Log Book for February 23, 2008

Engineering Report

Chris Ostafew / Aravind Seeni Reporting


Generator/Electricity:

Wendy

Hobbs Meter: 3210.0 hrs [ +20.5 hrs since yesterday ]

Voltage: 112 VAC

Frequency: 60 Hz

Oil Level: full

Oil Pressure: 30 PSI

Water Drained: no


Notes/Comments:
We took an in-depth look into the diesel overflow condition and could
not find anything wrong. The circuit takes 24v, through a float
valve, to the solenoid and finally through a diode to ground. The
float valve checked out, the connections from 24V and to ground through
the solenoid and diode checked out. We finally used a VOM as an
ammeter to trigger the solenoid to open and close and discovered that
it was not properly sealing. After we'd cycled it a few times however,
it appeared as though the clog or whatever was impeding the proper seal
was dislodged. Wendy has been set to AUX (while running and off) for
roughly 11hrs now, having started with a full tank, as has not
overflowed yet.

Hydraulic hose looks like it has appropriate fittings. Planning on
installing soon.


Xantrex Inverter/Dynasty Batteries:

Time Voltage (Temp Comp) Load Temp Generator Running?
07:59 24.2 06.1 08
Yes
16:43 24.2 07.2 09
No
18:10 24.3 09.4 09
Yes



Fuel Status (as of 18:40):

Diesel:

Approximate Reading: 7/8




Propane Tank:

Approximate Reading: 88% (880 gallons = 3331.2 L)




Gasoline:

Quantity Remaining: 66 gallons = 249.8 L [ -4 gallons since yesterday ]




Oil:

GenSet Quantity: 6 quarts [ no change since yesterday ]

ATV Quantity: 4 quarts [ -1 quarts since yesterday ]

[*] V'ger Quantity: 1 quart [ no change since yesterday ]


Notes/Comments:
Although the ATVs were not used today they were refueled to 100% each
and had their oil topped up.


Water Status:

Outside Potable Water Tank Level: 20.2 gallons = 76.5 L

Trailer Potable Water Tank Level: 6.2 inches from the base

Potable Water Meter Reading: 26170.8 gallons = 99066.9 L
[ +21.9 gallons since yesterday ]

Out to Toilet Meter Reading: 8124.2 gallons = 30753.3 L
[ +8.6 gallons since yesterday ]

In to GreenHab Meter Reading: 7823.0 gallons = 29613.2 L
[ no change since yesterday ]

Dishwasher Runs: 0


Notes/Comments:
Outside potable and trailer water tank measurements are in units of
inches from the base of the tank.

We were unable to pump water from potable water tank to the hab, although
the motor was functional. We hypothesize that the pipe is frozen since
no pumping was done during the hot afternoon hours. We will try pumping
water tomorrow morning.


GreenHab:

Crops Watered: yes


Crop Condition:
Good.


Observatory:

not used


Transportation:




Kawasaki ATVs

ATV 1
Used: no
Oil Checked: yes
Tire Status: OK

ATV 2
Used: no
Oil Checked: yes
Tire Status: OK

ATV 3
Used: no
Oil Checked: yes
Tire Status: OK


Notes/Comments:
In investigating the continuous loss of oil on ATV2, the green monster,
we found that the gear selector housing, where the gear selector enters
the transmission, was missing a bolt (1/4"-28 UNF by 1 3/8" long with a
5/16" bolt head) and the remaining two were completely loose. We
searched for a replacement but none could be found. Please advise.



Mars Surface Suits:
Suits 1, 3, 4, 5 and S-1 were used in EVAs today as the sky parted on
us! Helmet 3 mic button was intermittent. We will investigate this as
soon as possible.




GreenHab:
Inside
Time Temp Hum
17:55 73F 16%
Outside
Time Temp Hum
17:55 48.7F 37%



Data Logger:
Not functional.


Upgrade Work:
Wendy's diesel overflow condition was investigated. It was found that
the solenoid was not closing completely. Having manually actuated the
solenoid using an ammeter as a float switch (Wendy was not running at
the time), the solenoid seemed to clear up and provide a more complete
seal. Wendy has been set to AUX since with no overflow. We'll be
watching it very closely over the next couple of days to see if the
condition comes back.