Weekly Report for Week Ending September 21, 1999

The Project Control Meeting Agenda for Monday  September 27, 1999 will be:
 (Meeting time: 10:30 am Pacific Time)

1. Announcements (5 minutes)
2. Review of Action Items (10 minutes)
3. Comments on Weekly Report (5 minutes)
4. Field Change Orders/Contingency Liens/Change Requests (10 minutes)
5. Review of ISSUES AND PROBLEMS by Subsystem/Activity (10 minutes each)
• - Integration/Installation (Coyne)

      Detector Installation & Commissioning Bulletin Board
• - Hanford Observatory (Raab)
• - Livingston Observatory (Coles)
• - Beam Tube Bakeout (Althouse)
• - Data Analysis and Computing (Lazzarini)
• - Project Controls / Operations (Lindquist)
• - Lasers and Optics (Camp)
• - Isolation (Fine)
• - Interf. Sensing (Zucker)
• - Control and Data (Bork)
• - Advanced R&D (Sanders)

Special Announcements:

Weekly Report Highlights
 
 

LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) Operations (R. Savage for F. Raab)

LHO Vacuum Bake Oven A load #57, consisting of two LOS structures + misc. fasteners, was released earlier this week.  The damaged flanges (see previous report) leak at about 9E-10 (torr*L)/(sec) which is unfortunate but we have no plans at this time to attempt to repair them any further.

Load #58, consisting of one LOS structure + Kapton cables, has been loaded but is on "hold" as we have a new problem.  Starting with load #58 we began using the first of a new batch of wire seals.  It now looks as though there may be a "quality" issue with these new seals as they seem to fit very loosely and we have not been able to get them to seal satisfactorily.  Bartie has requested a few seals from LLO to see if they will work with our oven in an attempt to buy us some time as we sort this out with the vendor.

Seismic Systems:

HAM work: Currently, HAMs 1&4 have Support Tubes, Support Tables and Bellows installed.  The vertex is now pumped down and the Bellows are awaiting leak checks; once the Bellows pass their leak checks (which they will!), the Support Tubes can then be connected to the external SEI hardware.  We will then move on to HAMs 2&3.

BSC work: Beginning prep work for first "wet Seat" replacement on Monday; we plan on making the switch-out and sealing up the chamber all on Monday.  Today we plan on removing the dome and installing the platforms at Y-MID.

Instrumentation work: Hugh made a data run with Shourov C.'s portable cabinet over the weekend. He had several channels (6 or 7 I believe--3 channels were for the seismometer and another 3 or 4 were from the Mode Cleaner).  The data is currently being downloaded so that it can be analyzed through MatLab.

We (M.Lubinski, J.Myers, F.Raab, H.Radkins, R.Savage, and myself) finished up work on the checking of the seismometer calibration provided by the manufacturer.  After work in the Lab and "homegrown" experiment, we have come up with calibration which was within ~5% of the manufacturers numbers.

Computing:

Finally was able to get an external modem working on my PC and was able to test the modem pool.  Also, thanks to Stan Whitcomb and Gary Sanders for their help testing the modem accounts.  The modem pool works for most things, but still has some problems resolving DNS names.

Requested quotes on service contracts as part of preparing the LHO Data and Computing FY 2000 budget.  Reviewed software licenses and supplies to determine future needs.

The hacker from Italy has not been back since last week.  There don't seem to be any foreign files or processes left behind by the hacker.  So far, we have not suffered any adverse affects of being hacked.

If you have not changed your password on rainier, the LHO server, please do so ASAP.  As a result of the hacker and trying to get everyone to change their passwords, we discovered a problem with Secure Shell 2.0.  Apparently ssh 2.0 is not compatible with the nispasswd command.  We think it may be the way ssh encrypts the password.  We found that the old ssh 1.3 does work with the nispasswd.

Did the usual backups, ordered more supplies, added new user accounts, helped with several printer and PC problems and kept the GC accounting paper work up to date.

CDS

All 2k Interferometer DAQs and ADCUs are running (LVEA, left and mid stations). (Taiwan earthquake was seen clearly with LVEA seismometer)

Fitted AntiAliasing cards into interconnect chassis for LVEA rack 2x5, X mid station and Y mid station. Currently constructing EY AA interconnect, and LEMO AA interconnect for 2k PSL DAQ.

Frame builder testing with CPP frame library is continuing. Alex will perform testing next week at LHO. 4k IFO DAQ will be tested next week with Rolf using EY.

DAQ reflective memory network is being tested with bad packet elimination and remote VME reset capabilities switched on (both 2k and 4k networks).

Physics Environmental Monitoring:

Fred, Corey, Josh and I conducted checks of the seismometer using a pendulum.  This resulted in getting numbers closer to what was on the data sheets provided by Guralp and allowed us to check 2 horizontal channels.  We also discovered that the "breakout box" we used was wired incorrectly.  This was repaired.  We then set up to perform a calibration per the tech manual and found that our numbers were significantly off from the calibration data (this also happened on previous data runs).  We found when we measured the calibration resistance as listed on the data sheets it was one third of the value possibly indicating 3 parallel calibration circuits.  We performed another data run and when we completed the calculations with the new information we were able to come with in 3-6% of the values listed on the calibration sheets.  I confirmed this with the Bruce Pauly of  Digital Technology (Guralp vender) and we now understand the seismometers better.  We now have seismometers and tilt meters in the LVEA and X Mid and currently logging data.

Pre-stabilized Laser

M. Guenther and I have been working on documentation and channel verification for the PSL subsystem.  We have measured the frequency response of the PSL DAQ interface module that enables acquisition of twelve of the fourteen PSL "fast" channels.  Once the DAQ interconnect chassis is installed (D. Barker is making modifications) we will verify that the signals appear as expected in the control room.

Optics

I have been working with Bill Kells on the optical levers again. We have been sorting out the optical lever DAQ system and determining the calibration factors for each of the optical levers. We are beginning to get a feel for their sensitivity in vacuum and in air. Hopefully we will have a few levers being monitored for a week or so before the spring seat replacement starts. Preliminary data looks hopeful.

We received four additional 4K ISC optic tables this week and moved them to their staging area. Rick Savage and I are modifying the 10 watt laser SOP to make it more suited to the current laser activities in the LVEA and VEAS. It will hit the DCC soon. We will need to explain the changes to reregister people who wish to be on the Registered Laser Personnel List.

Betsy and I put together a transport gismo to ship the LOS SUSs to the MID and END stations. Betsy has been assisting in seismic chores, getting things ready for seat replacement in the MID station as well as preparations for bake loads and COS preparations.

LIGO Livingston Observatory (LLO) Operations

Suspensions and Optics: We continued to work on the steering mirror (SM06-1). We glued a wire standoff and a guide rod using the old fixture, curing at room temperature. We glued all the magnet-dumbbell combinations following the most updated procedure (curing at 100 deg C). The magnet-dumbbell combinations were also glued following the most updated procedure. The optic was balanced and the second wire standoff has been glued. This optic will be used to test OSEMS and investigate cross-coupling.

We balanced the optic on the granite table using a HeNe laser optical lever. Since a quad-sensor was not available yet, we had to damp the hanging optic in such a level that the HeNe beam reflected by the suspended optic and detected as a spot on a target was still enough to measure its height from the optical table. By clamping the suspension tower to the table and covering the whole suspension tower by aluminum foil to prevent the air flow from swinging the optic, we could make the beam spot moving around the neutral point not more than 25% (the spot diameter on the target was 10 mm and the spot had a yaw motion in -12.5 mm to +12.5 mm). It took about 30 min to damp the optic at this level. (Sany Yoshida)

Completed the alignment fixture to bond guide rods and wire standoffs to SOSs for Sany. (Jonathan Kern)

We are baking a LOS structure and RGA Tree components in the vacuum bakeout oven. We are also preparing for a test of the oven extension. (Tom Evans)

Beam tube bakeout: The X-2 beam tube is now at ambient temperature and the RGA and cal cart has been baked and are now in as the certification measurements are being made. Bake preparations for the X-1 module are under way.  We have moved a large turbo to the Y arm end station in preparation for a leak test of the VE after detector installation. (Allen Sibley)

PSL: The Pre Mode Cleaner has been installed in the PSL. 8.24 watts of output power has been measured with only 9.33 Watts of input power. The beamsplitter cube after the laser may be losing about 1 Watt of light so it will probably be replaced. If this works, the ouput of the PMC should meet the spec. of 8.5 Watts. Further work includes going back and working on the frequency stabilization. (Joe Kovalik)

Juilien is helping Rolf and Jay to install SOS and DAQ systems. A quick manual to start CDS monitoring system in control room is written and posted next to the CDS Sun computers. (Juilien Svoboda)

LSC Modeling: I (Anthony Rizzi) am leading an effort to model the LSC using end-to-end model. As part of this effort, Hiro Yammomato is working with me here at LLO this week. We have modeled an single arm of the LSC using a box program whose base configuration was drawn by Bill Kells. We have obtained input from Peter Fretchil and Mike Zucker on parameters and planned tests for the 2km test in hanford. At present, we are investigating some important aspects of lock aquisition as well as probing the end-to-end model itself. Much is being learned.

GRASP: I am bringing Joel Tohline (Prof. from LSU) up to speed on various aspects of the GRASP program. Joel plans to be involved in our efforts to analyze seismic data with massively parralel computer system. LSU plans to buy a cluster of PC's that could be very helpful in processing templates before our LDAS computers arrive. He has offered use of them. Joel's schedule is now to come out every Wednsday afternoon. (Anthony Rizzi)

Control and Data Acquisition System: Data acquisition cabling from the Mass Storage Room to the LVEA is terminated and tested.  1X6 (SOS controls) has been successfully tested and is ready to be connected to the feedthrus at the tanks.  Fabrication of 1X7 (LOS controls) is underway. We are missing the LOS Controllers.  Worked out CDS installation plan for the next 4 weeks with Rolf and Jay. (Rus Wooley)

Facilities: Siemens Building and Technology Incorporated has made several unsuccessful attempts to connect the end stations building control system with the corner station. As soon as new modems that have been ordered are received they will return and make another try.

An agreement has been reached with the access road contractor to construct a pad for the LIGO sign at the intersection of Hwy 63. Work on this has stated and should be complete within a week.A meeting is to be held this coming Monday to accept the access road for LIGO's use. If all goes as planned the road should be open for traffic next week. (Gerry Stapfer)

WBS 1.2, 1.3    Detector Group

(WBS 1.2, 1.3)

IAS Initial Alignment / ISC Design (K.Mason, M. MacInnis)

IO mode cleaner commisioning (Nergis, Rana, Haisheng, Peter F.)

• the mode cleaner error signal; identified some of the sources of features present in the spectrum.
• intensity noise at the input and output of the modecleaner.

The reflectivity of the AR coating of the MC flat mirrors was measured to be between 100 and 200 ppm (depends strongly on the angle of incidence).

Input/Output Optics -- Dave Reitze, UF

• PSL frequency noise measurement - Stan and Haisheng repeated the PSL out-of-loop frequency noise measurement. Same result as before (PSL is ~8X above freq. noise spec.). Some spikes around 5 and 10 kHz were detected in the noise spectrum and traced to the drivers for the PZTs for the MC alignment mirrors. Once the board was repaired (thanks to Richard and Jay), the spikes disappeared and a lcean spectrum was obtained.
• The EO shutter has been repaired on IOT7, allowing for higher powers in the MC power tests.
• High power MC locking: increasing the laser power to 600 mW in the MC caused the lock to become unstable; the servo starts oscillating although the loop gain (optical + electrical) is constant. Stan Haisheng found that the oscillation is correlated to the scattered light in the chamber. By adjusting the MMT mirrors to steer the transmitted beam around, the scatted light problem was somewhat diminished and the MC could be locked at 1.5 W.
• Beam position sensors on PSL table: modified quad PDs have been tested. Installation is in progress.

LLO 4k (Sany Yoshida)

We continued to work on the steering mirror (SM06-1). We glued a wire standoff and a guide rod using the old fixture, curing at room temperature. We glued all the magnet-dumbbell combinations following the most updated procedure (curing at 100 deg C). The magnet-dumbbell combinations were also glued following the most updated procedure. The optic was balanced and the second wire standoff has been glued. This optic will be used to test OSEMS and investigate cross-coupling.

We balanced the optic on the granite table using a HeNe laser optical lever. Since a quad-sensor was not available yet, we had to damp the hanging optic in such a level that the HeNe beam reflected by the suspended optic and detected as a spot on a target was still enough to measure its height from the optical table. By clamping the suspension tower to the table and covering the whole suspension tower by aluminum foil to prevent the air flow from swinging the optic, we could make the beam spot moving around the neutral point not more than 25% (the spot diameter on the target was 10 mm and the spot had a yaw motion in -12.5 mm to +12.5 mm). It took about 30 min to damp the optic at this level.

Mechanical Design (Dan Dickrell)

• Worked on new positioner for the SOSs
• Got measurements for Matt Smith, J. Kern, and K. Mason
• Altered PSL table design on 4k IFO to accommodate RFPDs

Core Optics Procurement and Metrology -- GariLynn Billingsley

Core Optics Coatings -- Helena Armandula

Core Optics Support -- Michael Smith

STEERING MIRRORS: 50 sets are awaiting assembly at CIT.

PO MIRRORS: Ken M. sent out a bid package for the 4K PO mirrors, and a purchase order for the 4K LHO and 4K LLO PO mirrors is expected to be let next week (9/30).

VACUUM WINDOW: A full set of COS vacuum windows is en route to LHO.

ARM CAVITY BAFFLE: Inner baffle assembly is being fabricated. Bids for outer support frame assembly have been received, and a purchase order will be placed next week (9/27). Paul K. is finalizing a few detail drawings, and is working on the top assembly drawings for LHO and LLO.

CONICAL BAFFLE: First article has been reworked, cleaned, and is being air-baked. Fabrication of the remaining production baffles is in process.

COS ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE: The optical elements of the COS autocollimator are in the process of being anti-reflection coated to eliminate excessive internal glare. New fixturing has been completed and tested for attaching the CCD cameras to the autocollimators. A holographic diffuser has been incorporated and tested for providing uniform illumination of the autocolliimator reticle, when illuminated with the 940 and 990nm diode laser sources. A mock-up of the COS alignment procedure for the FM, ETM telescope and APS telescope will be set up in the optics lab at CIT.

4K IO BAFFLE: Paul K. finalized the working drawings for the 4K IO baffle, and sent out a bid package. A purchase order for the 4K LHO and 4K LLO IO baffles is expected to be let next week (9/30).

INSTALLATION PLAN
 

This week I have finished reorganising the DMT source code and copying it to cvs. I then successfully installed the new version of the gcc compilers and the dmt software (from the cvs repository) on the dmt machine at LHO.  I am now completing the perl script to manage background monitor processes.  Most of the time spent debugging diagnostics test code and solve synchronization problems between different CPUs. Made sure that tests can be repeated and test results are stored incrementally.

Physics Environmental Monitor (Matt Smith, David Shoemaker)

Suspension (Jay)

• The input optics suspension controls for LLO have been installed and completely tested. The system is ready for IO optics installation. Field cabling has been pulled and is ready for satellite module installation.  Satellite modules should be available in the next few weeks.
• The LLO core optics suspension rack cabling will be completed by tomorrow. All the software and operator screens are complete and ready to go. Completion of the rack is waiting on VME modules and LOS controllers which should be available by the end of Nov.

• Orders have been submitted for the remaining VME modules, crates and power supplies needed to complete the three interferometers.

• Installation and test of the LLO LVEA DAQ crates and software is progressing but has been hampered by intermittent LLO network connections to the outside world.
• Installing the lastest release of the DAQ software at LLO.

Timing System CDS: (Dale)

PSL (Rich)

• Writing the requirements for the LSC/ASC frequency distribution system so I can circulate them to all concerned parties.
• Created an online catalog of parts to better manage my parts inventory
• Did some preliminary calculations to accommodate the new intensity noise requirement for the PSL
• Interviewed many applicants for technician jobs in CDS

WBS 1.4    Project Office

From: Syd Meshkov <syd@ligo.caltech.edu>

No report this week.

The Quarterly Report is being prepared.  We are still waiting for a draft from Coyne/Whitcomb/Shoemaker pending resolution of scheduling issues. A copy of the previous Quarterly Report is available at Quarterly Report.

We will submit an Operations Work Plan for FY 2000 in October.  I have asked task managers to submit budgets to Florence Kaufman by the end of this month and text by the middle of October.  Again, early contributions will be appreciated.

Change Control/Contingency (Lindquist)

The following change request has been submitted:
 

Press for the latest Contingency Needs Projection

LIGO Weekly Site Telecon (Jasnow)

Everyone is reminded to provide a redlined copy of their current LIGO business card to Ed Jasnow so that we may plug it into the print shop for new ones.

From: Ed Chargois <chargois_e@ligo.caltech.edu>

Assisted the Quality Assurance Engineer ( B.Tyler) with packaging and shipping of four (4) metal shelves 17 5/8 "x21" and eight (8) L-Shape brackets to the LIGO Livingston Observatory, attention: T. Evans, account number P47440.

Assisted S. Elieson with the shipment of a Recycling Mirror Coated, Serial Number RM04 to the LIGO Livingston Observatory, attention: H. Armandula, account number P96937.

Assisted R. De Salvo by arranging Customs Clearance for incoming Parts from Galli&Morelli of Italy being forwarded to the
Synchrotron Building.

Forwarded the General Services Administration (GSA) Voucher for Lease Vehicles with the billing date 9/21/99 to Hanford and Livingston Observatories.

Received disposition instruction from Caltech's Property Management Office to dispose of the following item for the reason indicated XEROX copier SN:010228953 not economical repairable.

From: the DCC <dcc@ligo.caltech.edu>

 ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

• For processing statistics to date for the month, check the DCC web page.
• Continued working with Paul Kabot on identifying numerous duplicate numbers representing different hardware parts.  Several options were discussed with Paul and Mike Smith in cross-referencing any number changes.  Further discussion is planned before setting up a procedure.
• Monthly financial reports were assembled and placed in special cabinets covering 1990 through 1999.  All duplicate copies were boxed and sent to an outside vendor for shredding.  The paper shredded was in excess of 700 pounds.
• General cleaning and reorganzing took place and many nagging projects were completed.  A temp was brought in for about two weeks to do basic clerical work that was generated from this effort.

From: Sarita Moore<moore_s@ligo.caltech.edu>

Press here for ACCOUNTS PAYABLE HISTORY DATA.

From: Kris Duncan <kris@ligo.caltech.edu>
 

• Incorporated the approved change request's into the PMB from the September 14, 1999, CCB meeting:

• Completed the replan of the LDAS work packages in COBRA.
• Input the actuals from Webster into COBRA and ran draft cost performance reports to begin a reconciliation with CIT finance reports.
• Calculated and distributed the earned value worksheets to task managers. Please have updates back to Project Control by C.O.B. today or early tomorrow.
• Continued working on the LIGO staffing plan.
• Continued work on the LIGO II schedule incorporating logic and relationships. Also, continued to work on formats for estimate entries into the LIGO II Cost Book.

Completed monthly report of Operations for period ended August 31, 1999.

Spent a lot of time working on providing information regarding problems I had encountered with Oracle to various individuals working on correcting them. Good news is that corrections are being made. However, reports for August 99 for both Construction and Operations accounts should be viewed with caution since most of the corrections were not made until September. Problems to be aware of include:

• Overstatement of encumbrances due to certain contract balances being entered twice. This problem has been corrected in September.
• P-Card transactions for July and August are not reflected on the Oracle reports for August. This problem has also been corrected in September.
• Travel encumbrances overstated. This problem appears to be on-going at this point.
• Overstatement of overhead charges due to misclassifications of items from Equipment to Materials and Supplies. Acquisitions and Payables Department has been provided with a list and are in the process of making corrections.

I am STILL trying to work with WEBSTER.  I have redone the July99, and completed the August99 'Allocation of Actual Costs'  on the Construction accounts file Construction.xls (detail reports should/might be done next week).

Please note that it was brought to our attention via 'Administrative Alert' that "In WEBSTER, period totals (summaries) are correct, but detail data may be incorrect for July and August.  since WEBSTER only shows burdened costs, detail data is incorrect for expenditures that include burdened costs.  In cases where expenditures do not have burdened costs, expenditure details are correct for all time periods... This affects data only for July and August, not for the month of September..."

From: irena@ligo.caltech.edu (Irena Petrac)

No report this week.

From: Ed Jasnow <jasnow@acrux.ligo.caltech.edu>

No report this week.

From: wea@acrux (William Althouse)

1.4.2.1 Quality Assurance (Vincent)

From: robert vincent <robert.w.vincent@jpl.nasa.gov>

WBS 1.4.3    Systems Engineering / Data Analysis and Computing (Lazzarini)

Modeling

(BB) Made some clean-up in codes, e.g., "trans_displace_resolution" parameter is removed from "field_gen" module. Only "angle_resolution" will take care of the minimum resolution asked by the user for both rotation and shift effects of mirrors (since the latter is also effectively a rotation).

[Hiro Yamamoto]
(HY) Worked with A.Rizzi to understand the simulation of the lock acquisition process
(HY) Worked with A.Rizzi to collect information about the 2k FP
(HY) Worked with A.Rizzi to start to model the framework of LSC of the 2k FP
(HY) Discussed with Sany Yoshida about the thermal lensing effect of EOM and Silica.

[Ed Maros]
(EFM)   Removed error that caused core dump when selecting Box from Main Menu.
(EFM)   Helped Bruce to get Alfi compiled and start with Alfi4 modifications.
(EFM)   Resumed work on Alfi4

[Bruce Sears]
(BS) Alfi system:

• Familiarizing myself with the wxWindows API.
• Developing a simple application with the wxSplitWindow control which I will be incorporating into the Alfi software.
• Studying the wxTreeControl for creating a collapsable hierarchical component access tool for the Alfi software.
• Learned to install the E2E software in a work area.
• Familiarizing myself with the Alfi software.

• out vacuum optics: lenses, modulators, mode-matching telescope 2 turning mirrors for alignment control.
• in vacuum optics: Mode-Cleaner, mode-matching mirrors.

Note: at the moment I am using the custom MC module since there is a problem with the standard e2e tri_cav module. As soon as the tri_cav module is corrected and checked I will put it in place.
Note: I would keep the optics part as simple as possible doing the initial IOO and PSL integration and than update it (what is simple) when overall control loops are working correctly.

• the length and frequency control loop is working with small time step.

There is a box file and I assume that it is ready for use.  As you know we made a simplified model of the IOO which included modulator, MC and LF control loop to integrate it with the PSL module. Though the IOO part is working alone (and the PSL part as well) the combined system, as I know, doesn't work yet.
• WFS control loop.

I am working on this loop now. For this control loop is very important the turning mirror implementation and how the Guoy phase calculation is performed. The problem right now is that the matrix which transforms the beam shift and angle signals to the TM5 and PM2 mirrors pitch and yaw angles is different then ones calculated by Daniel Sigg. My suspicion is that the optics doesn't handle Guoy phase properly. I think as soon as this problem is resolved, the WFS control loop will be ready.
Note: I also need the mirror2 module to be corrected to handle properly the assymetric response of turning mirror on yaw and pitch angles.

Data Analysis System Development

• (MB) Spent time debugging lwAPI readLwFile() function to find out that gcc compiled tclsh was buggy. Learned how to use debugger with tcl shell.
• (MB) Got getLwData function for lwAPI to work:
• added support for externally stored data in the elements.
• (MB) Added support for lwAPI to handle XML parser entity mechanism to automatically expand external entities: lwAPI will adjust "Type" attribute value after parsing the document.
• (MB) Tested lwAPI on Sun at Hanford.
• (MB) Fixing warning messages for XML parser when compiling it with -Wall option.

• (JKB) Participated in ASIS group teleconference on unmodelled source searches.
• (JKB) Held a meeting with DataBase staff to discuss enhancements to three of the tables under DB2.
• (JKB) Made several modifications to the mpiAPI's baseline requirements.
• (JKB) Worked with staff to track down several bugs in the LDAS softare which effected the genericAPI.
• (JKB) Worked with staff to track down bugs with the object space code under the new compiler.
• (JKB) Worked with UWM group on suggestions/changes to coincidence search strategy.
• (JKB) Worked with staff to plan travel to Hanford for next LDAS site installation project. Planned travel to Livingston for LDAS site installation with Albert.
• (JKB) Reviewed LDAS webpages for database tables with Xiao.
• (JKB) Reviewed LDAS user command webpages with Phil and Mary. These are now available from server spica.
• (JKB) Worked with Masha on issues of supporting external references in LIGO_LW (xml) documents. Set up areas at Hanford for her to test the support.
• (JKB) Installed new versions of TCL, TK, SWIG, PERCEPS, on my laptop to allow me to develop/debug LDAS software independent of SPICA.

• (PSE) Wrote documentation for the LDAS User Commands.
• (PSE) Wrote top-level index for the LDAS Software documentation and merged it into the build tree.
• (PSE) Modified the getFrameData user command so that if a -time option of "next" is given it will operate on each new frame as it is produced.
• (PSE) Rebuilt Tcl using egcs-1.1.2 on Solaris and Linux after bugs were discovered that seemed to have been caused by the upgrade of the c/c++ compiler to gcc-2.95.1

• (XH) worked on database documentation
• (XH) worked on database new design

• (ML)  Updated test scripts and test data for new ldas release.  getMetaData and descMetaData are done.
• (ML)  Performed metadata memory leak test with putMetaData and delete inner loop for about 2 hours. Slow leak of 8*n bytes over the time period, similar to tclsh leak pattern.
• (ML)  Wrote tcl script to parse database creation sql scripts and output CC code files to generate ilwd data for block insertion into database (putMetaData).
• (ML)  Successfully inserted binaryinspiral ilwd block data into database via metadataAPI.
• (ML)  Updating ldas database html pages to add examples of  ilwd data for each table.
• (ML)  Develop tools to output gds triggers in ilwd format: tcl script to parse sqls to output .cc code for ilwd; compile cc to make executable that outputs any number of triggers.

• (NY) Tested transmit and receive of objects over genericAPI server/client between Linux and Linux, Sun and Sun, and both ways between Linux and Sun.  After fixing bugs, was uccessful on the same platform transfers, not on the cross platform transfers.
• (NY) Fixed minor problems in ospace, general, and ilwd libraries, and committed to repository.  Still haven't found ospace error in class information transfer...
• (NY) Fixed several minor warnings in genericAPI.  Some remaining; using '-Wall' to find them all.

(WM) I have been trying to characterize the recent 40m run taken in coincidence with TAMA.  I have written scripts which bring over the archived data from CACR and run my analysis - which for now just calculates some statistics on the various channels and tabulates the in-lock sections.  Because my connection to CACR is as fast as the rate at which we acquired data, this will take some time.  However, I am planning to use Stuart's machine, which has a private but faster connection to CACR - this should speed things up by a factor of ~3.

[Stuart Anderson]

(SBA) Attended the annual HPSS User Forum to learn the current status and future plans for the proposed LIGO mass storage system. Provided support for the archiving the recent 40m data run into HPSS in "real-time".

----- Forwarded message from Larry Wallace -----

Met with Albert and Kent to go over hardware installation. Tom Evans is checking things out for cabling. SUN computers have been ordered and the PC's are to ship this week. Bill Tyler is checking on the order for the rack and is having the shelving items for the rack ship this week. The fibers are being ordered and will take a few days to make but they should ship the end of next week.

General Computing

Livingston: We have been working on network problems with our T1 provider. We have been intermittently on and off the net for the last few days due to the T1 line going up and down, but we now seem to be running and stable. LSU and BellSouth have been involved in resolving the issue.

We have ordered two replacement Sun monitors.

Hanford: Finally was able to get an external modem working on my PC and was able to test the modem pool.  Also, thanks to Stan Whitcomb and Gary Sanders for their help testing the modem accounts.  The modem pool works for most things, but still has some problems resolving DNS names.

Requested quotes on service contracts as part of preparing the LHO Data and Computing FY 2000 budget.  Reviewed software licenses and supplies to determine future needs.

The hacker from Italy has not been back since last week.  There don't seem to be any foreign files or processes left behind by the hacker.  So far, we have not suffered any adverse affects of being hacked.

If you have not changed your password on rainier, the LHO server, please do so ASAP.  As a result of the hacker and trying to get everyone to change their passwords, we discovered a problem with Secure Shell 2.0. Apparently ssh 2.0 is not compatible with the nispasswd command.  We think it may be the way ssh encrypts the password.  We found that the old ssh 1.3 does work with the nispasswd.

Did the usual backups, ordered more supplies, added new user accounts, helped with several printer and PC problems and kept the GC accounting paper work up to date.

CIT: Barbara began work on the Cost Book database for LIGO II.  Roughed out some data entry forms and  beginning to define the tables and relationships. Continued work on the Celebrations web pages and helped with database questions.  The travel and lodging information from Vee has been added to both web sites.  Purchased Time Target and installed production version on the DCC server. There is a new release in beta test. Prepared a cheat sheet and worked with Rita Torres so she can check the LSC Reports database and generate the reports when they arrive.  Attended the Caltech Web Forum meeting.  The forum is primarily for departments who contribute pages to the main Caltech web site.  But it will be useful for us too.  Most interesting is that they use Oracle, Tcl, and ??? (maybe ACS - some open source software) for their web database work; more information will be forthcoming on that.

Suresh setup couple of new user accounts. Modified some aliases.  Made a data CD for a summer student (Dennis Petrovic). Installed Islandraw version 6 and samba (a PC NFS software) on new server.  Working on to add a new print queue (duplex) for Millikan users on spooler.  Provided regular support services to users.

Worked a number of procurement issues as well as contract renewals. Most of the contracts being worked on at this time deal with hardware maintenance.  Reviewed financial plan for next year. Procurements cover networking equipment, printers, computers and associated periphrals.  Worked a couple of issues at the 40M. Their run over the weekend went well which allows us to start working on migrating our network hardware over to the newer equipment.  Investigating some of SUNS network tools which allow sharing of screens as well as some video conferencing. SUN has changed their format to allow certain PC video standards to be used which is something we are trying to look into.  Worked a number of network issues. Working on a modem issue. Finally, have someone (Stan W.) that has been able to duplicate a problem that Gary S. has been having with the system. We hope to continue working on that issue today.  Fixed a number of minor PC problems. Most were driver issues.

WBS 1.4.4.1    Administrative Group

No report.

Irene Baldon

Please note that this covers only two days of the first week and three days of the second week (I took one week vacation). It
took a considerable amount of time to organize my desk when I returned.

Worked on preparing the paper work for 18 new trips taken recently or upcoming (18 Purchase Requisitions and 16 Advance
Requests). There are approximately an additional 9 new trips in various stages pending completion of travel arrangements before
the paper work can be completed.

Completed 16 Expense Reports, some of which were extensive, involving 2 or more pages each. Many of these reports were
still not taped or completed by the Traveler, and required additional time for completion. I would like to request that staples not
be used when attaching receipts to 8-1/2 x 11 white paper. Also worked on a number of problem issues which required a good portion of my time. There are 16 Expense Reports still to be done, including 3 that require extensive work to complete. I’m holding 9 completed Expense Reports which require a check from the Traveler before sending to Travel Audit to clear.

I continue to push for both Advance and Expense Checks already submitted. "The System" is extremely slow in processing
these. I recently was informed that we will again be given T numbers which enable us to track a particular trip. Performed normal recording and filing associated with Travel and Reimbursement. Travel has yet to be worked out in regards to ORACLE and things are still in a state of extreme confusion. Things change many times from hour-to-hour. It is very difficult to get things through or out of "The System."

Started travel preparations for the upcoming LIGO Celebration to be held at LIGO/Livingston, LA, on Nov. 11th and 12th.
Vee and I have arranged for Conference Rates with two airlines (Delta and United for domestic flights and Delta for
intercontinental flights). We have arranged for a block of 155 rooms at a number of hotels in Baton Rouge, LA (75 at The
Radisson on Constitution Ave.; 40 at The Amerisuites on Bluebonnet Blvd.; 25 at The Homewood suites on Corporate Blvd.;
and 15 at The Hampton Inn on Constitution Ave.). When all is in place, travelers will be able to call (she will be getting an "800" number to use during this Celebration) or e-mail Vee to book their trip using the special rates that we will be obtaining. I will pass on more information as I obtain it. In the meantime, Barbara Kratochwill has put the current information on the WEB page.

Prepared the Travel/Vacation Itinerary for the Week of September 21, 1999.

Performed miscellaneous duties as requested by various members of the LIGO Project here at Caltech, as well as from
members of the staffs of each of the two (2) sites. I continue to do MIT’s travel to the sites for installation activities and assist
them wherever possible.

Dorothy Lloyd

Entered and approved numerous requisitions in Oracle which included running periodic searches in Oracle to find PO number
assignments to newly entered requisitions. Performed "primary" and "secondary" receiving on-line in Oracle, which authorizes
payment immediately upon receipt. [End Users should note that shipments should be inspected immediately before submitting packing slips to me. Once the information from the packing slip is entered into Oracle payment will be made. The End User or I may never see an invoice.]

Continued to process heavy load of invoices for payment along with tracking and following up on various invoice problems using the old system. This system for approval continues with most of the orders that were entered in IFIS.

Notified various task managers of status of their subcontract funding levels and requested approval for supplementing funds.

Jim has continued to reconcile status reports as time permits, but has been concentrating mainly on LIGO database entry.

Elizabeth K. Wood

Updated the LIGO roster. If anyone or any information is missing, please let me know.

Created a small spreadsheet of the anticipated costs associated with the LIGOfest.

Talked to the ID Bureau about the missing ID cards for Hanford. We’re still trying to track them down.

Hired a temp to help Linda and Cleveland down in the DCC.

In between dealing with invitations for the LIGOfest, I did some personnel stuff, too.

Helped Veronica with wordsmithing some email messages she needed to send out to the Amaldi conference participants.

Reconciled charges on my P-card.

Continued working on the invitations and other arrangements for the LIGOfest. Mailed out 360 invitations with a few more yet
to come. My thanks to Dave Beckett for participating in stuffing and sticking sticky things on envelopes and to Cleveland Mak
for folding and delivering the stuffed and stuck envelopes. Thanks to Barbara Kratochwill making ACCESS accessible.

Did payroll. What used to take about thirty minutes now takes closer to four hours. Paperwork has increased too-manyfold.
And you think YOUR part is annoying. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated.

For additional information about this report, contact sanders@ligo.caltech.edu