SLOCUM GLIDER PROGRESS

September 9, 2002

 

TENTATIVE TRAVEL SCHEDULE:

 

September 9 – 13, 2002 (Liz, Chhaya, John): to Webb Research to test Chhaya’s mission control software in Ashumet Pond as well as hands on glider maintenance, ballasting and programming.

 

September 24 – 27, 2002 (Liz, Chhaya?): to Webb Research for more testing of Chhaya’s software if needed and hands on glider maintenance.

 

Late October/Early November 2002: saltwater run at Sandy Hook.  Run abort sequences and short duration test missions on a buoy tethered glider to become more comfortable with ocean deployments.

 

Late November 2002: West Florida Shelf trial run.

 

PROGRESS:

 

  1. Mission Control Software (all run successfully on the Pocket Glider):
    1. Automated data transfer and file integrity check (CRC32)using Kermit Z Modem
    2. Automated mission status via email notification (only if there’s trouble)
    3. Automated data processing and web posting

                                                               i.      marine.rutgers.edu/cool/glider/Hello.jsp

                                                             ii.      extracts data of interest (ie: gps, ctd, etc.)

                                                            iii.      plots glider track

                                                           iv.      plots glider position

                                                             v.      overlays most recent CODAR image

                                                           vi.      contours data (Scott needs to okay format and then Chhaya will automate the web posting of these images).

 

  1. Rutgers University SLOCUM how-to Manual
    1. Overview of the SLOCUM vehicle
    2. Installation and Operation of Software
    3. Discussion of how the software works
    4. Discussion of mission file structure and glider operating systems
    5. Discussion of an actual mission to learn more about how they actually work.

 

  1. We (Liz, Chhaya, Matt, John) have gained some hands on experience with glider maintenance, including taking them apart and putting them back together, ballasting, and deploying them in the field.

 

 

TO DO LIST:

 

  1. Buy a copy of Java Z modem (Chhaya, John)
  2. Discuss with Webb Research (Tom Campbell) how to get the glider to erase data files from memory once they have been sent back to shore and checked for accuracy so that mission duration can be increased.  (Chhaya, John)
  3. Purchase fiberglass tubs for ballasting.  (Liz, John)
  4. Ballasting practice.  (Liz, John)
  5. Mission writing practice using the Pocket Gliders.  (Liz, Chhaya, John)
  6. Becoming more familiar with SLOCUM hardware.