Scientific Equipment
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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BATHYMETRIC
Echo Sounder - Shallow Water
Abyss IES-10 Echo sounder (12 kHz and 200 kHz) is located on the bridge and
is used strictly for navigational purposes.
Simrad EK-60 Echo sounder (38 kHz, 120 kHz, and 200 kHz) is used to record
the scattering layer.
Echo Sounder
– Deep Water
Simrad ES-60 Echo sounder (12 kHz and 200 kHz) records depth for the
Scientific Computer System (SCS).
COMPUTERS,
NETWORK AND SOFTWARE
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.
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.
Scientific Computer System (SCS) software
System
Utilities
TCP/IP
Microsoft Ethernet
Data
acquisition system
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:
·
raw data files in binary form
·
post-processed compressed or merged data sets
·
ASCII data for easy transfer to PC environment
·
UNIX format
METEOROLOGICAL
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.
Calibration Policy: The unit is calibrated by the manufacturer once a year.
OCEANOGRAPHIC
One Guildline model 8400 autosalinometer capable of precision salinity
calculation.
Calibration Policy: The unit in use is returned to Guildline for checkout and repair, as
needed, on a yearly basis. The annual maintenance by Guildline is not
considered a "calibration"; however, they do perform a check against
standard seawater*. This same procedure can be also be performed aboard the
ship.
*Note on
Standard Seawater: The McARTHUR II maintains a limited stock
of IAPSO standard seawater ampoules for periodic thermosalinograph (TSG) checks
and autosalinometer tests. Users requiring standard seawater ampoules in
conjunction with routine salinity sample analyses on the autosalinometer unit
must provide their own stock of standard seawater for this purpose.
A paper
published in the Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology (Vol. 15, 1072
-1075, August 1998) show that for the highest precision work, ampoules no more
than 2 years old should be used. This assumes that they have been stored at
room temperature. The data indicated that some batches of Standard Seawater may
remain in calibration for much longer periods. Because it cannot be guaranteed
which batches may have a very long life, it is recommended that ampoules no
older than 2 years be used.
One Seabird Electronics Model 9/11 Plus CTD system with SBE-32 12-position
carousel water sampler. The SBE 9 Plus underwater assembly has a depth capacity
of 6800 meters and a conductivity/temperature sensor pair. The data is acquired
with the Windows version of SBE's Seasave software.
Calibration Policy: The standard sensors on the CTD are temperature, pressure, and
conductivity. Seabird Electronics, calibrate the on-line temperature and
conductivity sensors once a year, while the pressure sensor is forwarded to
Seabird Electronics by the original vendor for calibration every two years. As
recommended by Seabird Electronics, the spare sensors are re-calibrated after
use, or, at a minimum of every 3 years. The CTD deck unit has no periodic
calibration requirement.
The Seabird Electronics SBE-45 thermosalinograph is plumbed into the Wet Lab
and measures the conductivity and temperature of the water. The hull intake is
3 meters below the water line. The data is recorded on SCS and is available for
scientific use.
Calibration Policy: The TSG unit in use is sent to Seabird Electronics for calibration once a
year..
Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT)
Installed a Sippican MK-12 XBT system with a portable launcher that is
available for scientific use. The user must supply XBT probes.
- Return to McARTHUR II's Science
Users Page or Home Page
- Return to Marine Operations Home Page
- Inquires
and Comments
- URL: http://www.moc.noaa.gov/mt/science/equipment.htm
- Updated: Sept 7, 2007