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The McArthur II supports a suite of sensors for meteolological and oceanographic data acquisition. This sensor suite is supported by two Dell PowerEdge 2650 computers. An ethernet network integrates nearly all of the shipboard computers on the Windows 2000 network.
The shipboard network and computer systems aboard are a valuable asset. The up-to-date shipboard computers and software are used for everything from data acquisition and analysis to administration and payroll. Intranet services support many network applications. The two basic categories of shipboard computers are scientific and administrative. In general, the scientific computers are used for data acquisition and processing and the administrative computers are used by shipboard personnel for day to day administrative tasks.
Nearly all of the ship's sensors are integrated into the Scientific Computing System (SCS), which allows for centralized data acquisition and logging from numerous sensors with different sampling rates. One data set of all sensors is logged continuously. SCS's versatility also allows users to create data sets specifically for their requirements, specifying which sensor data is to be included and sample rate. All data are time stamped from the ship's high-precision UTC clock and GPS navigation parameters can be easily included within any data set. SCS data can be accessed with feature-rich software from workstations throughout the ship-wide network. Details for individual shipboard sensors and systems are provided on this page. Temporary installation of an additional mission-specific sensor and/or system can be set up to be logged to SCS.
Equipment Calibration Policy
The mission scientific sensors are calibrated on a fixed schedule. The calibration of the equipment is coordinated by the Electronic Engineering Division (EED) of the Marine Operations Center-Pacific (MOC-P). Due to the intensive schedule kept by the ship during the normal field season, calibration of most sensors is performed during the ship's winter inport to allow adequate turnaround time. The ship's Lead Electronics Technician (LET) maintains shipboard files of sensor calibration records and data.
If a user desires a calibration more often than what is described below, the user will have to bear the expense for the extra calibration, as well as the shipping costs of the sensor to and from the ship. Such calibrations require advance planning and will be scheduled at a time when the sensor will not be needed by the ship so as not to impact on-going operations. As with standard calibrations, any extra calibrations will be coordinated by EED in consultation with the ship.
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The primary function of the computers are to fulfill the data requirements
as outlined in the project instructions; however, limited access is available
to personnel for projects not directly related to the mission. Computers are
located throughout the ship including the Bridge, Dry Lab, and Department
Offices. CD-RW and Iomega Zip drives are available to personnel on several
computers on board.
Most of the computers on board have dedicated functions for shipboard personnel but
select computers are available for scientific personnel on a shared basis. It
is preferential for scientific personnel to provide their own computers for
computing needs. Computers brought aboard by sceintific personnel can be added
to the network as needed provided the user has the required administrative
privileges for their computer. Several network connections are available in the
Dry Lab. Network connections for each stateroom are planned for the near
future.
The Windows 2000 network on the McArthur II is administered by two Dell PowerEdge 2650. The shipboard network makes data transfer throughout the vessel simple and efficient.
Scientific Computer System (SCS) software
TCP/IP
Microsoft Ethernet
The Scientific Computer System (SCS) software was developed at NOAA
Headquarters specifically for the NOAA fleet. SCS is a data acquisition and
processing system designed for oceanographic and fisheries applications. The
C++ based software package is run through point and click menu bars. The SCS
package utilizes Graphical User Interface (GUI) technology in the form of time
series graphs and directly calls ArcView graphing capabilities.
The SCS software is run on two Dell PowerEdge 2650 computers running Windows 2000
server. The systems are identical in set-up and configuration so in the event
of a failure of the primary system, the backup system can resume scientific
data acquisition with minimal data disruption or loss. Each server has a CD-ROM
and floppy disk drive in addtion to 4 internal 18 gigabyte drives operating in
a RAID 5 array. The primary function of this system is to run the Scientific
Computer System (SCS) data acquisition software which iacquires data from a
suite of sensors. The SCS system can also derive values from raw sensor data,
for example, true wind speed which is derived from raw wind speed, direction
and heading information.
SCS is networked throughout the ship and is capable of sending data displays to remote
stations on the ship. In addition, ASCII data strings can be sent via RS-232
cable or over the ethernet. Data from just about every sensor can
be sent to any available port/node on the network. The SCS workstations can
provide time series graphs of all acquired data to monitor any changes. Several
variables can be plotted against each other in real time X-Y plots. Data can be
output in a wide variety of formats. Data output formats include:
The ship has 24-7 VSAT internet connection while underway. Please remember that this is a privilege, and any abuse will not be tolerated. Streaming audio and video take up enormous bandwidth and slow down the entire Internet connection and are not allowed. Viewing of pornographic material and peer to peer programs are also not authorized.
One installed barometer with digital output manufactured by Atmospheric Instruments. Data is output in millibars and is recorded on SCS and available for scientific use.
We currently have conductivity, temperature, and pressure sensors (depth), plus an altimeter to notify us when the CTD approaches the seafloor. Our SST can interface many other sensors if you bring them. The Seabird website may prove useful when determining if your sensor will interface with our SBE 911Plus. You must bring calibration sheets with you for anything connecting to CTD.
Niskin Bottle Size- 2.5 Liter, CTD capable of carrying 12 bottles. We currently have 12 extra bottles as back up.
Winch Cable- .375-max 5000m,
Desh-5 winch (markee)- .375 wire, used for stern operations, wire output speed: 60m/min (used for ctd’s, will need block for side scan ops). At least 1 wrap on the spool must remain during ops, limiting depth to 4000-4500m max.
Com-10 winch- .375 wire, ~2000 M, can be shifted for stern operations, will need to shift block location too. Wire output is very slow, 26m/min (used w/ j-frame for net tows mainly)
Thermosalinograph (TSG) - ship has thermosalinograph in wet lab piped into cooling water
Ship holds onto “box” belonging to SWFSC and NWFSC. We have launcher (see below).
Sippican MK-12 XBT Launcher
We have the launcher, but we don’t have the computer to support XBT's. SWFSC has bought the box so we can use a windows based program. Need to coordinate with Brad Hanson and or Lisa Balance to use their box. Our problem is the MK12 requires a 486 (old computer) to operate. They have all crashed.
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Inquires and Comments
URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/mt/science/equipment.html
Updated: July 17, 2008