Scope
This document summarizes the experience and observations of the 2003-2004 AGO field service team.
The Team
The team consisted of Rick Sterling (Team Leader responsible for power system); Joe Payne (Stanford grad student responsible for instrument checkout and VLF equipment upgrades); Susan Detweiler (mountaineer/camp safety person).
The mission of the AGO Service Team this season was to continue and extend the strategic changes begun the previous season. Essentials of this strategic change include: use of renewable energy sources only (solar and wind); near real time data transfer; dramatically reduced logistical support (Twin Otter only).
· enable ARGOS uplink of aliveness housekeeping status
· install new VLF electronics chassis (broadband plus SP Beacon detection)
· dig out and evaluate battery status
· add batteries and wire in parallel
· install two wind turbines at each site
· implement improved power control design
· implement improved wake-up (after winter) and heater design
· check out and make science equipment modifications as necessary
· insure operation and data output from each site.
Over a five week period the field service tasks were successfully performed at all sites. The activity timeline was as follows:
Nov 27–Dec 10: Field logistics and equipment preparations
December 10-14: Transit to South Pole; continued preparations for the field
December 14-22: AGO-2
December 22-29: AGO-1
December 29-Jan5: AGO-5
Following are specific notes about each site.
The z-axis of the search coil magnetometer was not working properly. We replaced the electronics chassis with a spare but this still did not correct the problem. We then made channel re-assignments and that fixed the problem. The x,y and z axis meters on the newly installed search coil chassis do not work but the output is OK.
Joe installed the new VLF electronics chassis which includes improved broadband and also South Pole beacon detection. Initial troubles were overcome and this was left in working order.
Wind turbines were installed. The new versions have improved performance with “cut-in” at just 6 mph and generating 3-4 Amps with 20 mph winds.
We had initial trouble getting the electronics to receive GPS and transmit via Iridium. Possibly the modem connection and transfer troubles were related to high traffic at Christmas holiday. By December 27 all systems were running with the data being successfully transferred to U Md..
Wind turbines installed the previous year were spinning but not generating electricity. Preliminary investigation points to failed rectifiers. This will be studied and evaluated further. Because the turbines were left in “bypass” mode at P1 following the shutdown of that site in January 2003, this does not necessarily mean the turbines installed this year should experience the same trouble. We will talk with the manufacturer and conduct our own tests.
Science instrumentation was left in nominal working order with data being received at U Md..
This site required infrastructure/maintenance work. Propane saturation has been previously documented and the site was in poor condition. We removed the propane saturated carpet and mattresses, and fixed the break in the structure. New carpet plus two replacement mattresses were installed. The site is now much more pleasant to live and work in.
After confirming the problem is not with the electronics boards at the chassis, we replaced the all sky camera. The system is now working. Joe aligned the camera under difficult circumstances (no camera lens cover).
The riometer is working but has an offset problem. We should attempt to fix this on the next visit to AGO-5.
VLF chassis removed last year was re-installed. New VLF chassis was also installed.
Other equipment was working nominally.
There as been significant snow accumulation at AGO-5 in the past year. It may need to be raised next year.
Joe Payne made a strong contribution and did a fine job. Overcoming initial difficulties and nasty flu virus during the final week in the field, he pitched in and helped in all sorts of ways in addition to his specific responsibilities.
Susan Detweiler had a challenging assignment. She performed well despite the fact this was her first time at the AGO sites and on the plateau. There was some concern about the team when we missed a “check-in” call after arriving at AGO-5, but this was all resolved and there never was an emergency. Susan was very professional in handling the medical situation when Joe was ill and running a fever of 104.
We established a new record in terms of the minimal amount of flight support required. While we used two put-in flights going to AGO-2, the other put-in flights plus all the take-outs were done with just one Twin Otter flight.
We had daily contact via Iridium voice phone with Ted Rosenberg and/or Jim at University of Maryland. This was very useful for confirming the data transfer or learning about instruments needing attention.
A special cable with D-sub connection one end and Berg connection at the other needs to be taken to each site so that a housekeeping channel can be added to the Iridium output.
New wind sensors and barometers also need to be taken to each site to provide valid pressure and wind speed/direction information.
We did not have any rest breaks during the lengthy servicing period: It was twenty-two days nonstop. When a rest day is not possible we understand. However there is a natural rest point at South Pole between AGO-2 and AGO-1. Next season I hope that a short rest will be included after the first site since it can only compound safety and health concerns to create a situation where the team works so long without a rest. We are purposely keeping the team to a small number to reduce Twin Otter and other support requirements. This is fine and sensible but a rest day at South Pole would be much appreciated.
Food taken to the sites next year should be kept to a very small amount since it is now confirmed that there are ample food supplies at each site.
Photos are available here.
All three sites visited (AGOS 2, 1, 5) sending data to Augsburg via Iridium.
Housekeeping information for sites 2 and 5 is being sent by ARGOS.
Data can be obtained from http://space.augsburg.edu/ago/iridium
For more information please feel free to contact me by phone or email.
Rick Sterling
510.642.6149