Sandra Herrmann

Tie-up, Cape Town, South Africa (August 7 - September 9, 2022)

Summary

Expedition 397P was a roughly one month tie-up in Cape Town with a service call for SERCO (Emile Mylan for microscope maintenance) and a full suite of computer replacements in all labs. A Kick-the-tires-light-the-fires effort was executed after/during install. The documentation here includes details on Imaging related issues encountered during this period.

Imaging and other services provided

• Produce selected ID batches for IODP staff

• KTLF

• Production of group photos (IODP tech, general group, Entier)

• T-shirt logo contest organization

• T-shirt printing

• GEODESC testing/working closely with developers and 397 expedition planning

System Status

Imaging Computer

The Imaging computer was switched out. We now have a PC instead of Mac. Adobe packages, printer software and settings have been transferred to the best of the Imaging Technicians knowledge. Please check and verify. The login is now ship\jr_username and related email password. The new Adobe Suite installed on that machine uses the NetID login credentials from TAMU.

PICAT

Tested post computer replacement, result: fully functional. New Adobe Suite installed on PC, use NetID login credentials.

TIFF images don't get uploaded by Image Capture since over 10 years. The components tiff_asman_id and tiff_filename have been removed from the expanded LORE report and the ability to download these is also removed from LORE expanded. No need to produce TIFFs.

Image Capture does sometimes skip JPEG file upload if the user doesn't pick the metadata as flow from top to bottom. Report has been submitted to the bug tracking on confluence.

CLOSEUP

Tested post computer replacement, result: fully functional.

MICROSCOPES

All microscopes, objectives and oculars as well as the transformer boxes were checked and cleaned by the SERCO contractor Emile Meylan. This is the list of findings:

At the end of the tie-up, AF arrived and the missing parts were installed and tested on the Axio Imager 2 (91187):

Open

Microscope cameras (SPOT)

The SPOT ideal (USB communication) cameras installed on all stereomicroscopes work well on the new generation PCs that were installed this tie-up, however the other (black) SPOT cameras are not communicating properly over the fire wire connection. For now, the old PCs are back on these stations until we can purchase different cameras or IT can find a solution to communicate with the firewire cameras. IT ordered different PC boards to test with these cameras. They might be delivered for 397T (unsure) or 397.

Microbiology microscope

The documentation for the epifluorescence microscope has been largely improved, including a quick start guide on how to use the Zen blue software to capture images and save these on Uservol. The Imaging Specialist should remember to add the image transfer of these files to data1 from now on. The Imaging Specialist SOP has been updated accordingly.

SHIL

The IMS code has been updated just like on all other IMS loggers. KTLF testing/development cycles took care of the major problems. The instrument is back to full functionality. A list of requests to increase user friendliness can be found in the confluence bug tracking system. A major improvement is the ability to scan any 360 quadrant separately without having to run the entire cycle through all quadrants again if one scan is unsatisfying.

PHOTOGRAPHY

No issues encountered. All equipment is working well.

PRINTER

EPSON STYLUS 4900

No issues encountered. All working well with the new computer. The settings allow for more precise parameter choices for paper settings/color profile etc. IT's nice.

EPSON ecotank

No issues encountered. All working well. Same as on the Stylus 4900, more options are suddenly available, which makes it much easier to work with.

Items received

• Printer ink for Epson ecotank and Stylus

• Phone case/screen protector for Foldio iPhone

• Light bulbs for Imaging Office

• Tripod head that holds more weight (for remote setup for group pictures)

• Light bulbs for Imaging Lab overhead light fixture

• Missing pieces for Microscope Imager A2 - push button and cable (AF @ end of expedition)

Items ordered

• Small tripod for Foldio phone

• Misssing pieces for Microscope Imager A2 - push button and cable (beginning of expedition)

Items shipped to shore

• Prepared shipment with all camcorders as the technology has not been used in a decade (see tech reports) and is outdated at this point

• Old grey Zeiss microscope and accessories

• Several light box transformers (we have too many here)

• Two Maerzenhauser XY stages that only work in one direction (for repair at Zeiss)

Miscellaneous

One additional task was to prepare for the new SEM/EDS system install during 397T. A tracking confluence page has been created, where all information, manuals, progress etc. are reported. It would be nice to keep using this tracking page until the project is finished and approved by all stake holders. The page is located on the front page of the Laboratory Notebook and linked: 379P/T SEM EDS install. All tasks associated with 397P have been accomplished.

Took over responsibility of PUBS KTLF testing.

All Imaging Manuals that were embedded in the Lab Notebooks and linked to the WIKI have been moved to the wiki under the newly created Imaging Lab link. A new manual for Virtual Photo Table was added.

A good amount of time was spent on GEODESC testing, meetings and 397 description planning.