happened to double click the save crop button, such an action placed it in memory such that, the selected crop area would be applied to the next scanned image. The cropping issue was identified but not resolved, the code must be fixed to prevent this problem in the future.
The cropping error caused multiple problems in applications down stream. The error was not evident in the daily inspections as the tiff images being viewed were full images with no cropping. To circumvent this problem, Stephanie Zeliate modified her grab program to allow all three types of images to be downloaded and subsequently inspected. It was then necessary to down load and re-inspect all of the images to find the errant ones. This process was began August 9th and continued through August 22nd. After the errant images were identified and re-cropped they were given to Chris Bennight who placed them in the database.
Bar code reader
The bar code reader is problematic and a source of extreme frustration for the operator, as much time is taken to turn the core and offer its bar code at varying angles so that it might be read. This sometimes leads to scanning the images with the cores at an angle, which then must be redone. I would hazard to guess that this problem is responsible for at least a 25 percent loss in efficiency of the operation, from placement of the section in the scanner to removal of the scanned core. This is out of my area of expertise, however one might explore a different form of illumination of the bar code label, which perhaps would minimize the reflection that is always found on a cylindrical object.
Configuration File
Inspection of the images revealed instances of scans being done without the full array of lights illuminated. This occurs after a reboot, a restart or after a new operator logs in. This is an indication of an on going problem, which I believe has to do with the reading of the config. files. Turning the lights on and off before the first scan can eliminate the problem. The behavior, however, will correct itself after an errant scan, and in most cases was observed by the operator and the section was rescanned. Fortunately, the operators were diligent in their observations and only one section in the entire leg had to retrieved from cold storage for rescanning. However the programming code needs to revision to avoid this problem in the future.
Saving images
Most of the full line scan camera images of core 150 cm long have a pixel length count greater than 30k pixels. Adobe Photoshop has issues with images with a greater pixel count of 29,999.0. If Adobe Photoshop encounters such an image, some of the functions are not available and "grayed out". One of the functions you loose is the ability to save as a JPG file. To remedy this problem, open the image, then go to >Image>Image size>check resample image> reduce the pixel count to under 30,000.0 and save. This will allow the image then to be saved as a jpg if desired.

Close-up Still Photography
Less than 20 close up images were requested. These were sponge spicules, shells and other items that could be removed from the sediment core.
The current close up workstation is not wide enough to photograph a specimen not removed from the section, if that area of interest is at the end of the section. Removal of the shelving to the right of the table would eliminate that problem.
Both types of close up lenses were used as well as both types of lighting.
We need a 150 cm elevated ruler and another scale type to be placed in each image.
We also need storage for the odds and ends needed to do the job.
To my knowledge a system of placing the close-up images in the database has not yet been addressed.
No video or still equipment issues were encountered.

Meta Data Duties
Pound Hill Meta grove developer software was purchased to create a user-friendlier Meta data entry interface. For unknown reasons the software did not install properly.
I also realized that devoting the time needed in this issue was not an effective use of my time at sea. This, as well as the Cumulus Digital Asset Management system, needs to be a shore-based project.
Meta data entry continues to be a bottleneck in the workflow and it is key to eventual use of the Digital Asset Management system for the organized retrieval of the public relation type of images. Also we are now gathering hours and hour of video footage that must be cataloged and stored in the same manner.

Video Efforts
My video efforts concentrated on video capture and editing of a detailed Core Receiving Platform video, a short video interview of Alan Mix for an outreach activity, interviews of five Transcoean employees and interviews of both the co-chiefs.
Also in the mix, was the development and production of a lead in "donut". This is brief piece of video fast in action and message that will be used as an introductory logo piece identifying the subsequent video as belonging to the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program.
This was done in Final Cut Pros Studio Suit, Motion program.
The Core Receiving Platform piece was my major video effort this Expedition. I designed and constructed an overhead camera trolley in order to get the pan and follow shots needed to capture the fast action that occurs on the Core Receiving Platform. Many thanks to Tim Bronk who allowed to be photographed and patiently lent his voice for the narration portion.
This piece is the beginning of a series of video clips, which will eventually follow the core path through the entire lab explaining each aspect as we do so. The goal is to have a series of short self-contained videos, which explain on a basic level the scientific and technological achievements we accomplish here. All integrated within the same format using the donut developed earlier in the cruise.

Outreach and Educational Efforts
The position of imaging specialist continues to be a mixture of responsibilities and challenges. During this time of new beginnings and leadership transitions we seem to be remaking ourselves regularly.
The goals and direction for the visual efforts for public relation purposes for both still image and especially for video seems to be ill defined.
Being asked to become a part of the J-Report team is a big step toward better first hand communication and I am most grateful for being part of the leading think tank effort on what is ahead. It is a big step towards my understanding of the goals and identifying and targeting areas for the video and still imaging efforts.
Where do we go from here? Who and what is our targets and for what purpose? Who can request services and efforts from the Imaging Specialist on board and realistically what are our capabilities and what are the limitations of that service?
What roll does the Consortium for Ocean leadership have in PR efforts as well as the National Science foundation? What is the current thinking on the mandated efforts to better inform the Texas A&M Campus and the local community?
What understandings do the requestors of our service have of our capabilities and what can reasonably be offered within the scope of total job duties the imaging specialist has while on a mission?
An understanding of the importance of pre-planning needs to be made clear to those who are requesting our services. Well-defined communication protocols need to be implemented. The person behind the lens must understand and share those visions and be a part of that total creative effort for effective imaging efforts.

CHEMISTRY LAB

Christopher Bennight, and Yulia Vasilyeva
Samples /analysis
Expedition 323 chemistry sampling and analysis:

The number of analysis values represent the number of unique samples analyzed,
Replicate measurements taken on the same sample will only be counted once.

ANALYTICAL SYSTEM STATUS
CHNS
Performance
Overall the instrument performed as expected. No problems occurred which impacted sample-flow through the lab
Issues (Resolved)

• Sample response (area) was out of range of the typical calibration curve. This was causing C/N ratios of ~4. Expected value was ~8. This was resolved by adopting the calibration technique used for acidified samples (ref. EXP 320 Tech Note Appendix A).
• Once the calibration response range was brought in line with the sample response expected C/N ratios were obtained.
• The CHNS was starved for helium in a bottle changing mix-up. This was during a run so the TCD was activated. Measurements of standards after helium was restored indicated that no permanent damage was done.

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• Current reorder point for reactors is 8, had this moved to 15 at the end of this expedition.

COULOMETER
Performance
Overall the instrument performed as expected. No problems occurred which impacted sample-flow through the lab
Issues (Resolved)

• Initial readings were ~35% low. The inner tubing which went into the sample cup was too short – the tube must sit within 5mm of the bottom of the sample vial. After replacement issue was resolved.
• Samples were taking longer than expected to run. The heater element in the base was no longer working. The ET's could not fix it, but it was replaced with a separate Baxter Multi-Blok heater for the time being.
• Issues with tubing lines popping of – these were due to the AgNO3 tube becoming clogged with silver sulfide. When this happens the tube needs to be removed and blown out with compressed air.

Issues (Outstanding)

• Stock heater still broken, new base needs to be purchased (with heater unit).
• Software still has issues described in 320 Tech Report (coulometer as well as balance software).

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• None

ION CHROMATOGRAPH (IC)
Performance
Overall the instrument performed as expected. Problems that occurred did impact the speed of getting analysis but not the overall ability to get them (on the order of 2-5 days later than expected).
Issues (Resolved)

• Cation conductivity detected became plugged with some unknown item. The detector was back flushed with a weak nitric acid solution (1%). Flow returned to normal after that.
• Anion retention time was much less than expected (sulfate at ~14min vs. 23 min specification). The column and guard column were replaced. Retention times returned to normal – the program files had to be adjusted for the new retention times.
• Issues (Outstanding)
• None

Parts on order

• 3 new 50 sample trays were requested at mid expedition and should be arriving this port call.

Misc

• When using labeled vials the technician needs to remove excess label from the bottom of the vial (otherwise the vial can collide with the autosampler arm halting the analysis)

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHS (GC's)
Performance
Overall the instrument performed as expected. No problems occurred which impacted sample-flow through the lab
Issues (Resolved)

• The previous expedition reported an issue loading data files from the GC3 to lims. This was caused by a modification to the GC3 run method which turned off data post-processing analysis. This is where the Agilent macro is run which exports data to the lims loader. After turning back on this macro data upload proceeded as expected.

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• A new sampling technique was used this expedition. Holes were drilled every 25cm with a 0.75cm drill bit. A stop was manufactured for the drill to minimize core intrusion. 3cc syringes were cut off at the tip and used to sample 3cc of core material. This material was placed in a 15mL serum vial with 5mL of 10%NaOH. The sample container was then crimped shut and stored upside down. The samples were then analyzed per standard procedure.
• If the Gerstel headspace vials are the same price as the Agilent headspace vials we should switch to those to simplify the supply chain.

Alkalinity
Performance
Overall the instrument performed as expected. No problems occurred which impacted sample-flow through the lab
Issues (Resolved)

• None

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• A new alkalinity base unit was purchased (qty: 2). They are still in the process of being integrated into the software, but it is anticipated they will both be up and running by port call.

ICP
Performance
Overall the instrument did not perform as well as expected. Various issues occurred which impacted the instruments ability to perform routine shipboard analysis.
Issues (Resolved)

• None

Issues (Outstanding)

• Argon Supply – the instrument consumes ~22 lph of argon at 90-95 psi. This is a higher demand rate than our gas system can keep up with. Larger lines were installed from the gas bottle regulator to the wall but were found to be ineffective. It appears the issue is related to the regulators in use (either chem. Lab regulator can not meet demand or gas bottle regulator can not – or both). The supply regulator is at maximum pressure (100 psi).
• Torch life is significantly lower than it should be, giving ~15-25 hr run life for one torch. The manufacturer was contacted with this and had a few suggestions – there is a new part number for a "Dura-View" torch, and we can go to an axial only torch. These changes are pending the result of some setup related issue (despite the fact that the setup was done by them). They have asked us to measure the exhaust flow and to realign the ICP torch. Both of these actions are still in progress.

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• The stability of the instrument was much less than it should be – it is believed that this is in part due to the issues noted above.

Discrete Analyzer
Performance
The instrument did not perform as expected, and in some cases was unable to complete standard analysis. Sample flow was severely impacted by the issues of this instrument.
Issues (Resolved)

• A wash supply line was misrouted as a drain line – this was causing spotty wash performance as it could only aspirate water in the drain. This was rectified.
• Issues (Outstanding)
• Reagent position 4 would not work. This position is required for some multi-reagent analysis (ammonium, etc.). The manufacturer believes they know what is causing this and will fix it when the instrument is returned to them.
• Certain sample positions (7 predominantly) will not give readings. This is believed to be the same root cause as above.

Parts on order

• Various standard supplies have been ordered and should arrive at port call. This instrument will not be there though as it is being shipped out.

Misc

• The instrument is being shipped back to OI at port call and should be returned by Canterbury.

TOC Analyzer
Performance

• Not used

Issues (Resolved)

• None

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• None

Misc
Disassembled to make more room for sample processing. Has been re-assembled.


PFT
Performance
Still under method development/determination
Issues (Resolved)

• Chemical mix-up – various vials of "perfluoro compound" were ordered in a small side. These were supposto be "perfluoromethylcyclohexane" (pfmch) but were instead "perfluorohexane" (pfh). This caused standardization and detection issues but the issue was finally discovered and the offending solutions correctly marked.
• Chemical quality – various bottles of "old" pfmch were used initially, and while this were primarily pfmch they had quite a bit of other halogenated compounds in the mix which caused needles issues with calibration/standardization. All the old pfmch has been used and the new supplies appear to be much cleaner.
• Carry-over. The syringe supplied with the unit (white plunger) was becoming contaminated with pfmch and giving high blanks (10^-6 parts pfmch level). Eventually the method was modified to turn up the syringe temperature to 150C, increase the purge time to 4 minutes, and change to a high temp syringe (cream colored plunger). This has reduced carryover to bdl levels.

Issues (Outstanding)

• Detection limit – currently we are not picking up a reliable peak below the 10^-7 level – we should get to the 10^-9 level. Further method development with injection volume and temperature is required.

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• The instrument came out to the ship with an old (slow) Pentium 4 computer. We are in the process of migrating it over to a newer computer already used by the TOC. There is not enough room for 2 computer systems there anyway so this is a necessity.

SUPPORT EQUIPMENT STATUS
Barnstead
Performance
Excellent
Issues (Resolved)

• None

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• None

Freeze Drier
Performance
Various issues, did not negatively effect sample processing thanks to timely fixes by Kuro.
Issues (Resolved)

• Extension cord burned out – new power cord was installed.
• Vacuum pump died - new vacuum pump installed.

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• New unit (freeze drier) – will probably not be here till Canterbury.

Misc

• None.

Hydrogen Generator
Performance
No problems which impacted sample processing/flow
Issues (Resolved)

• Inability of Generator 1 to maintain pressure. The ET, Trevor Buys, diagnosed this as a scored o-ring on top of the hydrogen cell. The faulty o-ring was replaced.
• Dead fan. The cooling fan for the unit died, and a new one was not available. Trevor adapted a DC fan to be used her temporarily.

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• New cooling fan (AC)

Misc

• None

Carver Presses
Performance
The issues resulted in a small impact to sample flow, primarily due to redundancy (would have been larger otherwise)
Issues (Resolved)

• None

Issues (Outstanding)

• Improper lubrication of jack. The jack unit's shaft is getting exceptionally rusty – to the point of causing operational lockups. It has been cleaned (rust removed) multiple times, but the underlying issue needs to be addressed.
• Squeezer destroyed – 2 squeezer units were destroyed while in use. It appears the small disc can rotate enough in the bore to become misaligned with the base. Both broken units are being sent back to shore for repair/redesign. It is thought that a ticker bottom disc will result in fewer problems.
• Parts on order
• 2 squeezers, e.t.a. Canterbury.

Misc

• Kuro created a new assembly for use in pressing the piston out of a shaft for disassembly.

Ampulator
Performance
Not used
Issues (Resolved)

• None

Issues (Outstanding)

• None

Parts on order

• None

Misc

• None.

Acid Bath Hood

• The sinks around the acid bath were leaking. Equipment stored under had to be relocated and the sinks are scheduled to be repaired (rtv removed, replaced with black epoxy) before port call.

Application – Database Issues

• Two new programs were used this expedition: Bulk Printer and LIMS Barcoder.

• Bulk Printer allow user to reprint any label from processed sample.

• LIMS Barcoder allows the user to select a hole and sample type and create a list of samples for that hole, in depth order, complete with scannable barcode.

XRAY/SAMPLE PREP LABS

Eric Jackson

Summary:
Expediton 323 was a high recovery (5741m of mostly sediment) expedition where scientists requested 53 XRD samples analyized and 33 ICP beads prepared.
Equipment:
Bruker D4
All equipment worked well but several items came up concerning the Bruker D4 and have been addressed or will be addressed in port. The first item was a power shutdown occurred without notice while in port at Victoria. When I returned to the ship I only noticed because I passed by the lab and heard what appeared to have been the cooling fan "clattering". The power had been restored and the D4 alarm indicators were lit, so the D4 does not physically stay off on when power is restored. I shut down the D4 and restored power to the Haskris water chiller.
When I restored power to the D4 and ran the corundum standard large spikes occurred at about 62 and 65 2theta. The peaks were large enough that the corundum scan was unnoticable relatively. I shut down the D4 and the supporting computer and restarted all systems and without doing anything else the peaks were still there but small enough to have a usable scan. I began a correspondence with Bruker service department and was told to check my cable connections and routing, the air scatter screen adjustments and the beam stop. What I found was the air scatter screen was out of alignment and the cables at 90 degrees 2theta were being stretched. The new Vantec detector was replaced in March of 09 and I assume the cables have been in the same place since that time. I aligned the air scatter screen and re-routed the cables. The service department also commented on noise at the beginning of a scan and could be related to the beam stop position at low angles.  I went back and reviewed the scans since Expedition 320 and have found the spikes occurring through at least April and leg 320, shortly after starting XRD samples (a week). A service call is scheduled while in port at Yokahama to further address these issues.
Sample Prep
We received 24 zero background cut quartz discs which should be used always in place of the previously supplied amorphous quartz discs.
Problems Encountered
Counter space in the prep area was adequate for this leg but a leg with more complete equipment use could necessitate being creative with space requirements. I recommend having the TS tech and XRD tech on opposite shifts to help optimize the available working space.
There is no designated sample location to get daily samples like previous expeditions resulting in a haphazard pattern that lends itself towards misplaced samples. I routinely encountered my samples on my counter or the curatorial counter or in the cardboard sample bin I set on the curator counter.
The zero background quartz discs are even thinner than the amorphous ones and sample volume is going to be an issue where scientists request really small samples to be evaluated. A request was sent to shore for more sample holders that are not as deep as the first batch and will be useful for preparing small volume samples or samples that need to be pipetted onto the quartz in slurry form. Also, many of the 300 sample holders have grooves from machining that impact properly preparing samples to be level to the sample holder face. Fortunately there are enough that do not have this problem.
As of yet I have not received a list of the software that came with the Bruker package and have been copy and pasting the PDF-2 mineral database from the XRD computer and the original needs to be located. I have received limited communication from TAZ group concerning my requests.
The current UG is not up to date and section 1.4 ; running samples should be disregarded, specifically the dql file and scanning using "basic 5-90 locked coupled scan.dql". I have created several dql files that are currently located on the desktop of the XRD designated computer and at this time these should be used or new ones created to fit more exacting requirements. Specifically do not scan below 2 degrees 2theta or above 60 2theta with the air scatter screen installed is the recommendation of Bruker service dept.
Changes
A designated sample prep air hose was installed next to the sink in the sample prep area and works well to use clean lab air to quickly air dry grinding vessels etc. instead of using acetone. The Mettler Toledo and Cahn 29 balance systems were moved to a designated computer so as not to infringe on access to the D4. There has been a pattern of leaving unknown chemical residues on the work counter as well as the keyboard in front of the Cahn 29 and a reminder sign was put up to help be clean.
I had the evaluation software installed on the forward starboard PC in the core lab to compliment the other access point located in the user room. Note that each location now has a dongle key associated with that computer that is part of the XRD labs software package.

Documentation
I reviewed comments left by XRD tech Bob Olivas and have added some of my own changes. Documentation should continue to be updated as we get to know the D4 and develop more efficient preparation techniques. A folder titled "screenshots" is located on the XRD desktop and is a collection point for interesting screen shots of D4 status or alarms or other noteworthy items and can be used to add pertinent information to the UG.

THIN SECTION

Kazushi "kuro" Kuroki
Summary
There were 38 requests for thin section during this expedition. The samples were drop stone and also all kind of samples such as lithofied sediment, sand, grain, and some basement rocks such as basalt and Brachia. Most of samples were freeze dried and vacuum impregnated. LP 50 has not been used during this cruise because so few samples were requested.
Special projects
Install emergency eye washer in the Thin Section lab sink.
Install sediment trap for the rapping wheel and the sink.
Problems encountered
There was no problem in the Thin Section lab equipment.
Miscellaneous
600 grit Silicon carbide powders were brought back to the upper tween store.
The parts for LP50 and Petrothin are stored in the appropriate drawers.
The adaptors for the Freeze dryer are stored in the drawer just under the Freeze dryer.

UNDERWAY GEOPHYSICS

Kristin Hillis
Data Summary
Expedition 323 consisted of 8 transits, 7 sites, and 30 holes.
Transits:Victoria → U1339 (UMK-4)
U1339 → U1340 (BOW-12)
U1340 → U1341 (BOW-14)
U1341 → U1342 (BOW-15)
U1342 → U1343 (GAT-4)
U1343 → U1344 (GAT-3)
U1344 → U1345 (NAV-1)
U1345 → Yokohama
Sites/Holes:U1339A/B/C/D holes
U1340A/B/C/D holes
U1341 A/B/C holes
U1342 A/B/C/D holes
U1343 A/B/C/D/E holes
U1344 A/B/C/D/E holes
U1345A/B/C/D/E holes
No underway watches were conducted on Expedition 323. When we came on-site, either myself or Lisa Crowder monitored the PDR. It was also established partway through the cruise that the Ops Superintendent should be in Underway when coming on-site to verify the PDR data and Matthew's Table corrections. This practice was continued for the remainder of the cruise.
Data points were typically gathered every 30 seconds when on-site and every 60 seconds when underway. The configuration for projecting WinFrog data onto the V-Brick video system remains the same, with picture quality still poor.
Equipment Performance Summary
Trimble/Ashtech GPS
The Trimble was the primary GPS used for the duration of Expedition 323. No problems were encountered. The Ashtech GPS served as a backup.
Gyro
The gyro from DP was used throughout the cruise without any problems. The problem of erratic mouse movement still lingers, but a reboot of the computer solved the problem and WinFrog 2 rarely had to be restarted.
WinFrog
WinFrog operated during Expedition 323 with few problems. WinFrog 2 was the primary computer used. An extra com port was added to WinFrog 1.
Bathy 2010
Two days upon arriving at the first site (~17 July 2009), I encountered a problem with the Bathy computer.
Data for the transit from Victoria to the first site was collected smoothly. Ops Superintendent Steve Midgley wanted my help on a project with tracking tide cycles. We decided to continue pinging at the first site, as it was found that leaving the new sonar system on does not interfere with the ship's beacons or hydrophones as previously thought.
After playing back the SEGY files to gather depth info for the first 18 hours on-site, the Bathy software locked up. After multiple shutdowns, I could not re-open the Bathy software.
Found that hardware interrupts were running at 90% with nothing running on the Bathy computer.
After some troubleshooting with the MCS (Grant Banta) it was found that Winfrog is always feeding navigational data to the Bathy computer. When the Bathy software is NOT running, the computer gets bogged down with the incoming data it's not doing anything with. The best way found to resolve this problem is to leave the Bathy software open all the time, even when not pinging or collecting data. If the computer does lock up, it is best to stop/exit Winfrog, restart the Bathy computer to clear the interrupts, open the Bathy software, and then re-open Winfrog.
The Bathy 2010 software had to be re-installed shortly after the above problem occurred. Channel 12 mysteriously was no longer available, recording a SEGY file was not an option, all the default settings changed, etc. The latest version was installed, which resolved most issues. However, some problems with the SEGY files lingered. Whenever I tried to playback a SEGY file recorded after the first transit, a 'corrupt trace header' message appeared and the file would not play. I also could not zoom to the bottom in the SEGY start time option. It stayed locked on the top and even when manually pulled down, defaulted back to the top. I sent several messages to multiple staff at Syqwest looking for guidance, which have gone unanswered currently. To resolve the problem for now, in the event I do not hear from them, I am using the option 'Tools→convert to SEGY' on the Bathy system to covert the ODEC files to SEGY files for data backups.
The 3.5 kHz was run on all the transits and I ran the 12kHz a few times on the transit to Yokohama just to give it a chance.. The sonar returned very accurate water depths for capturing the mudline throughout the cruise. Being a new Underway tech and the Bathy 2010 being a new piece of equipment, I am still learning which settings yield the best view of the bottom.
I found the best settings under 'acquisition parameters' on 323 to be:
FMHamming
Power level: Auto
Sweep Bandwidth: 4kHz
Detection Threshold: 5 (moderate)
The gain had to be played with, but I got very nice bottom zoom data around the 12-18dB range.
 
EPC Recorders
The recorders were not utilized on Expedition 323. On the transit to Yokohama, attempts were made get them printing, following information left from Erik on 321T and help from Grant Banta and Mike Meiring. As of writing this report we had a blinking 'input' light on the printer at one point, but still no output. I am not, however, getting the error message noted in the 321T report. This will continue to be worked on for the remaining transit.
Misc
I've started a folder on Vol1\IODP share\UW\UW Tech Reports to store all our tech reports. I had actually never seen or read the one from 320T, but found it in the LO office and scanned it into the collection. I found them handy to store there, as I could access them from any computer to refer back to problems/solutions.
VSP
No VSPs were conducted on 323 due to the constant presence of marine mammals.

ET REPORT

Trevor Buys & Randy Gjesvold

Summary: Ship and labs running well. Just running across minor problems now.
Downhole Measurements Lab: Trained on the APCT-3 and the SET tool. Ran the APCT-3 tool on site U1339 hole A core 3. U1339 hole B cores 3, 8, 13 and 18. U1340 hole A cores 3,8,13 and 18. U1341 hole A cores 5,10,15 and 20. U1342 hole C cores 3 and 5. U1343 hole A cores 5,9 and 14. U1344 hole A cores 5,10, and 15. U1345A hole A cores 5, 8 and 12. Changed out batteries in tool 1858009C after hole U1340. Manufacture a tool rack to hold large wrenches for the fwd wall.
Core Lab: Manufacture phone cords for LED lights to control dimmers.
Core Splitting Room: Move V-Brick to inboard wall. Moved Isoduct up on fwd wall. Installed backsplash and re wired rock saws.
Cryo Magnetometer :Amplifier fan became noisy and ceased to function. Replaced with an ET Shop 120V spare. This will need to be replaced by a new 220V fan. Fan is on order.
Pycnometer: Cell 3 is not holding pressure. Tightened gas line fitting. No Change. Dis assembled valve block on cell 3 and found broken screw. This was removed and a new screw installed. Re calibrated set point. System runs sat. Cell 4 and 6 cease to function. During testing found that the power supply was not putting out enough power to operate the solenoids. The power supply was modified to increase the output. Found some solenoids were installed upside down creating improper function. These were flipped over to restore function.
Thermal Conductivity Meter: Manufactured a longer cable to fully reach core samples without moving the meter.
Paleo: UV light source failed. Re set bulbs and cleaned out contacts on power switch.

Chem Lab: Incubator cooling relay faulty. Ordered replacement Tyco T9AP1D52-12 relay.
Repaired leaky tube on the Barnstad filter system.
Carver Press. One of the carver presses is not making it past 5,000lbs. Cycled system several times and cleaned the rust off the hydraulic cylinder. Problem cleared.
Hydrogen Generator: Replaced cells vent seal due to a leak. Replaced 115V fan with 24V DC fan. Built a rectifier and took 21Vac off transformer at points 7 and 10. Placed order for replacement.
Manufactured heat lamp for Chem Lab.
Replaced hydrogen generator cell's vent seal, as it was leaking. Replaced 115 VAC fan with 24VDC fan. Built a rectifier and took 21 VAC off transformer @ points 7 and 10. Placed order for replacement fan.
Photo Lab: Repaired video camera's mobile monitor.
Yeop Office: Install stereo system.
X-Ray Lab: XRD Haskeris unit not cooling. Found loose contact.
Upper Tween Deck: Installed Vice on bench top. Manufactured a stand for the sanding machine and secured to the bulkhead. Installed sanding machine on it. Installed a shelf above the workbench in the foyer and installed a stereo system in it. Installed a shelf and mounted the grinder near the elevator in the foyer. Re wired the drill press so the On/Off switch shuts the machine down whether the foot switch is depressed or not. Manufactured a rack to hold the Rope. Raised work bench in the foyer. Manufactured a storage rack in the hard ware stores against the fwd bulkhead.
MCS: Modified remote speaker unit for the MCS Lab.
Gym: Red Stair stepper ceased to function. Found damaged power cord. This was repaired.
Fantail: Applied dry slide lubricant to seismic reel wind slide bars. They were beginning to rust. Applied dry slide lubricant to the crane cable and chive.
Misc: Replaced power switch on decade crossover board for programmers.
Scoped Lab Stack for RF interference for Bill Crawford.
Track system power supplies were installed in Nema boxes. They will be set up as spares. They need to have fans installed for cooling. Parts are on order.
Cleared jammed staple in core box stapler.

DHML REPORT

Mike Meiring

Flexit Orientation
Tools, S/N 36 and S/N 37 were deployed during the Expedition.
New batteries were fitted to both tools and to the wireless device connected to the DHML PC.
Tool S/N 36 would randomly return lines with all 0's. Similar behavior from s/n 37 was later noticed. This happened randomly and seldom enough to not impact the data, but never the less it was a concern.

Trevor Cobine to follow up on this. It was decided to only make use of S/N 37 for remainder of the Expedition.
Tool S/N 37 battery was replaced after it reached a level of 8.5 V during a deployment.
8 New batteries available.
All data from a hole was lost due to somebody inadvertently closing the Flexit application on the DHML PC. It is recommended that the vendor be approached to alter the code in such a way for the tool not being dependant on the host PC sync file for giving up its data.
Data from U1341B not valid due to lack of sync between Flexit and RIS data.
Number of Orientation measurements done.
SiteNumber
U133947
U134029
U134120
U134212
U134423
U134515
Data backed up to: T:\data1\Exp323\13.5. Core Orientation - FLEXIT\Exp 323 Orientatio Data
Typical representation of two orientation data points.


Orientation data produced by tools were of high resolution with excellent Std. Deviations.
How well the Orientation tool lines up with the core-barrel, after it has been shot into the formation, is debatable. There is speculation that the core barrel rifles during some deployments.


APCT3 Temperature
Deployment:
In total 23 APCT3 deployments were done during this expedition.
Barring two deployments, all yielded excellent returns with a high overall confidence in the measurements. The calm sea states encountered throughout the expedition contributed to the successful deployments, as did the procedure to have the passive compensator open during the measurement period. This restricted tool movement and very little friction induced temperature spikes were noted. This crew did not have the compensator open during APCT measurements in the past. It was agreed to do this in future deployments.
Unless it is absolutely necessary, do not deploy APCT3 sooner than core 5. Without sufficient BHA support excessive tool movement is unavoidable.
TPFit software was used to estimate the undisturbed formation temperature from the tool decay data. APCT3 raw data files were uploaded to LIMS.
There was no need to deploy the SET tool.
Tool inventory:
Two APCT-3 tools, S/N 1858007 and S/N 1858009.
Two SET Temperature tools S/N 01 and S/N 02
2 X APCT3 batteries
3 X SET tool batteries. (1 in S/N2 and 2 in stock)
1 X CDS plus space-out sub for SET tool.
3 X APCT3cutting shoes and core catcher subs.

Tool serviceability:
Both APCT-3 tools were found serviceable. To ensure consistency, it was decided to use S/N 1858009 on all deployments.
APCT-3 S/N 009 Battery replaced.
The thermistor curly cord of SET S/N 1 were replaced. Both SET Tools were tested and found serviceable. S/N1 Battery removed after test.
Calibration dates:
APCT-3 S/N 1858007 16 Oct 2008
APCT-3 S/N 1858009 3 Sept 2008
SET S/N 01 20 Oct. 2008
SET S/N 02 12 Jun. 2008
Training:
ET Randy Gjesvold was trained on the deployment of the APCT3 tool, SET tool and the operation of TPFit software.
Maintenance:
APCT-3 Tools were cleaned and stowed for the transit.
A tool rack was installed to hang the heavy DHML wrenches.
Decay curve U1344A Core 15


Typical Temp gradient plot.

YEOPERSON (PUBLICATIONS SPECIALIST) REPORT

Jamie Smidt
Library
The Challenger Foraminifera by Robert Wynn Jones (Call number: QL368. F6J64 1994) was added to the Paleontology Lab library.
Summary
Provided administrative, graphics and publications support at port call and throughout the expedition. Thirty holes at seven sites were drilled, with total core recovery of 5,740.85 meters. Prepared barrel sheets for approximately 648 cores from 25 holes (five holes were designated microbiology) and comprehensive core summaries for each site. Assisted co-chiefs and science party members in creating graphics and trouble shooting various software issues.
Was responsible for all expedition paperwork, including documents for customs, wireless devices, safety equipment, communication policy, photo release form, etc. Worked with the IODP travel and conferences administrator to coordinate hotel arrangements for the end of the cruise. Assisted the staff scientist with web-based "Friends and Family" weekly photo gallery by selecting 20-30 photos, writing captions and communicating with the imaging specialist to send them to shore.
Problems encountered, solutions rendered
Strater:
At each site, the sedimentologists would discover new lithologies and symbols. In order for those to appear on the barrel sheets, the words must be mapped to a pattern or symbol in Strater. If the sedimentologists didn't inform the yeoperson of each new pattern, it wouldn't be defined and Strater would automatically substitute the first lithology in that core. Undefined symbols simply do not appear. The legend is definitely a "living document" and needs to be edited and updated throughout the entire cruise.
The symbol/pattern mapping system is limited to exact spellings and capitalizations of a certain word. For example, if a pattern is mapped to "diatom ooze," any variations on that lithology (such as "Diatom ooze," "diatomaceous ooze," or even "diatom oze") will not display the pattern. This issue had to be explained and addressed several times throughout the cruise. A short-term solution was to map various mis-spellings and capitalization discrepancies in Starter, instead of fixing the mistakes in the database.
The most startling problem with Strater was the insertion of random data percentages upon importing the lithology data. On shore, it was determined Strater gets confused by common lithology names. In a hole with lithology patterns for "diatom silty sand," "sand" and "sponge-spicule diatom sand," the excel columns must be arranged with the shortest name first; "sand" then "diatom silty sand" and last "sponge-spicule diatom sand."
DesctoStrater puts an extra space after each lithology name. After importing the data, it is necessary to go through each column header (via right-click to "edit field properties") in Strater and delete that space for the patterns to be properly mapped.
Conversion of core descriptions to PDF cannot be done until after the files are complete.
The age data (Radiolarian, Diatom and Silicaflagelate) was uploaded late in the expedition, delaying conversion of the files. Help was solicited from shore and from other people on board to produce PDFs before the end of the cruise.
Converting to PDF in Strater takes approximately 40 seconds per core. For a hole with 80 or more cores, this can take more than an hour. Batch conversion of this process would save valuable time.
Printing in Strater must also be done core-by-core and takes approximately 15-20 seconds per core. Again, this should be automated.
Despite creating a template and "checking it twice" during the transit to Site U1339, in week 5 the sedimentologists decided to drastically change the barrel sheet layout, which meant all the barrel sheets had to be remade. Another (less drastic) change was implemented in week 6 and further smaller changes were requested mere days before arrival in Yokohama. It was necessary to communicate the implications of these changes to the science party and put a final deadline on any further additions or corrections.
Upon completion of the first site and it's corresponding Site/Core Summary figure in Stater, it was impossible to print the document to PDF, which must be done to then bring it into Illustrator for editing. It was determined the core photo images were too large. A "batch process" script to reduce image size was developed in Photoshop and applied to each file, which fixed the problem.
The sedimentologists wanted instantaneous results of the lithology data. It isn't feasible for the yeoperson to stand in the core lab and update Strater files all day. One of the sedimentologists actually wrote a "quick and dirty" program to display lithologies and identify gaps in the data.
Strater has a "re-load data" command. Like many features of the program, it simply does not work. Instead it will often pull random data from other holes and then the entire table has to be deleted and re-loaded. A solution to this problem is opening the appropriate excel file and clicking the tab (making it active) for the data you want to upload. This doesn't always work, but it helps.
In addition to using Strater for the core description barrel sheets, the chemists on 323 requested a layout of their own data. For one hole, they provided chemistry data, which was then mapped against existing depth, lithology and track data columns on a specialized barrel sheet.
The following problems were discovered too late in the expedition to fix on the ship.
Scales on the track data (Magnetic Susceptibility, GRA Density and b* Reflectance) overlap slightly. The science party requested that the GRA scale be moved to the bottom of the Strater template.
Four days before reaching Yokohama, the staff scientist and co-chiefs requested the addition of three columns of age data (nannofossil, ebridians and planktonic foraminifers) to the barrel sheets, which is simply impossible at such a late date. It will be added on shore.
Core Description:
Group dynamics among the sedimentologists were a disaster. There was no established, clear leadership and a lack of adequate communication between the two shifts. In examination of the data, there were clear distinctions in the quality of work between the night shift and the day shift.
Language limitations seriously impeded communication efforts. For example, it was nearly week six before certain scientists realized the red warning box in Desclogik means that word isn't in the database. A non-English speaking scientist wrote the majority of the core summaries, which then had to be completely re-written later in the cruise.
During core description for Sites U1339 and U1340, the sedimentologists never realized that data in Desclogik must be updated tab by tab, not just once per workspace. The gaps in data for those two sites made barrel sheets scientifically irrelevant and they had to be remade after the data was corrected.
As a result of the countless gaps, overlaps and duplication of data in the first four sites, a data verification and checking system was implemented. At the end of each shift, one sedimentologists would spend about half an hour checking the data entered during that shift. The last three sites were very clean and barrel sheets could be produced shortly after a hole was completed. Two sedimentologists, one on each shift, took initiative to lead the group through the remainder of the cruise and ensure all descriptions were entered into the database, all new patterns and symbols were added to the legend and all barrel sheets were proofed for accuracy.
Other
Various members of the science party could not print certain figures from Mac computers. It was determined the lithologic patterns created during the transit were much larger than necessary. This problem was addressed on shore and a new, adjusted legend with smaller patterns was sent to the ship and resolved some of the printing issues, but not all.
Suggestions for Expedition 324
If no one else does, the Yeoperson should take responsibility for training and guiding the sedimentologists through each stage of the core description process. Check the data at each step and provide immediate feedback. It is best to resolve as many problems as possible at the beginning of the expedition.
Planning birthday parties, coordinating cakes and having cards signed takes a significant amount of time. LO Bill Mills suggested hanging birthday cards in the galley for everyone to sign at their leisure and letting the galley bring out the cakes, cut and serve them. It would also be best to only celebrate IODP scientist and technician birthdays. If Transocean crew members want to celebrate birthdays, they should take on that responsibility.
In Summary
A quote from the 321 technical report (Yeoperson Debbie Partain): "As things stand, the time required to prepare and proof the core descriptions would be prohibitive on a higher-recovery expedition. The export from LIMs must be improved and the data must be reliable. This should be considered a high priority."
Expedition 323 – Bering Sea was a high-recovery leg and, as predicted, issues with LIMS, Desclogik, SampleMaster, etc., were indeed seriously detrimental. It's as though this was the beta-testing leg for all onboard systems. For the sake of the scientists (especially the sedimentologists) and technicians who import and export data every day, and to maintain the integrity of the data, these software problems must be resolved. On a similar high-recovery leg with less transit, like Expedition 317 – Canterbury, successful completion of core description, data entry and barrel sheet production would be nearly impossible.
Each science party is only on the JR for two months. When the first 4-6 weeks are spent drowning in new software, it seriously infers with scientific research and discovery. There must be an IODP technician responsible for training, monitoring and assisting the scientists with all data entry and software issues.
The learning curve for living and working aboard the JR is steep. Only so much can be taught and explained, the rest must be experienced in person. Upon completion of this first expedition, I feel confident in my knowledge, skills and abilities as a yeoperson. I look forward to applying these skills in future expeditions and am certain those I will be a better, more valuable employee with each consecutive cruise.

5% Other Duties as Assigned
Official Party Planner and Social Events Coordinator
Was responsible for organizing and executing two dance parties, countless birthdays, an expedition-logo design contest, one magnificent kite-flying contest and a septuagenarian's "un-birthday" party.
Seagoing cake decorator extraordinaire
Piped a Jolly Roger onto ALO Tim Bronk's birthday cake during transit from U1343 to U1344 at 12 knots with a 25-knot headwind and 10-foot swells. Skills, indeed!
Unofficial, uneducated, uncertified shipboard therapist
Provided a sympathetic ear, facial tissues and a strong shoulder on which those poor, shell-shocked sedimentologists would often cry.
For the record… the LO was brought just one cookie and it was eaten by a certain ALO!!!Deliverer of the LO's and ALO's daily tea-time snack
Executed daily delivery of cookies or other delicious baked goods to the bridge for LO Bill Mills and ALO Lisa Crowder. In some cultures, this is known as "brown-nosing" or "sucking up."
Bearer of bad news
"I'm sorry, sedimentologists, but ALL the data is wrong. You'll have to upload it again."
Protector of the sacred IODP DVD collection
Distributed DVDs to a few worthy individuals, fought off the rest with ruler and stapler.
Resident JR klutz
Managed to trip over my own feet and roll my ankle while crossing through the dangerous f-deck threshold installed by none other than "Mr. Safety" Bill Mills.

CURATORIAL REPORT

Jerry Bode
Cruise Stats
Sites: 7
Holes: 30
Recovery: 5,741 Meters
Cored: 5,927 Meters
Personal Samples: 23,086
Tests: 14,676
Sample Master
Sample Master was much more stable this cruise but is still in need of improvements.
When using Parameter Search to make corrections, you can not print new labels using View. You must do it from Edit.
You can still enter bad sample codes, but you can not edit them as there is no way to call up the bad sample code using the Parameter Search.
New method for piece numbers will be time consuming for the amount of information it will give.
A wish list for Sample Master, a) make Request # and fill-in field. Presently you have to scroll through the entire IODP request list to find the one you want. b) Make Sample Code a fill-in field. Should a bad sample code be entered there is no way to search for the code as you are limited to legitimate codes to search on. c) To be able to search for a null (no information).
Tools:
Because it was decided to take half round samples the current collection of tools was not efficient and wasted a lot of material. I asked Kuro to make a tool that would allow the taking of clean samples with little waste. It has worked exceptionally well.
Another problem we had this cruise was the splitting of end caps while using spatulas to relieve the air pressure. I made a couple of spatulas that had curved tips. This eliminated the split liners and made it easier to shove under the cap. I made them by placing on a slightly open vise and tapping the blade with a ball peen hammer. It took only about 5 minutes to make one.
Because of safety concerns of using wood handled pushers to close gas voids Tim had one made out of steel. It quickly became the preferred pusher as more people could push and, because it doesn't bend, you can push even harder.
Shortages
We stopped wrapping the working halves early in the cruise because they will be wrapped in Kochi. We would have had to stop anyway as we ran out of Glad Wrap even for the archive halves well before the end of the cruise.
We also ran out the large ethafoam rod. To compensate for this we used dividers for the core catchers and where sampling ended when sampling the half round For the last site where sampling was limited to quarter rounds we used the small diameter ethafoam rod to fill the voids. Nothing was used to fill gas caused voids and which will need to be filled at Kochi.
We nearly ran out of acetone this cruise. The last sections almost had to be sealed using acetone fumes rather than liquid acetone. Because of the conservation efforts the endcaps of sections from the last couple of holes came off at an increased rate.
We were low on personal/sample boxes and had to conserve. Once I filled 4 sample boxes for an investigator I would empty them into a 4X box releasing the sample boxes for either more samples or to be used later as data/personal boxes for scientists. The 4X boxes are quite heavy and will probably need to be re-boxed in College Station to bring them down to legal weight limits.
We ran out of waxed core boxes and ended up placing sections into D-tube boxes, 25/box.
We ran out of reefer space and had to store several pallets of cores on the Upper Tween landing. This sets the limit for the reefer with its current configuration at about 5,200 meters. But to get this amount the boxes had to be stacked higher than the recommended 11 box maximum.
Sample Summary

Recommendations
Add about 4 inches to the length of the sampling table so the bins close to the wall can be removed without having to juggle the surrounding bins. This would also give space to hold sampling tools making them more accessible.
As mentioned above, there are a host of improvements I could recommend for Sample Master, but now that it is somewhat functional, it isn't on the higher part of the priority list.
What I would like is the ability to search for a null (no information in a field), in the Parameter Search and make Sample Code a fill in field. Presently it lists only approved sample codes making it impossible to search for bad sample codes which can still be entered at will. While on Sample Codes, there should be a filter that would prevent the entry of a non-approved sample code. Also, make the Sample Table form smaller by removing the individual Exp, site, hole etc. as well as Tool columns as agreed to. As can be seen in the Sample Summary listed above there are errors in the database that are impossible to get to by the Curatorial Specialist because of these limitations.

SYSTEM MANAGER'S REPORT

Grant Banta and Michael Hodge
Summary
The IT infrastructure performed as intended with minimal interruptions to operations. Approximately 5700 meters of cores were recovered with its associated data. There were major changes to the ship board network infrastructure in the transit prior to Exp323 which continued through Exp323. One of our two subnets was subdivided into two subnets and VLAN technology was implemented. This enhanced performance of the network as seen with faster login times and provided for a more functional and operational network. Some operation issues persist, Groupwise webaccess capability frequently hung, Apple File Protocol on the Novell OES servers continues to present challenges with unique character issues and PC users, inconsistencies between the OES nodes ultimately led to two of the nodes to drop out of the cluster environment until these inconsistencies were resolved.
Servers
Servers (Microsoft)
Standardized all Windows Servers to upgrade their virus definition files from Everest Virus server for minimize satellite bandwidth traffic.
Updated all Galaxy CommVault CommCells to version 7.0.0(SP5) (server backup software).
Discovered early in the expedition that Crystal Reports was hung on server McKinley, event viewer stated that it was an Oracle error with ORA 01502 error.
After consultation with shore dba and developers it was determined that Oracle had some corrupted indexes. Script solutions were created on shore and then executed on ship to resolve problem.
Installed a Virtual Server to run the DHCP services on the JR.
Servers (Novell - OES):
Worked with shore on the OES servers to resolve LDAP issues.Recommendation was to download service patches. After patch installation both Shasta and Ararat continuously reboots. Solution was to install the latest HP drivers and firmware on the servers.
Setup Hyperic Tomcat monitoring software on all three nodes. Purpose was to evaluate Tomcat and server performance.
Discovered large disk space allocated to salvageable area, a function of Novell OES server software. Recommend that in portcall after moratorium data has been backed up and removed to purge all volumes and recover this disk space.
Discovered after one of our server hangs, that all user privileges on VOL1 were removed. Manually recreated user access/privileges on all folders on VOL1. Cause unknown.
GroupWise WebAccess has had multiple hangs during the expedition. It always restarts but, cause is unknown. This has no affect on users using the client to access email.
During one of the system hangs discovered Apple File Protocol AFP service was not logging output to its log file. Investigated configuration file and found them to be setup as per vendor's documentation. Problem reported to shore for assistance.
File naming conventions continue to be a challenge for Mac users. Users encountered various scenarios where they were unable to access or edit their personal or shared files. The problem remains special character usage in file naming schemes. Mac users can utilize unique characters in filenames that PC users regard these same characters as syntax modifiers and lock the file when encountered. We notified everyone multiple times to not use an special characters when saving files to the servers or their systems.
Because this was not followed, we ran a program developed by our programming staff to monitor for characters in file and folders and rename if they were incorrect. This helped greatly in minimizing problems.
Servers (Sun Solaris):
During the transit prior to this expedition one of our subnets was divided into two subnets and VLAN technology implemented. A problem arose where our High Availability DHCP server was not able to return IP addresses to the clients. The main issue is that the server host's Ethernet cards can not respond back to clients on different broadcast address from the host's Ethernet broadcast address. Vendor has confirmed this problem. A work-around solution has been implemented using VMware and a Red Hat Linux DHCP server on a Microsoft Windows server until a final solution is determined.
During the troubleshooting analysis it was discovered that the host Ethernet card configurations on both Sun nodes were not standard between nodes and with shore node configurations. Solution has been identify and awaits portcall to implement.
Root volumes on both Sun nodes are borderline getting full, 83% full on Etna, and 85% on Pico. Investigating revealed that CommVault's IndexCache folders were the main culprits. Etna's IndexCache = 7.6GB and Pico's = 3.2GB, root is only 20GB on both nodes.
CommVault stated that this is normal and if our backups were completing then their software was functioning as intended.
MCSs will need to monitor and possible enlarge root volumes on both nodes in the future or move the IndexCache folders to a larger volume.
Setup Hyperic Tomcat monitoring software on Etna's Tomcat webserver.
Encountered multiple times where Oracle processes became hung due to large reporting arrays created from web queries generated by users. Utilized Oracle Enterprise Manager to kill the run-away processes.
Labeled all Sun's server physical network cables, updated diagrams to reflect labeling and implemented process to update MCS website repository.
EVA4000 Storage:
Routine review of our storage capacity revealed unit has 7262.10 GB total, 7205.70 GB used, 56.04GB free space. May need to add more capacity in the future.
No problems encountered with storage array during this expedition.


Network:
Most of the Exp was set on finishing network documentation, changes, and setting assessment on for all users via authentication.
Received user complaints about not being able to make calls to shore. Initiated a call to RigNet (satellite service provider) to do a system check. Vendor's investigation showed heavy download traffic occurring on Transocean and IODP circuits. If heavy downloading is occurring phone circuits will not get access until bandwidth becomes available, once bandwidth becomes available QoS rules apply that protects phone circuit connectivity.
Fiber cables to the Schlumberger DogHouse were damaged last expedition from a realignment of the structure. Repairs are anticipated in Yokohama, budget matters in progress.
Found that VBrick Encoders 1, 5 and 6 were causing multi-cast "bleeding" into VLAN 40. This caused the wireless network to load up with really high noise levels and become hung. Remedy was to stop this multi-cast broadcast on this VLAN. We turned on the service again after making changes as we believe we may have solved the problem.
Updated network documentation and placed in MCSZONE documentation folder for the MCSs.
Found Trendnet switches were not configured correctly for wireless access. Reconfigured for wireless access.
All general purpose workstations assigned static IP addresses were reconfigured for DHCP services.
Installed a WAP for WiFi access on the Catwalk.
Setup new VBrick unit for Schlumberger doghouse.
Discovered phone extension 805 for Inmarsat connection not working for MCS office or VSAT network locker, notified Transocean personnel and this has been resolved, phone format is ¿ 805 <wait for tone> <country code> <area code> <7 digit phone number – USA> #. E.g. 805 <wait for tone> 001 979 862 4845 #

Printers and/or Printing:
Many complaints were encountered about printing. Most problems came from MAC users/systems. Spent many hours resolving this problem and assured the customers during this time that it was not a printer/system problem but we would find a solution. After furthering testing it was found that the Strater images were entirely too large. We notified the Yeop/Publications and they were able to correct the files with the new image.
Encountered a workstation with 13 jobs hung in its print queue. Could not delete or remove jobs from print spooler and hung the printer queue. Researched method to stop/start queue and remove jobs but, in the process found an executable file "StalledPrinterRepair.exe" that can be put on a thumb drive and run anywhere – it automates stop/starting of the queue and removes any hung jobs – basically a one Click affair. Placed it in "T:\McsZone\Software\Printers\ Stalled Printer Repair" folder. For PCs only.
Installed second Zebra printer in ChemLab.

PCs Workstations:
RIS – RigWatch system: Installed RIS software on PC51560 in MCS office and made it RigWatch master system.
RIS – RigWatch system: CoreLine Tension application created and installed by developers. Purpose is to give an indication of core liner location to drill floor before "Core On Deck" announcement. Developers working on automated method to autostart application.
Multiple users encountered server login problems where their server context was set to Rainier instead of JR1. Rainier was offline for a couple of weeks for troubleshooting purposes.
Upgrading most systems on the ship from 1gig to 2gig's of memory.
Found Zero FootPrint PC had not been touched since Phase 1 of IODP. Was originally installed with WinXP SP1. Rebuilt unit from scratch and created a new image located in Image folder.
Setup PC51535 in Userroom for Russian language for Yulia and per another scientist's request, researched how to display on-screen keyboard for foreign characters, made pdfs and copied all notes to: T:\McsZone\Documentation\Foreign_Language_&_Keyboard_Options folder.
Installed new images on both Windows systems in Internet Cafed with updated image file "New Base xw4400 8-13-09.tib". Created "New Base xw4400 8-13-09_README.txt" of all new changes, both located in xw4400 folder on Image volume.
Reviewed Lamont's Tablet PC and brought current on configuration changes and various software updates. Installed Iocom software and tested with vendor. Made image and place out in Image volume.
Since deployment of PCs on the ship in Singapore, have encountered Internet Explorer 7 default to "phone home" on browser startup. Researched and found a registry hack to remove the "phone home" routine. The hack is "U:\Software\PC\PC Hacks\runonceDone\norun.notlong.com\norunonce.reg". Must be run in each account created on the PC.
LT51971 and LT51972 Augmentix laptops were configured current and imaged to Image folder.
Reconfigured McAfee to point to Everest Virus server on most workstations including Underway. Some stations missed due to non-stop user usage.
Most workstations have been configured to point to our time server and WSUS server. Again, some exceptions due to heavy user usage.
Installed freshly configured PC51565 in XRD for Cahn/Mettler Balance.
Installed 1.5TB drives in the SHIL-DIS imaging system.
Installed XRD software Diffrac, Topas and Structure Database on PC51559 in CoreLab.

Apple MAC Workstations
LO – Mac51948 idle since Expedition 320. Fired up and brought current for next expedition.
Discovered how to set Macs to UTC time. Using Apple Remote Desktop updated most Macs to UTC time, removed daylight saving time and locked preferences to prevent changes.
Updated Correlator software on Correlator Mac to new ver. 1.65 per user's request.
Created new image of the MAC's with all updates.
Equipment Repairs
Shipped Userroom HP5550hdn paper tray to shore for repairs. Appears rats ate the wiring while unit was in Singapore shipyard office.
Repaired three VBricks with new set top box riser cards, all tested Ok. Shipped bad riser cards to shore for exchange.
15 VBricks arrived in Victoria portcall for replacement of malfunctioning units from Expedition 321. Configured and installed replacement units, finalized VBrick spreadsheet and sent to shore with placement, return and spare status. Packed one new malfunctioning unit for shipment to shore.
Sent malfunctioning ATI FireGL V7300 video card from SHIL-DIS system to shore for replacement.
PC51546 not repaired in Honolulu or during Expedition 321, sent to shore for repairs.
PC51550 not repaired in Honolulu or during Expedition 321, sent to shore for repairs.
Encountered two spare HP laptops with cracked displays. Shipped to shore for surplus. Sent notification to shore for replacement units.

Special Projects
Documented each port on the ship with system information.
Setup authentication on most every station prepping for port-call changes.
Grant - Starting turning on authentication around the ship.
Installed VMware and DHCP server on Mauna-loa (Windows Server).
Due to network configuration changes during transit to Victoria, RoomAlert was pulled offline. Placed back into operation RoomAlert environment monitor.
Completed several video conferences with great success.

DEVELOPER TECHNICAL REPORT

Algie Morgan and Stephanie Zeliadt
(..with support and development for several systems provided by Trevor Cobine and Chris Bennight.)

Summary
During Expedition 323, many enhancements were made to software systems and the underlying database on the ship to provide an increased quality of service to the science community onboard.

Special Projects
Web Tabular
SampleMaster
Data correction and validation
XBob – Vbrick Video overlay
SHIL Image enhancement module
C# Uploader

Problems Encountered
Some data was entered into asman with 320T expedition catalog because the expedition constant was not set at BOL for Expedition 323.
Navigation data for the first week of the expedition was not recorded in the database. The navigation data loader was not started until 07/10/2009. Should be added to the BOL process and we may need to develop a method for uploading the raw files to the database if this information is needed.
At the start of coring, tomcat was not running on the cluster and had to be started. It should start automatically but did not.
Navigation data was loading under expedition 321T instead of 323 because it was not reset in the database. Recommend that the NAV loader be changed to read the expedition from the LIMS expedition constant so that we only have to change one expedition constant at EOL/BOL.
Occasionally, navigation data would be recorded for a future date (i.e. 23:59 of the current date). It happened a few times when the loader was first started and once again about a month later.
Mettler Balance application stopped working and could not be repaired. Chris started running his old balance application so work could continue. Algie replaced files in the chemlab with those from the XRD computer which was still working and this appeared to work.
Image Logger (SHIL) still not running the ImageMagick script to lighten and enhance images; this makes it difficult for them to do their core-description in DescLogic.
The WRMSL stopped uploading GRA files after a change to the software caused it to keep a lock on the file which prevented the uploader from moving it.
Difficulties were encountered scanning some section half barcodes because of the position of the barcode on the label.
Depth mapping was not working in web tabular the first time the scientists tried it.
The whole round tracks occasionally log data to the previous section instead of the one that is currently being measured.
Depth map/splice upload and management tools are reported to be unintuitive and difficult to use.
Data upload was very slow at the beginning of the expedition.
Source-code management was very difficult; prior to the beginning of the expedition the decision was made to use the shore SVN repository exclusively; checking in and checking out code from ship was unacceptably slow.
Splice query on web tabular was only showing the first half of the splice data.
No uploader for XRD data files exists.
Some of the tracks started uploading a negative value for the length of the section.
The C# uploader started uploading data to section instead of section half when the instrument value for the RSC analysis was changed.
SHMSL would lock up in the middle of a scan; Galil controller showed an error light. We would have to use Galil controller software to manually return all instruments to a "home" state, then restart the application.
LIMS2Correlator application was outputting the shore URL for images instead of the ship URL; this caused failures in the Correlator application as those URLs do not exist because the data is not yet on the shore system.
The drillers noticed that there were discrepancies between their reports, the core on deck report, and values in SampleMaster. This is related to not having a completely developed design for handling hard rock as well as updates to section lengths not automatically updating core lengths.
The SHIL had problems improperly cropping images for part of the expedition because it was possible to perform a double-click on the button; this caused the crop to automatically use the crop from previous scan without allowing user to properly crop the current scanned image.
Skipping the water section in between cores on the WR tracks causes data to be incorrect because the Bartington meter is not cleared if no section 0 is run.
Database queries for science data became very slow during the second half of the expedition. We traced this back to the use of ad-hoc components because it is necessary to do a time-intensive query to retrieve all components which are not part of an analysis definition.
Very infrequently the WRMST High-Resolution track will fail to close out a section properly; the data for a section would then be logged to the previous section. This was still happening about once a 12-hour shift at the end of Site U1345.
The scientist discovered that Correlator was assigning incorrect depths to the splices in the splice output files. An application was created to correct this.

Systems Information
Servers
Expedition 321 reported problems running out of memory on the web servers. The total memory for these machines was increased in port call, contributing to a much more stable overall environment. However, during this expedition, the servers still had a few problems. Recommend that the application web servers be separated from the mail and file share mounts to increase stability of system and to determine what is causing the problem with the servers.
Web Tabular Several enhancements were made to the web tabular reports:
The "Get File" button now returns a file that can be saved instead of text that is rendered in the browser.
Data query speed improved.
Added a feature to "Show Original Depths" (in CSF-A) on the report at user's request.
Fixed depth mapping bug.
Fixed splice bug that was causing only the first half of the splice to be shown.
Changed Core on Deck report to report the length of the sections measured on the catwalk. The hard rock sections were causing the report to be incorrect because the curated length of these sections is different.
Changed the mechanism to retrieve column names to make it faster when no ad-hoc components are defined.
Sample Master Several changes were made to the Sample Master software:
Piece logging implemented and tested.
Changed label printing FTP library for increased speed and reliability in label printing.
The barcode on section half labels was moved in and up from the edge because of problems encountered scanning barcodes that were too close to the edge of the label.
Modified labels to show the offset on the section instead of the offset on the parent.
Changed "Catwalk Length" column on CORE tab to report 2 decimal places to match the core tech reports.
Changed "Catwalk Length" column on CORE tab to reflect the original core length (i.e. the sum of the lengths (as measured on the catwalk) of all of the sections) and added a "Curated Length" column to the screen that shows what the "Catwalk Length" column used to show (the sum of the curated lengths of the sections).
WR Tracks: Several problems occurred and persist through the expedition:
Occasionally the WRMST (slow track) would not measure data for one of the sensors and entire sections would have to be re-measured. This may have been resolved because it has not happened for a while, however, the next expedition will want to keep an eye on this.
The WRMSL (fast track) stopped uploading GRA files after a change to the software caused it to keep a lock on the file which prevented the uploader from moving it. RESOLVED.
The whole round tracks occasionally log data to the previous section instead of the one that is currently being measured. The next expedition will have to watch for this as it was still occurring infrequently on Site U1345. UNRESOLVED
Tracks sometimes record a length < 0 during measurement. The uploader was modified to ignore these, but the next expedition should watch for this and work to correct it.
SH Tracks
MST was not performing background correction. Rolling back to a previous version of the software made this work, but the correction needs to be applied to the data before 07/19/2009.
Image Logger is not executing the ImageMagick script. Image corrections are being applied by Chris's PhotoPhixer application after upload. I have nearly completed the LabView code that will handle running the ImageMagick script on the track. In making this change I noted several other small issues that also need to be resolved. I am currently in the process of performing live tests on the track and verifying that the data is logged correctly. I plan to have this working by port call.
Tracks sometimes record a length < 0 during measurement. The uploader was modified to ignore these, but the next expedition should watch for this and work to correct it.
Track-mounted laser readers ceased to function; all tracks were converted to use hand scanners. Users complain that it is too difficult to scan label on core tube, so they scan end-cap instead. Occasionally this leads to section-halves being mis-scanned and results being applied to the wrong section. UNRESOLVED
Depth Map/Splice Upload and Management: The scientists reported that the interfaces are not intuitive enough and there is no user guide. New interfaces have been developed that are hopefully more intuitive, however, a user manual for these is still lacking.

LIMS database: Several modifications were made to the database:
Increased logging speed by changing a temporary table in the result logging trigger routines from 160s to 2s.
Moved most ad-hoc components to their analysis definitions, causing data queries to run much faster

XBob-Vbrick Overlay
This application is completed with source code checked into ship SVN repository and directions for use on the Wiki page. As of this time there is no permanent home for this application. MCS's have installed it on three different servers. The main issue is they want it to run on the same server as RigWatch Master application and they are having problems finding a computer that will reliably run RigWatch. RESOLVED
XRD Uploader
After unsuccessfully looking for an uploader for XRD data I added the code to MegaUploadaTron. At this time I still have a few bugs to work out to make this work reliably. I plan to have this fully functional prior to port call. RESOLVED

ENGINEERING REPORT

Mike Meiring
Overview:
Downhole temperature and Flexit orientation measurements were done from the DHML lab. 23 X APCT3 deployments and 146 X Flexit orientation measurements were made at 6 sites. Bio-cores were taken during this expedition and the PFT Tracer-pump was run.
RIS System Maintenance and User manuals were created and procedures were written. The Rigwatch Master was changed over to an IODP PC
Attempt to place Rigwatch Master over to the Kraketoa server is planned for Yokohama port call.
Both issues for getting RIS-system accepted by ODL, still being addressed by Canrig.

Data Backup:
APCT3: Data uploaded to LIMS and backed-up to: O:\3-Expeditions and Proposals\3-IODP Phase II Expeditions_Proposals\Expeditions\5-Exp-323 Bering Sea\APCT3 Measurements\EXP323 Temp Data
Flexit Orientation:
Data backed up to: T:\data1\Exp323\13.5. Core Orientation - FLEXIT\Exp 323 Orientatio Data and O:\3-Expeditions and Proposals\3-IODP Phase II Expeditions_Proposals\Expeditions\5-Exp-323 Bering Sea\Flexit Orientation data\Exp 323 Orientatio Data
RIS Data:
All Job files converted to ASCII files and RIS data for EXP 320/321 and 323 backed up to. P:\data1\1.1 Ops RIS rig instrumentation system. Also burned to DVD's for Ship Ops Office.
RIG INSTRUMENTATION:
Find all RIS User/Maintenance info at: O:\2-Engineering Files\RIS
Canrig point person:
Russ Whisonant, from Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd was appointed as Account Manager and point person for the IODP/ODL system.
RIS Acceptance by ODL:
Two issues still outstanding:

1. Maintenance manual for RIS System as installed:
2. No manual has been received yet. There is no need for their manual anymore as we created our own maintenance manual. It stays a contractual issue though and John Dyke from ODL has it in hand.

VEEDER-ROOT Counter .dll:
After numerous e-mail exchanges, Canrig concluded that the Rigwatch Veeder1.dll, has a problem. They opted to purchase a new Veeder counter to trouble-shoot and debug their program first. Russ Whisonant from Canrig will get back to us when done. See correspondence in JR_engr Groupwise.

Rigwatch Master running on IODP machine:
The Master and Drillers PCs are Canrig imaged machines, extremely tied down and user-unfriendly. Running Rigwatch Master on an IODP machine allows us to customize the configuration, run our current anti-virus software and have IT support 24/7, in case of a fatal system or other failure. After consulting with David Desterhouse from Canrig, MCS Grant Banta made the change to an IODP machine. Attempts will be made during Yokohama portcall to run the Rigwatch Master off of Kraketoa server. The Epoch imaged Rigwatch Master PC is powered down and sitting on a shelf in the Computer server room. It is ready to be fired up should there be a need for it.
Rigwatch IP Address changes:
The IP Address scheme as provided by Canrig, does not blend in with the IODP ship network. "Workarounds" had to be implemented by our network administrators to accommodate the system. Grant Banta consulted with Canrig and found we will need a change of firmware for the Compact Rio in the databox to alter its IP. A request to this effect was made to EPOCH support. At the time of writing, Canrig has responded by saying they are looking into the feasibility of making such a change.
>>> "Braswell, Trevor" <Trevor.Braswell@canrig.com> 8/28/2009 11:03 PM >>>
Grant,
"Sorry for the delay, however, we are still waiting to see if someone will be able to put together instructions on changing the IP of the DAC or build a new firmware to load"

JR RIS Maintenance/User manual:

• • Maintenance Manual:
    • All Maintenance manual info can be found at: O:\2-Engineering Files\RIS\JR-RIS Maintenance\
    • The Maintenance manual has information on the following: Support, Passwords, System Block diagram, Cable schedule, System inter-wiring diagrams, CRio input port allocation, IP Addresses, Devices, Variables, Security, Radmin.
    • Sub-system wiring diagrams for: Compensator stroke indicator, Pipe Counter, Veeder-Root counters, Video Overlay, Tracer Pump, Draw works encoder and CRio Databox.
    • Device manuals for MRU, Startech Ethernet rs232, Veeder–Root, Altech 301 Tracer pump, Bob4 video overlay, MTL 5015 and OMRON Optical.
    • Maintenance procedures for Calibrating draw works and setting up WITS tag for video overlay variable.

• • User Manual:.
    • iFind at O:\2-Engineering Files\RIS\JR-RIS User\
    • ii3 X Rigwatch User and Quick reference manuals.
    • iProcedures for: Starting/Ending a well, Converting Rigwatch data to ASCII and other.

Compensator stroke indication.
ODL installed a new laser distance measuring device on the blocks that accurately measures Compensator stroke distance. This measurement is imported to Rigwatch for display and used as one of the Depth-tracking variables.
Pipe-counter:
We had limited success with the pipe counter, which worked intermittently during the expedition. Symptoms were that of insufficient beam energy for distance. Replacing the reflector significantly improved the sensitivity.
Coreline depth video overlay:
While we are waiting for Canrig to provide the Veeder1.dll, an executable, resident on the Master and written by Developer Algie Morgan, polls the Veeder Coreline depth counter and displays the Coreline depth data as an overlay on the Rig floor camera video. This display is accessible throughout the ship on both V-Brick and Ship TV.
Tracer Pump:
The Tracer pumps were run during this Expedition and remotely controlled via the Rigwatch system
Both pumps are serviceable. They were both flushed and purged with Isopropanol at end of expedition.
Scientists requested a PFT solution of 1mg/liter. To achieve this, the tracer pump must output a flow rate of 0.55ml/min when mud pumps are running at 50 strokes/min
At 50 STKS/min, drill string fill is ~10 minutes/1000 meter.
RIS Critical spares.
The following spares are needed to provide continued service in the case of a component failure:
1 x CompactRIO Intelligent Real Time Embedded Controller
1 x NI 9425 32 Channel Digital input module.
1 x NI 9203 8 CH Analog input module
1 x MTL5015 Digital barrier
1 x Drawworks encoder
Security keys.
We have a total of 9 keys, 8 on board and 1 at College Station.
6 Keys will expire on Oct 6th.
Keys S/N 8084 and S/N 7303 cannot be used on the Master.



RIS SETUP as at end Exp 323
IP Address scheme

Rigwatch Keys/Dongles

Rigwatch Variables