318T Transit Technical Reports
- jr_crowder
LAB OFFICER’S CROSSOVER NOTES: X318T
Hobart Portcall Activities:
Expedition 317 ended in Hobart, Tasmania with the first line ashore at 1142, 8 March 2010 (Macquarie Wharf #4/5). The portcall ended at 0845 on 12 March 2010 beginning our transit to Victoria B.C..
Cross-over: With a reduced technical staff and no oncoming science party for the transit, cross over was completed quickly. All major science systems were left powered down or in standaby mode by the departing X317 staff.
Logistics: Scientist’s samplse (including frozen) and personal belongings were shipped from Hobart. Cores and other surface freight was left onboard for discharge at the end of the transit. Materials for transit projects was loaded.
PR Activities included interviews with the local newspaper and tours for the Tasmanian governor, University of Tasmania students and the Minister of Australian Science
Core lab remodeling activities were started once the tours were completed.
Transit & Victoria Portcall Activities:
Expedition 317T ended and 327P started in Victoria, British Columbia on at 0950 on 13 April 2010 (Pier A, Ogden Point). In 32 days we transited 7484 nautical miles completing the longest transit in the history of DSDP and IODP. Although, severe weather threatened most of the trip, the captain was able to steer us through the worst of the weather. The remaining X317 surface freight and cores (except for the sampling party cores) were offloaded along with materials returned to CS.
Description Tables: The existing core description table was removed and two new tables installed using the existing lifts. A third table was installed as the auxiliary table for cleaning the archive halves. This table can be converted into a third description table once the parts for the monitors are fabricated. A small utility table was installed between the aft core description table and the auxiliary table. Regulated power and network was installed under this table for computers. In our original plans, the core description PCs were to be mounted on the shelving over the cryo to keep them out of harm’s way. Until the cabling length issues are solved, we’ll have to place them under the description tables.
Sampling Table: The existing auxiliary table was converted into the new sampling table, turned 90 degrees and attached to the Phys Prop bench after relocating the VS Gantry system. A new sink was installed on the PP table with a sediment trap and a second sediment trap was added to the existing sink at the end of the table, as well. Plastic bin holders were installed under the bench for samples and supplies.
Correlation, Thermcon and Core Editing: Thermcon was moved to the bench were the curator’s workstation was before the changes. The thermcon bench was removed and a desk installed for the correlator’s workstation. This required removing the NGR bench and installing a temporary work bench until we resolve the NGR electronics cabinet issue. The old correlator’s station was converted to the core description editing station.
Tracks and Phys Props: The existing SHMSL was dismantled and reconfigured to reduce its overall footprint in the lab. The VS gantry was removed from the physical properties bench (opening room for the sampling table) and consolidated with both the SHMSL/ SMIL tracks. This entire assembly was shifted forward about 3’. An overhead shelf was installed to hold the electronics and computers for the three systems.
Magnetics Lab: All of the bench tops were split and had to be reconstructed. Additional bench supports were installed to prevent future breaks. The cryocooler was lifted off the floor and installed on a shelf under the bench. Siding was installed to reduce compressor noise. The AF demag power supply was relocated and the cables rerouted and shielded. SQUID electronics were rotated, and the cables shield and rerouted. Isoduct raceway was added to get communication cables off the floor. A single grounding point was installed for both electronics and cable shielding. Chill water piping to the Haskris was reinstalled along the column.
Close-up Photo and D-tube Racks: The close-up photography station was returned to the microscope lab but mounted against the aft wall. The color printer from the core description area is now located next to the blue cabinet. The “working” d-tube rack is now where the sampling table used to be. Unistrut frame work has been installed for holding supplies and for supporting a “core boxing” table. The Archive D-tube rack is back were it used to be. Tables for tape and supplies have been added.
Tables: Except for the countertops in the Phys Prop, Microscope and Downhole labs, all core deck countertops were removed, repaired and refinished. Many of the tables were cracked from drying out and had to be reglued.
Lighting: Except for the emergency light, all the remaining florescent lights were removed and the LED lighting adjusted to support the new table configuration.
Floors: Found numerous cracks in the lab floors on both the Core and Focsel decks. New cracks continued to appear throughout the transit and were created when the Hilti fastener was used. Where water was able penetrate the crack the floor would swell and separated from the steel deck (ie Splitting Room). From the minor cracks the staff opened up the crack with the Roto zip and poured varnish into the crack which helped re-bond the floor to the steel deck and seal the edge. Red Hand was use to fill in the cracks. Floors were painted on both decks with two coats. Contractors are scheduled to show up next week and repair the damage in the Core Splitting Room, Paleo Prep entry, Focsel deck hallway.
Thin Section Lab: The project to install a sediment drain line into the Thin Section lab was cancelled. In order to install the pipes we would have to remove a major portion of the mess room overhead and ventilation which would shut down the galley down for a week. Instead we extended the drain line and water supply under the center bench for Gus to complete the installation. Additional sediment traps were ordered for the LP50 and WG2. The raised floor was extended and the lap wheel raised to the same height as the other equipment.
Sample Prep: The heat hood was removed and returned to CS. A temporary hose installed for local venting. An articulated vent has been ordered. New wall cabinet and shelving installed. Counter extended and the shatterbox relocated. This space has been vastly improved. The shatter box vibration mounts are damaged and new are ones ordered. The Ashing furnace was moved into the Microbiology section of the Chemistry. Needs to be installed.
Analytical Gas Piping: After a week of inspection and tightening connections, the HE, AR and BioMix lines now hold pressure from the Science Pallet Storage to the Chem lab and up to the isolation valves including the PP lab. 80 psi was held for 24 hours and 30 psi remains after 6 weeks. This is as good as it gets. The remaining lines still need work. Hopefully this will eliminate the need for moving gas bottles into the chem. Lab.
LN2: As requested from shore, the LN2 was flushed with N2 for 48 hours and then restarted. The system has no problem generating LN2 but the fill gauge is damaged. A new one has been ordered.
Sonar Dome Sea Chest Plate: The correct tap size was received; threads chased and ready for installation. Parts are on the downhole bench.
Xray Lab: The clean bench hood was relocated to the cold room and the “old” clean bench returned to CS.
Cold Lab and Core Storage: Glosten engineer (Sean Caughlan) visited the vessel for a ship check of the Cold Lab and Core Storage refrigeration issues. From discussions that included the Chief Engineer and Electrical Supervisor, it became apparent that the Cold Lab would be a simple fix while the core storage would involve considerable engineering. With the remaining 14 hours left Sean will focus on a recommended solution to the cold lab and provided an estimate of the engineering needed for the cold storage. Still waiting on information, have pinged him with an email.
Underway: New Bathy software was installed along with a firmware upgrade.
Storage Organization: Hardware, tools and misc supplies were gather and relocated to the UT Logistics Stores. We now have a central location for all of our metric hardware.
Issues and Outstanding work:
Failsafe Design: Work has started to convert our automated track systems to a failsafe design. At this time only SHMSL is failsafe. Conversion of the other tracks will require changes to the Galil firmware setting and macros before implementing. ET’s have started work on replacing all wiring used in the safety circuit with yellow cabling.
Paleo Prep Hoods: Pulleys are still on the floor in the Tech office waiting to be installed.
Ashing Furnace: Still needs to be installed in Chem Lab. Ducting and power may be an issue.
Extension Cords and Hand Power Tools: To be in compliance with TSO safety policy, we must tag, inventory and inspect all drop cords and portable hand tools (with cords). Our ETs will inspect and maintain this inventory. As you can imagine we still finding tools and extension cords around the ship. At this time we are not doing power strips.
Extension Cords: We need to work with TSO to remove temporary extension cords with permanent power outlets. Splitting room, cold lab and chemistry lab are the worst offenders. An ongoing project…
Deadman Switch and Brakes: Rotating equipment such as grinders and saws must have brakes (electrical or mechanical) and a control such that the operator cannot walk away from the equipment and leave it powered up. Foot switches work for most equipment.
Pointing Things That Cut: TSO asked us to remove all of our boxes knives from the labs as part of their safety audit. The knives have been stored away. We are told that they can be used if we insert hooked blades. We locally purchased a number of “safe” box knives a Home Depot.
Mini Corers: Partially assembled will finish and test on Juan de Fuca
Door Floor Mat Switches: Need to wait on the floor repairs to be finished. Will cross-over with ETs on installation.
Light Curtain: No action, will complete on Juan de Fuca.
Trim Work In State Rooms: No action, will go over ideals with Roy.
Sterilizer Power: The 220V power for the Sterilizer needs to be re routed from the Isoduct to a wall receptacle near the Sterilizer. This brings the wiring up to code and clears any safety issues.
XRD NOTES – Hobart to Victoria
Eric Jackson
Xray Lab/Clean room
Installed shelf and mounted computers and cables below countertop to have more countertop work area. Located the vertical flow hood permanently to the cold room. Computers were upgraded to Windows 7 and Bruker says software is not compatible. MCs’s are looking into running Windows 7 with a XP underneath (dual programs?). This affects a user room computer and core lab computer as well both of which still have the Bruker dongles residing and geeks are aware of. Host computers not allowed GroupWise or Adobe programs so is now not available in the XRD lab. Recommend an additional lab computer or laptop to do none host type work in the XRD lab space for basic communication reviewing and responding to daily emails, composing end of expedition reports, accessing photos with illustrator and or Photoshop which were frequently used this leg and most other legs for lab work, projects and disassembly reassembly, and submission of personal photos to the weekly send to shore photo sharing/access site. MCs’s said more memory upgrade planned for D4 host computer to improve speed. Floor painted a darker shade of grey. 12 Platinum crucibles turned over to Brad Jolson for recasting. ICP use only oven relocated to the clean room. Cahn 29 backup balance stored on shelf for ready access. Balances should be calibrated do not know what Houpts group has planned/scheduled, should touch base with him prior to Juan de Fuca. MCs’s complained about any mp3 type files on desktop as well as in personal user folders due to copyright infringement issues. Music is an integral part of lab work/general happiness as evidenced by the purchasing of speakers and receivers located in the labs and have been a part of the lab experience/culture since I have come on board and I suspect, much earlier. Purchasing of a personal storage device was recommended.
Mbio lab
Floor scrubbed and painted. Re-established the approved internet connection in Mbio lab where GroupWise, Photoshop, acrobat, and illustrator are installed although not readily accessible to Mbio tech during regular sailing when occupied with scientist.
Sample Prep
Shatterbox vibration dampeners were worn or loose and worn, evidenced by not being able to reach a balance upon running. The part number was sent to ALo’s on shore for order along with 3 extra spares. I have personnel photos on my camera of wiring to use for reassembly upon my return if needed. Floor was painted darker grey. Vidmars were rearranged into a minor L shape adding additional counter space. A storage cabinet and shelves were also added and now you can see what your working on as the heat exhaust hood was removed and lighting is vastly improved. An articulating arm exhaust duct is being sent from shore for working around airborne particulate powder. Temporary ducting utilizes the current exhaust system. For the lab to function properly (cycle the volume of room air) the door to the lab needs to be closed. The non-protective dust masks supplied in stores were incorrectly labeled as “6 in stock NIOSH N-95s” have been supplemented with Australian version and recently purchased N95’s. These masks are not throw-aways after one use and should be safeguarded to extend useful life. A box is kept in the sample prep lab. Spex equipment Instruction manuals with parts diagrams were located online and ordered. Additional SPEX sample prep guide arrived at College Station and is being sent to the ship.
F-deck general
Leaks were found and fixed; most of them were in the chem. Lab lines but have been checked from tween-tween deck thru to core lab deck. Care needs to be taken when tightening any future connections so that others are not loosened unintentionally. Chem lab floor scubbed and painted. All balances were moved or disconnected at some point in painting, recommend Analytical group tuneup/calibration and software compatibility check while dockside.
The Last Report of Kuro: 318 T
Analytical Gas piping system:
Most of the connections on the analytical gas piping have been retightens from manifold at gas bottle area up to the isolation valves at virus location. On the helium line, we pressure tested with 80psi nitrogen gas and it hold 24 hours, after about a month later that pressure was down to about 40 psi, even today (6weeks later) holding 30 psi.
Thin Section Lab Mod:
The thin section lab sediment drain project has been cancelled due to impossible to add pipe above ceiling in the mess room, therefore extend and assessable to the gray water drain from port side to middle of the lab and cold water line has also brought to the middle of the lab. Also, we have 2 sediment traps for LP 50 and WG 2 gray water drain.
The lapping wheel and floor has raised up to same heights with other floor.
Liquid Nitrogen Generator:
The LN2 generator has been flashed with N2 gas for 48hours, and then restarts the LN2 generator.
The LN2 generator produced LN2 successfully. But the level gage on the front panel is faulty, as same as X318. We are going to order a new gage for replacement. We received the new valve for drew LN2 and safety switch for N2 gas intake. We install the valve but not safety switch.
I contact with Rigaku rep (Clayton Johnson: 281-362-2300 X140) on 4 May. He suggests to checking the quality of supply N2 gas which O2 level should be lower than 1%. I used bridge gas monitor and read 0.2%. Then empty the dewar and pull out the 2 small black tube from the gage. Then the gage made to zero. I checked flow from those 2 black tubing and notice that high pressure side has much small flow than low pressure side. Also high pressure side tube was icing up. Now 1 psi of N2 gas flowing through dewar to high pressure side tube for drying. It is still ongoing at this time.
Sonar dome flange plate:
The flange plate for sonar dome has been chased the threads with proper tap. The parts are here and ready to install.
318 Transit ET Report.
April 26 2010
Garrick Van Rensburg & Randy Gjesvold
Core lab: Rearranged and most of the tracks rewired.
ET Shop:
Computer techs installed windows 7 on the computer. This wiped out all saved information including the last leg ET Reports, parts ordered information, drivers to run the O-scope, Printers, Spectrum Analyzer and downhole tools. No notice was given prior to the upgrade. Completely cleaned out and organized the ET shop. Removed all unnecessary equipment. Properly marked all of the drawers.
Downhole Measurements Lab: Not used. Used as a workshop for core lab repair and upgrade. Swapped out drill press in DHML for one that was stored under the stairs on the hold deck. Labeled Vidmar Cabinets. Repaired safety circuit in the drill press. Power could be applied without any indication it was present. Re wired so as soon as power is applied you get an indicator light. You would then have to depress the foot switch to make the unit operate.
Core Lab:
*Note: Much of the track wiring was very poorly done and and left safety concerns due to being able to touch exposed terminals. The safety stops did not remove power from the tracks. These also raise serious safety concerns. This is not Beta testing. These machines need to be installed here properly.
1-Super Conducting Rock Magnetometer-Photographed and partially disassembled. Cleaned up and re ran all of the wiring Added enhanced shielding to the cables. Thermal Demagnetizer was re wired. The cables had dry rotted.
2-Sampling Table-Photographed and documented computer connections on the sampling table in preparation for disassembly. Disassembled table. Fabricated three new ones. Disassembled them again in port to add new hardware.
3-Section Half Multi Sensor Logger-Opened computer case. Disconnected 1 hard drive. Cleaned out the dust. Re installed case cover. Secured for sea. Manufactured an overhead shelf to store the electronics. Shifted wiring and electronics to this shelf. Disassembled the Section Half Multi Sensor Logger. Upgraded and re assembled in new location. Removed some of the isoduct above the instruments and combined them into one double rail. This required a lock out tag out from Trans Ocean. During the ring out of the wiring found a several discrepancies from the Singapore wiring. These were corrected.
4-Second Half Image Logger-Opened computer case. Disconnected 1 hard drive. Cleaned out the dust. Re installed case cover. Secured for sea. Shifted electronics to shelf installed above the Image logger. Re located the entire instrument. Re wired.
5-Moisture and Density-Photographed and gathered documentation for archiving.
6-P-Wave Velocity-Disassembled entire machine. Relocated to a new location on the back of the Second Half Multi Sensor Logger. Re wired P-Wave Velocity and secured in new location. Opened computer case. Disconnected 1 hard drive. Cleaned out the dust. Re installed case cover. Secured for Sea. P-Wave Velocity fails to work in the Y axis. While ringing out cables it started to work again. Appears to have been corrosion on the pins of the cable which cleared when they were re connected.
7-Core Splitting Saw-Photographed and gathered documentation for archiving.
9-NGR-Photographed and documented system connections.
10-Fast Track-Opened computer case. Disconnected 1 hard drive. Cleaned out the dust. Re installed case cover. Secured for sea. Disassembled the entire track and removed it from the table top to gain access to the water damage on the table top. Damage was repaired. Sanded and varnished the table top. Re assembled the track. During re assembly found the end of run switch to be stuck. Cleaned switch and re installed.
11-Whole Round Multi Sensor Logger-Opened computer cases. Disconnected 1 hard drive. Cleaned out the dust in both computers. Re installed case cover. Secured for sea.
Paleo: Cleaned up after flood.
Chem Lab: During the preparation for painting the Sterilizer power cord was cut so the machine could be removed. To put the Sterilizer back in operation the 220V power will need to be re routed to a location near the machine. This will be turned over to the next crew due to time constraints.
Thin Section Lab: Removed old vent hood.
Photo Lab: Not used
Yeop Office: Replaced blown fuse in power adapter.
X-Ray Lab: Not used
Thin Section Lab: Manufactured a longer audio jack for the stereo. Installed amp from Paleo Lab. Replacement for Paleo Lab on order.
Upper Tween Deck: Installed foot switch on the large sander in the woodshop. Began installing a foot switch on the Ban Saw. Found the wiring to be dry rotted. New Ban Saw is on order.
Science Lounge: Installed Projector. Repaired dry soldier joint on blue ray DVD player.
MCS: Manufactured cable for instruments.
Gym: Added air to speed bag.
U/W: No repairs needed.
Fantail: Not Used
Misc: Wired up and tested Titan LED Light Engine. Rebuilt a majority of the lab. This included moving receptacle power. Re wiring track systems. Re wiring power supplies, safety switches and the lights. Moving and re mounting counter tops and one minor flood in the Paleo Lab . Manufactured a shelf for the oven in the Core Lab. Chipping, Rotoziping groves along crack lines to lay in laquer to glue the floors back down. Painting in the core lab. Tested and tagged all portable electrical handtools for a Trans Ocean safety audit. Added several foot safety switches to equipment. Geiger counter was faulty. It had been left on and the batteries were flat. During the battery change found out that the batteries had leaked inside. This was all cleaned out and the Geiger Counter was labeled to keep personnel from leaving the device on again.
To Do:
Chem Lab: The 220V power for the Sterilizer needs to be re routed from the Iso Duct to a wall receptacle near the Sterilizer. This brings the wiring up to code and clears any safety issues.
Victoria, B.C. April 26th to May 4th, 2010
Instrument host migration to LabVIEW 9.0 and Windows 7
Trevor Combine and Dave Fackler
April 26th:
Travel from Bryan/College Station to Victoria B.C.
April 27th
Decision was to get all systems running under Windows XP to verify that all subsystems were operating correctly before trying to upgrade to Windows 7 and LabVIEW 9.0.
When systems were running under Windows XP and LabVIEW 8.5, then switch the drives and install all components and test systems under Windows 7.
The ‘drop dead’ date for migrating to Win 7 was set at Friday 30th at 08:00 am. After this time we would ensure that a functional lab was available when we left on Tuesday, May 4th, albeit operating on XP & LabVIEW 8.5.
SRM
Installed the NI cards and Galil controller. We had some problems getting MAX to configure correctly. The boards were placed in different slots to originally and some stale data prevented MAX designating the serial port aliases correctly. Checked visually the wiring and connections and confirmed that all were connected correctly. Removed NI Driver for the cards and rebooted. This time MAX was able to correctly assign aliases.
Confirmed the operation of the SRM continuous sample program. SQuID boxes, Degausser, motion control all ran, after all components were turned on and powered up.
Changed over the computer to the Win 7 computer. SRM has 2 computer boxes a xw4100 (PC 50401) running XP, and a xw4400 (SRM PC51583) running Win 7.
Installed LabVIEW 9.0 f3.0, GalilTools (32 bit). The xw4100 XP box is in the care of the MCS’s and marked as for the SRM
The Galil application note for wiring digital input & Abort input, in a failsafe manner was given to the ET’s and later incorporated into the SHIL emergency stop switches. Discussion on how to make the limit switches failsafe, stop the motion if the wires are cut or unplugged were not resolved and will need some more investigation back on Shore. It is possible it’s just how & where to arrange the wiring & extra components to achieve this.
April 28th:
Inserted NI 8430/8 8 port serial card and Galil Controller from XP box. Previous version of SRM continuous sample code used Galil drivers, DMC32.dll. These are not compatible with Win 7. As we installed LabVIEW 9 (32 bit) we only installed the 32 bit GalilTools. GalilTools provides an ActiveX object library, galil.tlb as the driver layer. After some experimentation, a way to rewrite the motion vi’s developed that would allow for the new vi’s to seamlessly replace the older DMC32.dll version in all systems, SRM, WRMSL, STMSL, SHIL. Bill Mills has his own vi’s developed for SHMSL.
Our first attempt to write replacement vi’s for the motion control was not stable.
April 29th:
A large part of the day was spent investigating and trialing solutions usually with out success until David Fackler installed the 64bit GalilTools. Although we were using 32bit version of LabVIEW we still required the 64bit GalilTools library to be installed on the 64 bit Win 7 boxes.
After some further experimentation a final set of vi’s that worked in a similar manner to the DMC32 version was developed. The new ActiveX vi’s required some parsing of the LabVIEW error messages to generate Galil TC1 (Tell Error Code 1) error numbers returned to maintain compatibility with the earlier version vi’s and their interaction with other vi’s.
Friday 30th:
The decision was made to go with Win 7 but use DMC32 drivers. A short phone call to Galil (Jason) recommended that we stay with Galil.tlb as DMC32.dll would be unstable with very unpredictable results in Win 7.
WRMSL Under XP.
Initial test ran the Main program but the GRA did not function. Time was spent sorting out the IP addresses and firewalls for the DigiBase Server & DigiBase Client software on the two computers.
Once done the WRSL was run. The code and sensors worked although it was not the fully implemented version. Code was changed to the version that incorporates the End of Track switch and configured the Acuity lasers to operate in NPN switch mode. Track tested OK.
STMSL: Under XP
STMSL tested OK, after everything was turned on & powered up.
Velocity Gantry.
Under Win 7. It was decided to go with Win 7 on this box as there was no Galil motion control and we could see no impediments to migrating to Win 7. LabVIEW 9.0 Sp1, DaqMX drivers, Exlar Expert software version 2, were installed. Drivers for the USB to serial port adaptor were initially a problem as the originals were totally unacceptable to Win 7. FTDI.com (Future Technology Devices Inc.) had a download site and suitable drivers, ones that didn’t crash the computer, were downloaded and installed.
May 1st:
More testing of the SRM running under XP. The section half (continuous code) was tested up to 80mT demagnetization. Worked as expected.
The discrete software was tested up to 80 mT demagnetization. Worked as expected.
SRM power wiring to SRM components (Crest Amp, Capacitor Box) needs to be rearranged so that it doesn’t run from the bench outlets. Have arranged with David Houpt to order 2, 5” muffin fans for the big Crest amplifier. Presently there is a 110v fan separately powered to cool the amp. This can lead to the situation where fan is off when the amplifier is operating. Internally wired 220 volt fan would ensure that this can never happen. (220v internally wired fan is the original installation until it failed and the only replacement available was a 110 volt fan)
May 2nd:
Velocity Gantry
Checked the P-Wave coax wiring, rather mixed up. Reconnected the coax wiring correctly.
The reconfiguration of the laser that measures the position in sample required a change of constants for correct position registration of measurements.
Tested the code running under Win 7 in development mode. System performed well. All measurement of plexi-glass standards and water standard gave errors of less than 0.25% of the calibration velocity for respective standards.
The Velocity Gantry was known not to run in compiled mode so, time was spent fixing bugs that prevented this and the code tested in development mode before it was compiled into a LabVIEW executable. Thorough testing proved the executable code reliable and installed in the program files directory. The LabVIEW development environment shortcut was removed from the daq/daq desktop and a shortcut for the Velocity Gantry installed.
The Velocity Gantry was left running on a Win 7 box. A completed migration to Win 7.
May 3rd:
SRM
New vi’s for Galil motion showed a bug. The bug was in the dmccommand vi I had converted all strings to upper case. This included variables that should be lower case. Removed the offending conversion and SRM continuous code worked well. Tested at nrm, 5 mT, 20 mT, 20mT, 80mT.
Built the SRM continuous code into an executable. When run it gave an error to do with IODP_UTILS. Some ancillary files were not included in the build. Margaret Hastedt suggested not worrying about the build as there were more bugs to fix when she (& Dwight Hornbacher) do what’s required when they get to the ship.
Tested the new vi’s with the Discrete code. Error Message: Galil DMCCommand “MG _BGX” took longer than 500 ms to read response in galil_waitformotioncomplete.vi. This occurred when the boat moved from the Background 1 position to the measure position to read the discrete sample. Can’t see what’s causing this, yet. Discrete code looks alright and the galil_waitformotioncomplete.vi works elsewhere correctly when tested.
This was a bug in the SRM code; the command ‘AMX’ was sent through a DMCCommand.vi. This prevented the galil_waitformotioncomplete.vi from being able to connect with the controller and so it timed out. The AMX is unnecessary as it does the same function as the galil_waitformotioncomplete.vi. Removed AMX from the command script and SRM_Discrete program now runs under Win 7.
Reference: waitformotioncomplete in WINDMC.PDF pdf for the description of the methods in the old DMC32.dll driver.
Instrument code for the SRM now migrated over to Win 7. Ancillary programs will still have to be migrated from the XP box as required.
WRMSL
Migration to Win 7.
Could not install the ORTEC Meastro/Connect32 drivers in Win 7. So all migration has been abandoned.
There is a DigiBase (USB connected PMT) on shore for other testing. Getting drivers to operate will have to be included into this testing of the shore WRMSL.
WRMSL & STMSL are currently left in Windows XP.
May 4th:
Return to B/CS and continue resolving the issues encountered on this trip.
Expedition 318T Underway Geophysics Technical Report
Transit from Hobart, Tasmania to Victoria, BC tie up period
Kristin Hillis
Data Summary
Expedition 317 consisted of ~7500nm transit.
Although data collection was not necessary on this transit, WinFrog 1 was utilized to track distance remaining and various places along the way (0°/180°, Hawaii, and Victoria). Software upgrades were completed on both WinFrog (now v.3.9) and Bathy2010 (now v.2.0.1.11).
Equipment Performance Summary:
Trimble/Ashtech GPS
The Trimble was the primary GPS used for the duration of Expedition 317. No problems were encountered.
Gyro
The gyro from DP was used throughout the cruise.
WinFrog
WinFrog 1 was used for 318T. Data points were not collected as there was no science party to request navigation data.
WinFrog remote in Lower Tween: I did run into a problem with one of the waypoints and distance remaining being calculated. I entered ‘Oahu’ as a waypoint, as the 7000nm remaining was too depressing, so an interesting midway point was chosen. I had done this earlier for tracking the 0°/180° crossing. However, despite entering in the correct lat/long for Oahu, WF remote seemed to default on a 318 site, giving a remaining distance of +12000nm that continued to grow. I could go into ‘edit waypoints,’ enter the correct lat/long, click ‘done,’ but as soon as ‘edit waypoints’ was re-opened, it had reverted back to the incorrect information. Even deleting the waypoint entirely would not clear the Oahu waypoint and incorrect data. Not sure what would cause this, as WF1 coming from Underway, feeding the smart remote, was displaying correctly.
I began troubleshooting by reloading a ,cfg file from a few weeks earlier. When this did not work, I began trying cfg files from previous expeditions. When I reloaded an cfg file from 317 or 324, the ‘Oahu’ waypoint with the defaulted wrong lat/long still remained. I was ready to re-install WinFrog on the remote computer when I tried a cfg file from 320 or 321 that seemed to do the trick. All the Oahu information was gone, I was able to reset Ogden Point as the final waypoint, and no problems were experienced following this.
WinFrog upgrade to v3.9: Brad Julson brought the new version (3.9) of WinFrog to the ship in mid-April. Erik and I upgraded WF1 and WF2 in Underway and the two smart remotes in Lower Tween and the Co-Chief’s office will be updated at a later date. There appear to be some nice features added, such as easier ability to zoom and edit waypoints by double-clicking. I’m sure more nice features will be discovered once we resume normal operations and begin collecting navigational data.
Bathy 2010
Long story short, customer service from SyQwest could use much improvement. The much anticipated software upgrade for Bathy 2010 (v.2.0.1.11), originally due to be released in December 2009, arrived in College Station March 2010 to be hand-carried to Hobart.
Prior to the installation, I documented all the settings and configurations for COM ports, so everything could be configured as normal. I had MCS Grant Banta come to Underway, who first uninstalled the old version and then re-installed the new. All instructions were followed and no error messages were received. I reconfigured everything to the previous settings, but there seemed to be communication problems between the LPT and computer. The sensor state was ‘Idle,’ and although I could hear the chirps from the LPT and around the ship, the ping counter never changed and there was no feedback/noise/reflection.
I began emailing Russell at SyQwest on 15 March 2010. After that email went unanswered for 9 days, I re-sent the same email, this time to three different employees. I did get a response requesting the registry file be exported and sent to them. (They continue to be concerned that the Bathy 2010 computer is running on the network and we do not have ‘Admin’ access - Grant and I explained to them this is not the case.) Grant forwarded them the registry file on 27 March 2010. After not getting a response for nearly two weeks and only days left in the transit to Victoria to test the equipment before three months of tie-up, I sent a scathing email to multiple people at SyQwest. I had numerous responses and the problem was solved that day. The problem was the new software required a new firmware version as well; this was keeping the LPT sensor from talking to the computer. We were running firmware version 60 and the new software required version 66. (See all my notes in the email correspondence notebook, but in the software, if you go to ‘help’ and ‘about,’ it will display current versions of software, hardware, and firmware).
Thankfully, it turned out to be an easy fix to solve the problem. It seems ridiculous that it took 3.5 weeks to receive enough customer support to conclude the firmware was outdated, and the sonar was only able to run for three days before reaching port. It is still unknown if the new version solves our previous problems with SEGY files crashing the system.
**Helpful hint, perhaps – Doug Flowers was the one who figured out the problem and sent necessary files to troubleshoot – he might be the guy to go to in the future.
318T - Notes from Kristin to Roy & Heather
No upgrade to ALO computer
There appears to be a lot of problems with upgrading to Windows 7. Aside from most of the instrument software not supporting it yet, there seem to have been a lot of problems in general.
The MCSs wanted to upgrade while we were still in Hobart, but I asked them to hold off, as I wasn’t sure how some things would work, especially with the Dymo printer for shipping and the Dickson software I needed to start the temperature loggers. Plus, Tim and Lisa never had the chance to back-up their data. I kept the MCSs off the machine as long as I could. Now that Jay has arrived and accessed the Windows 7 upgrade problems, I’m not sure what the outcome will be. But for now, there is a sticky note over the power button saying not to upgrade and talk to Bill/Roy.
Locks for UT
The new combination locks for UT stores and logistics arrived in a shipment from CS last week. They said Etienne installed the previous ones and would probably be best to do these as well. They are in UT stores on the counter, along with the spare keys.
UT Logistics Shop reorganization
One of my projects the last few weeks in Victoria was organizing the logistics shop a bit better. Bill had us do a sweep of the labs collecting unnecessary tools/hardware that had accumulated. Tools/hardware specialized for a lab remain and a set was left in the downhole lab, with the idea of gathering everything else in a centralized location downstairs. I ran out of time in making complete sets of metric and standard tools. The main points of items that moved:
Metric bolts, nuts, washers have been sorted into the aft large Vidmar
Bill also wanted most of the hardware kits (set screws, retaining rings, nuts, bolts) to be taken apart and put into their respective drawers.
The ‘ALO’ cabinet on port side with hazardous labels, shipping labels, container locks, etc has moved to the blue Vidmars under the workbench on the UT landing.
The tall cabinet that was partially empty and contained Swagelok has become the ‘Misc/Special’ cabinet. This has everything from Hilti stuff, handles, hinges, latches, pop rivets, and spare pieces Gus bags and labels.
The space vacated by moving the misc things freed up room to put the Swagelok in the forward cabinets with other piping items.
I believe I’ve gotten everything labeled, so things shouldn’t be too hard to find. Tim has ordered more drawer labels from Vidmar and an extra handle to replace the missing one on the landing.
Utility Knives
Prior to the Transocean safety audit, there was a fuss made over IODP using box cutters. Bill had us gather them up from all the drawers, labs, and store room. Brad purchased eight (bought out Home Depot) of the new, spring-loaded knives. But evidently hook blades are okay to use in the old-style knives. Call me crazy, but I’m thinking the eight new ones aren’t going to replace the 50+ we used to have. So for the time being I’ve boxed up all the old-style knives and they are in the locked ‘Ship stores’ cabinet with the kid’s design t-shirts. Perhaps all the LO’s and ALO’s can talk and come up with a solution.
Inventory
Check-out sheets have not been updated since 318. Sorry, but not something I know how to do in AMS.
Shipping
Most all important names/numbers/addresses are in my notes at the ALO desk taped above the Dymo printer. I’ve put all my stuff in the ALO folder on the server under 318T.
T:\ALO Folder\Exp 318T\Shipping
The main important thing there is the commercial invoice template.
In the tray on the ALO desk there is a folder and clipboard with paperwork for items I’ve sent/received.
People to know:
King Bros – Agent
250-384-1653
I’ve mainly dealt with KR Nikkel and Wil McBride. I’m copying both your ship accounts with an email from today so you have their address.
Shipyard
Remember, I’m leaving before the ship actually moves, so I haven’t been there. I’m sure you’ll learn more when you get there. But this is the information I have for packages being sent.
Master, JOIDES Resolution
Esquimalt Graving Dock
825 Admirals Road
Victoria, BC V9A 2P1
JoAnn – 250-363-3743 (lady that works at the shipyard front office – very nice, helped me track down a package that got sent there too early)
You’ll also notice a card taped up from Western Stevedoring. They are the ones we were collecting small packages from while at Ogden Point. You probably won’t deal with them at all.
On-coming shipment T327P4s
This is a k-box hopefully to arrive my last day, so you may have to disregard this. If it arrives between the 5th and the day you arrive, I’ve left the summary report of it’s contents with Erik. He can make sure everything is there and you can ‘receive’ it in AMS.
Off-going packages
For items that need to go quickly (i.e. not wait until the k-box downstairs is full), we have been sending small packages via the agent to Fed Ex. The box gets a Dymo label, see example on desk. A commercial invoice needs to be filled out. See template in ALO folder. (*Note: a big deal seems to be the ‘US goods being returned’ disclaimer if that’s the case. I guess Canadian customs can be picky.) The commercial invoice then gets sent to:
King Bros
Sandy
Mitch
In that email I usually tell them I’ll have the package at the gangway guard house at whatever time and it goes from there. I’ve tried to get them to send me the Fed Ex tracking numbers once they do the paperwork – might have to remind them.
SURF1 shipment
I started a SURF1 shipment as 318 did at the end of their cruise. It is the grey plastic K-box in TBULK in front of the gas bottle racks. I’ve entered all the items in AMS under F327Psurf1. Right now in the shipment information screen, the ‘ship to’ is PANcanada, not IODP. That’s the address I added to the address book for Panalpina Vancouver. Sandy/Mitch had me change that in the shipment that went off when we first arrived (core, gas bottles, etc), because it needed to be addressed to Panalpina Vancouver, with the final destination of IODP. I assume that’s the way remaining shipments will work as well.
Random items to dispose of/go home?
There are random furniture parts and boxes down on the Upper Tween landing and in TBULK that I’ve marked. If Roy or this crew can’t find a use for them, Bill says they should be added to the shipment as well. One of them is the dust collection parts/hose clamps. Another is the stack of spare cubicle/furniture parts. If you guys don’t need them in the next two months, it’s been decided those furniture pieces can be thrown away.
Items to be possibly added to shipment later
These are a few things that were mentioned about adding to the shipment, but no decisions were made as of my leaving:
Lights – with all the new LED lights in the core lab, there are a ton of old light fixtures John Pretorius is ‘giving’ to us. Bill is thinking of sending them back to the hanger using the wooden box on the deck outside the LO office. Then again, the hanger is where things go to die, so another decision may have been made.
Copier sorter – there was discussion of sending the sorter home, as that is where most of the jamming seems to occur. Waiting on word home Phil Gates.
Computer from the IT guys
Questions
Sandy has been pretty good with answering the various questions I have or tracking down shipments. 979-845-5780
Cell phone
There is a cell phone with a Canadian sim card to allow for calling the agent, local vendors, etc. 250-588-3231 It’s got a weird NZ-type plug, so the charger is in the ET shop. The phone is on the ALO desk as of my departure.