TIGHAR

Amelia Earhart Search Forum => General discussion => Topic started by: Bill Richards on June 19, 2015, 09:56:39 AM

Title: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bill Richards on June 19, 2015, 09:56:39 AM
As Ric has mentioned before 'no plan ever survives first contact with the enemy' and for Niku VIII that appears to be the case.  With the geomagnetic storm causing GPS issue and the ROVs having their problems the Team sure has their hands full.  I sure hope they can turn the corner and zero in on Richie's Anomaly!  Best of Luck to all of them!!!
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: George Lam on June 19, 2015, 03:27:30 PM
Agreed.  However this isn't the first ROV mission at the atoll. 2010 and 2012 had ROVs.  June 19th's report mentions strong currents in deep water off the reef preventing sufficient thrust in the direction they want the ROV to travel.  I wonder if these types of currents are typical in and around the area? I posted yesterday here about whether or not these kinds of currents can push loose debris around on the catchment ledges of the reef, here:

After reading through various discussions on sub-water movement patterns/current flows at Niku on the forum, I'm curious as to underwater currents at the depth of the anomaly.  It was mentioned that shallow waters at the reef will experience the greatest wave energy, and deep waters below an undetermined threshold are typically calm and undisturbed, even with a hurricane above.  I've read about specific locations in deep trenches or underwater ridges that give way to massive waves that don’t show on the surface.  For example, submariners during World War II were known to avoid the Strait of Gibraltar because of its internal waves.

 “Scientists have made the first measurements of internal waves breaking at a crucial spot in the Pacific. About 200 miles northeast of Samoa, a huge volume of seawater — equal to 35 Amazon rivers — barrels through a narrow underwater channel, then wends its way into the depths of the northern Pacific. Researchers led by University of Washington oceanographer Matthew Alford found that 800-foot-high internal waves act like a gargantuan mixer at the spot, churning together seawaters of different saltiness and temperature until they're thoroughly blended together.”
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/05/22/towering-underwater-waves/9178513/

Of course, the area right off the reef’s edge at Niku is probably not affected by this type of action. However I’m curious as to the incremental, if any, movement of the sonar anomaly or other free-resting underwater features.  Maybe it will be in the same spot as 2012, maybe not.  As for the potential “debris field” targets off the Bevington Object, those look to be enveloped with coral, and possibly hardened in place. Just a thought until we see the results of the current ROV dive of 2015.

I hope all works out well tomorrow. 
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Randy Conrad on June 19, 2015, 04:02:29 PM
Hey Greg...I really never did hear...but the current ROV's that we are using for this expedition...are they capable of going down to 16,000 ft. or wherever it flatlines at? I know alot of us are getting restless in anticipation of finding out what Richie's anomaly is. I'm sure the poor guy has worn out a part of his carpeting at home, pacing back and forth. Anyway, we all know that this is a very difficult expedition, as in years past. The island will not offer up her secrets...which is really bizarre. Anyway, praying for better days ahead.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Ted G Campbell on June 19, 2015, 04:39:32 PM
With all the past problems with ROV's why don't we test them in Fiji before we drag them at great expense to Niku?
Ted Campbell
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: George Lam on June 19, 2015, 05:14:53 PM
Hey Greg...I really never did hear...but the current ROV's that we are using for this expedition...are they capable of going down to 16,000 ft. or wherever it flatlines at? I know alot of us are getting restless in anticipation of finding out what Richie's anomaly is. I'm sure the poor guy has worn out a part of his carpeting at home, pacing back and forth. Anyway, we all know that this is a very difficult expedition, as in years past. The island will not offer up her secrets...which is really bizarre. Anyway, praying for better days ahead.

The ROV in question is the Seabotix VLBV950, rated at 3116 foot depth.  The anomaly is approx. 600ft on a catchment edge of the reef slope, according to my research.  Take a look at the specs of the ROV here:
http://www.seabotix.com/products/vlbv950.htm

Niku VIII plan:
http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Niku8/niku8plan.html

Maybe budget/time restrictions would not allow testing the ROV in Fiji?... Or maybe it was tested. The expedition team will have to fill us in on the details.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: richie conroy on June 19, 2015, 08:29:21 PM
Hey All

I have too be honest i shrug my shoulders  ::) each day i read the dallies updates as i know Tighar well, And they don't do things the plan A way, Unforeseen problems persistently arise and this expedition will be no different.

The rover has been tested plenty of times prior to departure however unless the rover testing was done in the waters off the reef edge of Niku, Then it will never be perfect first time round or second or third am beginning to sense maybe they will never get down to the anomaly this trip and unless a rover is built specifically for the waters off Niku we may never get to see what is down there  :-\

Lets just hope if anything, They can bring back better sonar data of anomaly and hopefully a couple items off the island to keep the public interested which will help fund future expeditions 

Or maybe they can do what they set out to do achieve there goals and get back home safely   :)

Who knows  ;D     
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Brad Mackey on June 20, 2015, 02:40:01 PM
I've checked out the updates nearly 300 times since the ROV was supposed to be in the water.  I'm going to have to order new carpet over this.  Can't imagine what they are going through now.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Monty Fowler on June 21, 2015, 03:15:40 PM
*points up* What Richie said, and said so well.

LTM, who will go back to snapping half-runner beans now,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 ECSP
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Brad Mackey on June 21, 2015, 03:24:50 PM
Sounds like they gave up on the ROV.  Should be able to take two next time.  How much did it cost to rent a non-working ROV?
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Eddie Rose on June 21, 2015, 05:01:47 PM
Sounds like they gave up on the ROV.  Should be able to take two next time.  How much did it cost to rent a non-working ROV?

Why doesn't it work? Was it working before they left when they tested it?
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bob Smith on June 21, 2015, 06:47:54 PM
This seems like a good time to give a rousing cheer to Ric and the teams at Nikumaroro!! I think it must be an extremely frustrating time for them as it is for us as we wait for good news or something positive about the ROV and some other aspects of the expedition. The ROV of course seems like  it should be the star of the show, with its role in more closely viewing the anomoly. I like Jeff Neville's sign line "reguire extraordinary proof", and that is certainly what they are trying to provide: proof that something exists here that can prove Amelia was here! The immediate results of this expedition, and the methods being used to carry it out in order to provide that proof may not agree with everybody. The lasting impressions of determination, unwavering steadfastness, and true spirit of it all, however, is what will put this expedition down in history.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 22, 2015, 06:57:04 AM
This seems like a good time to give a rousing cheer to Ric and the teams at Nikumaroro!! I think it must be an extremely frustrating time for them as it is for us as we wait for good news or something positive about the ROV and some other aspects of the expedition. The ROV of course seems like  it should be the star of the show, with its role in more closely viewing the anomoly. I like Jeff Neville's sign line "reguire extraordinary proof", and that is certainly what they are trying to provide: proof that something exists here that can prove Amelia was here! The immediate results of this expedition, and the methods being used to carry it out in order to provide that proof may not agree with everybody. The lasting impressions of determination, unwavering steadfastness, and true spirit of it all, however, is what will put this expedition down in history.

Extraordinary proof is the watershed, IMO, Bob.

Extraordinary effort to overcome problems is applaudable - and my hat is off to that kind of spirit.  But unless extraordinary success is attained in that effort to overcome, then no extraordinary proof is possible.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 22, 2015, 07:48:40 AM
Extraordinary proof is the watershed, IMO, Bob.

Yes, it is merely an opinion, expressed in this form first by Carl Sagan.

It is not a self-evident principle, and it is not part of formal logic.

Quote
Extraordinary effort to overcome problems is applaudable - and my hat is off to that kind of spirit.  But unless extraordinary success is attained in that effort to overcome, then no extraordinary proof is possible.

The history of jurisprudence suggests that evidence can meet the standard of "reasonable proof."  But there is no formal definition of what is and is not an unreasonable set of expecations for such evidence.  The kind of proof necessary varies with the case in question.  The thought that if the Electra landed on the reef, then some large pieces of it should still exist is not a very extraordinary claim.  It may be difficult or impossible to find those pieces, given the nature of the search area, but it is a project that has, in principle, a reasonable chance of success--or failure. 
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Greg Daspit on June 22, 2015, 08:13:20 AM
Regarding the expedition problems with the Seabotix ROV and Walt Holm's ROV (http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Niku8/dailies/niku8dailies2.html)
lf Walt Holm’s ROV can take the extra pressure, and it is only a question of the weight and length of line that his smaller ROV can pull, I wonder if they can splice Walt’s ROV line to the weighted end  of the longer line for the Sebotix ROV?  Loop the Seabotic cable around a weight and feed it down, allowing for current, with enough spliced on light weight cable for the smaller ROV to maneuver around the end of the weight. Might be something to try after using the smaller to look at the Debris Field.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 22, 2015, 08:19:40 AM
Regarding the expedition problems with the Seabotix ROV and Walt Holm's ROV (http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Niku8/dailies/niku8dailies2.html)
lf Walt Holm’s ROV can take the extra pressure, and it is only a question of the weight and length of line that his smaller ROV can pull, I wonder if they can splice Walt’s ROV line to the weighted end  of the longer line for the Sebotix ROV?  Loop the Seabotic cable around a weight and feed it down, allowing for current, with enough spliced on light weight cable for the smaller ROV to maneuver around the end of the weight. Might be something to try after using the smaller to look at the Debris Field.

I suspect that the limitation is due to the waterproofing capabilities of the small homemade ROV.

But only the folks on the boat know for sure.   :)
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bob Smith on June 22, 2015, 09:16:46 AM
I think every one agrees that the success we are all looking for is still lacking, more effort on a larger scale, or a different scenario, is needed to attain that success. The amount of success that has been attained is probably directly proportional to the amount of effort afforded at this point. Therefore, I,as you and many others will probably agree, More effort would lead to more success, and our goals should perhaps be set higher. If we determine that the success of the overall mission to find real evidence of Amelia being on the island of Nikumaroro, depends on finding articles we can prove are directly related to her, we aren't there yet. The effort used to find the articles we have found is extraordinary compared to efforts of others, perhaps. But the articles found are not really extraordinary proof (yet.) We may need to shift that effort to other areas, other depths, other landscapes. Enough said for now, but I think we have reached the "spinning wheels" stage and need to change something. Maybe not.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 22, 2015, 09:48:03 AM
I think every one agrees that the success we are all looking for is still lacking, more effort on a larger scale, or a different scenario, is needed to attain that success.

A possible plan for the expedition had to be scrapped because of lack of funds, if I'm not mistaken.

There was a research ship available for a short time, but TIGHAR was unable to raise the money necessary to secure its services.

Hence, plan B, which may still be underway ...
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Ted G Campbell on June 22, 2015, 11:39:57 AM
We all know that the ROV is key to the success of this venture and if it isn't going to happen - abort, save the money and regroup.
Ted Campbell
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 22, 2015, 11:52:48 AM
We all know that the ROV is key to the success of this venture and if it isn't going to happen - abort, save the money and regroup.
Ted Campbell

I suspect that all of the transportation costs are gone--nothing to save there.

I don't know what kind of refunds they can get from Seabotix.  I haven't seen--and won't see--any of the contracts.  Way above my pay grade.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Greg Daspit on June 22, 2015, 12:11:29 PM
I thought investigating the Glickman debris field was reason enough for the expedition to begin with.
If they find parts of the  landing gear or any Electra part in the Glickman debris field, then wouldn’t the expedition be a huge success? I think so.
There are a least 3 possible ways to investigate the debris field. Scuba Diver,  the Seabotix ROV and the smaller ROV.
If the Seabotix ROV is not operable, then there are still two investigative methods left. I’m glad two weeks were funded instead of one.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: George Lam on June 22, 2015, 06:37:50 PM
And then there's talk of lowering the crippled Seabotix ROV to the anomaly, using it's own weight and attaching all peripheral gear (HD cam/laser scaler, etc.).  I wonder what kind of an undertaking that would be, assuming all the equipment works.  Can it just be lowered straight down or are there underwater currents to battle and mathematics to consider to home in on the target with precision.  That would be an amazing accomplishment if it works.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Monty Fowler on June 22, 2015, 07:16:08 PM
Oh I don't know, I try to believe in one or two impossible things every day. Comes from working in research administration.   ;D

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 ECSP
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Rob Seasock on June 22, 2015, 08:01:02 PM
Sounds like it is being rigged as a drop camera. At 600' there will only be control of height off the seabed, lateral control will only be by movement of the ROV support boat.  The more weight rigged to it the less it will off set in the current.  It could easily become fouled in slope of the drop off never to see the light of day again which in my opinion is the very best place for it.   >:(
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bob Smith on June 22, 2015, 09:21:38 PM
I must have jiggled somebodies bobber with one of my posts. An advocate of one of the other "Amelia" sites contacted me and became rather nasty in his performance to get me to the other site. After he refered to me as an "uninformed newbie" (which  I am) I decided if he was somebody from North Dakota who knew how to raise cows he couldn't be all bad. So I checked out some articles which I'm sure some of you are familiar with, and decided they could use a little "extraordinary proof" Jeffrey, and I hope they find some because they'll have a hard time with the success end of it in any case.
That would be some heck of a tail wind they would have encountered if it got them to New Britain, wherever it is!
The point is with all the places between Lae and Howland, you could pick any where and decide this was the place Amelia landed, make up a story, verify it with assumptions and quotes from people long dead, but who "were there" and you've got a fundable product!
I think I'll stick with Ric and the crew. They've got the extraordinary courage  and determination that will get us somewhere, and nobody has provided proof they are wrong.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Randy Conrad on June 22, 2015, 10:46:06 PM
Hey guys!!! I'm rather puzzled here in regards to the recent set of dives. Help me out and refresh my memory...but how far down is the rov video of the debris field that was sorted out three years ago?
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 23, 2015, 12:39:45 AM
Hey guys!!! I'm rather puzzled here in regards to the recent set of dives. Help me out and refresh my memory...but how far down is the rov video of the debris field that was sorted out three years ago?

200 feet.

They have only done the grid search that they planned down to 120 feet so far.

The have two divers who are capable of making the deep dive, but they would rather send a machine.

All of this is in the dailies (http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Niku8/dailies/niku8dailies3.html).
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: George Lam on June 23, 2015, 01:01:10 AM
I had a little fun and created an approximate scale diagram of the depth of the anomaly in relation to the Nai'a and a reference skyscraper.  The reef edge/cliff is approx. as well and I based it on the second image below from the Niku VII analysis update newsletter.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 23, 2015, 05:40:56 AM
I must have jiggled somebodies bobber with one of my posts. An advocate of one of the other "Amelia" sites contacted me and became rather nasty in his performance to get me to the other site. After he refered to me as an "uninformed newbie" (which  I am) I decided if he was somebody from North Dakota who knew how to raise cows he couldn't be all bad. So I checked out some articles which I'm sure some of you are familiar with, and decided they could use a little "extraordinary proof" Jeffrey, and I hope they find some because they'll have a hard time with the success end of it in any case.
That would be some heck of a tail wind they would have encountered if it got them to New Britain, wherever it is!
The point is with all the places between Lae and Howland, you could pick any where and decide this was the place Amelia landed, make up a story, verify it with assumptions and quotes from people long dead, but who "were there" and you've got a fundable product!
I think I'll stick with Ric and the crew. They've got the extraordinary courage  and determination that will get us somewhere, and nobody has provided proof they are wrong.

As always, agreed - 'extraordinary proof' is in order anytime presence of Earhart is claimed.

Sounds like you got pegged by an 'East New Britain' adherent, whether Billings (not of North Dakota) or otherwise I know not -

Edit - Neville: [I NOW have it on impeccable authority that it was NOT Billings... who is CERTAINLY NOT from North Dakota, in any case as well ; ) ]

And to stay somewhat on topic, will note that ENB doesn't lend itself to ROVs, and it's far from the current GPS track, such as it is.

TIGHAR is certainly having a time with her ROV effort.  I'm not a huge 'anomaly' fan I admit, but I am really sorry to see that as there are good people out there doing their best I realize, much was put into this to make even a scaled-down search happen and I know much was counted on there. 

I really hope that even the very capable technical divers won't try to overcome this ROV gap at too great a risk - the location is so remote that we could become witnesses to something not so good if all didn't go just right for them.  There must be sane limits and I am sure we're all counting on the leadership to ensure those bounds are kept well despite the temptations some may feel.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Monty Fowler on June 23, 2015, 07:15:56 AM
I really hope that even the very capable technical divers won't try to overcome this ROV gap at too great a risk - the location is so remote that we could become witnesses to something not so good if all didn't go just right for them.  There must be sane limits and I am sure we're all counting on the leadership to ensure those bounds are kept well despite the temptations some may feel.

Exactly right, Mr. Neville sir. It is NEVER a good idea to risk live people to try and find dead people. Never.

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 ECSP
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: jgf1944 on June 23, 2015, 11:18:14 AM
KUDOs to Professor Moleski for his calm and rational handling of the ROV feature of NIKU VIII. Remindful of the Texas Ranger saw, "One riot, one Ranger."
jgf.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: jgf1944 on June 23, 2015, 01:07:48 PM
This from today's (23 June) Niku dispatch: "Meanwhile, the team is working on hanging all the hardware onto the Seabotix ROV and lowering it down to the anomaly: cameras, laser scale, GPS, everything. The motherboard for one of the onboard computers seems to be bad, and there is still a chance the unit can be made fully functional, but this is the next best thing."
    I understand the continuing effort to make right the Seabotix problems. What is confusing to me is the final clause: this is the next best thing. What is "this"?  The "hanging all" of all the hardware in anticipation of the anomaly dive?
Thanx for a comeback, jgf
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Don Dollinger on June 23, 2015, 01:22:49 PM
This from today's (23 June) Niku dispatch: "Meanwhile, the team is working on hanging all the hardware onto the Seabotix ROV and lowering it down to the anomaly: cameras, laser scale, GPS, everything. The motherboard for one of the onboard computers seems to be bad, and there is still a chance the unit can be made fully functional, but this is the next best thing."
    I understand the continuing effort to make right the Seabotix problems. What is confusing to me is the final clause: this is the next best thing. What is "this"?  The "hanging all" of all the hardware in anticipation of the anomaly dive?
Thanx for a comeback, jgf

I worked for a time as a Field Engineer and we carried at least one of each part that could even remotely go bad.  Being in the field (the key word being "field") whether installing new equipment, testing, or repairing installed equipment, you can't just run down to the local computer repair shop for spare parts.  That was the SOP.

I wouldn't even attempt to guess the $$$ they are paying to rent the ROV, you would think that Seabotix would be proactive enough to have a similar repair kit that would go with the ROV just for such incidence as this.

LTM,
Don
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 23, 2015, 01:57:11 PM
Does seem that one lesson that ought to be learned is to vet any supplier to the hilt for that level of back-up discipline, Don.  More than being a demanding environment, it really appears that the challenge of Niku is remoteness.

It might prove hard for Seabotix to live down the image of their ROV being used as a sinker for a bottom fishing rig...

Here's hoping Nai'a doesn't cut the tether due to maneuvering challenges.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 23, 2015, 03:10:22 PM
...then again, maybe all that stuff is secondary after all - looks like the serious business (http://betchartexpeditions.com/aus-nz_amelia_earhart.htm) is yet to come (and apparently Niku IX is already on the horizon).
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: richie conroy on June 23, 2015, 03:21:01 PM
wat they need to do is drop rov 500m then attach anchor to drop it rest of the way to give it that bit ov steadiness

every time they have sent a rov down they have had problems so why did they go without a back up or spare parts  ???
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bob Smith on June 23, 2015, 03:48:22 PM
I recall some mention of gym and excercise equipment being onboard for the athletes in the team. Maybe they didn't have room!!!
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bob Harmon on June 23, 2015, 03:56:22 PM
wat they need to do is drop rov 500m then attach anchor to drop it rest of the way to give it that bit ov steadiness
every time they have sent a rov down they have had problems so why did they go without a back up or spare parts  ???
I wouldn't even attempt to guess the $$$ they are paying to rent the ROV, you would think that Seabotix would be proactive enough to have a similar repair kit that would go with the ROV just for such incidence as this.
I talked to Pat three or four days ago and she told me that they have enough ROV spare parts to practically build another ROV so I'm really suprised at this.

Bob
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Rob Seasock on June 23, 2015, 04:44:04 PM
Quote
I wouldn't even attempt to guess the $$$ they are paying to rent the ROV, you would think that Seabotix would be proactive enough to have a similar repair kit that would go with the ROV just for such incidence as this.
Quote
It might prove hard for Seabotix to live down the image of their ROV being used as a sinker for a bottom fishing rig...

Seems to me this is on the ROV contractor, Advanced Remote Marine Services, not Seabotix the manufacturer.  Of their three vehicles did they elect to deploy the first string unit or third?   

http://advancedremotemarineservices.com/offshorerovservices/ (http://advancedremotemarineservices.com/offshorerovservices/)
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: jgf1944 on June 23, 2015, 05:34:22 PM
It might prove hard for Seabotix to live down the image of their ROV being used as a sinker for a bottom fishing rig...
      Ah, now I think I understand, presumably with tongue in cheek? how Seabotix might still find an application.
All Best to all doing the repair work. Great challenges are a source of amazing behaviors.
jgf
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 23, 2015, 06:05:00 PM

I worked for a time as a Field Engineer and we carried at least one of each part that could even remotely go bad.  Being in the field (the key word being "field") whether installing new equipment, testing, or repairing installed equipment, you can't just run down to the local computer repair shop for spare parts.  That was the SOP.

I wouldn't even attempt to guess the $$$ they are paying to rent the ROV, you would think that Seabotix would be proactive enough to have a similar repair kit that would go with the ROV just for such incidence as this.

I suspect--without having any proof to back it up--that they don't have a Seabotix employee on board who could swap motherboards inside the ROV.

I've built a lot of computers in my day (I'm using one of my homebrews as I write this), and I know a lot of what it is like to take them apart and put them back together.  Odds are that it is not a job for amateurs, and it is conceivable to me that TIGHAR couldn't afford to take a pro with them.

I've only blown up one (1) motherboard, so far, but it was quite a lesson to me.  The shop very kindly replaced it with a different brand and did not inquire too closely into the failure mode.  I didn't exactly lie to them, but I did pretty much withhold some painful truths from them.   :-[
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Bob Smith on June 23, 2015, 06:51:54 PM
The thing about  motherboards, as I recall, is that a lot of other stuff is connected to it and by the time you're done replaceing it, it seems like you should have put together a new computer. I think if they are smart enough to know its the motherboard, they should be OK at replacing it. I suspition they didn't really have another motherboard.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 23, 2015, 07:09:40 PM
The thing about  motherboards, as I recall, is that a lot of other stuff is connected to it and by the time you're done replaceing it, it seems like you should have put together a new computer. I think if they are smart enough to know its the motherboard, they should be OK at replacing it. I suspition they didn't really have another motherboard.

I know that our Nissan Sentra has a leak in or near the driver's side B pillar. 

I turned it over to our dealer anyway. 

It doesn't take a whole lot to know that something bad has gone wrong with a motherboard.  Unplugging everything and plugging it all back in is, in my experience, a different kettle of fish.   8)
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Eddie Rose on June 23, 2015, 07:12:31 PM
Does anyone know if it was working before they left?
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 23, 2015, 07:23:56 PM
Does anyone know if it was working before they left?

I think the answer is "yes, it was working."

Today's daily (http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Niku8/dailies/niku8dailies3.html) says:

"The motherboard is toast. Apparently a power surge occurring during the course of the repairs killed it. It is now rigged with all the gear and functioning as a sled for instrumentation and cameras. Nai’a can take station over the anomaly and hold with her engine – necessary because the wind has dropped off and will no longer hold her out against the moorings. We should get the coverage we need, although there are variables that can’t be controlled. The dive team will support this work today as their formal mission is finished."
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Randy Conrad on June 23, 2015, 09:34:54 PM
In Kansas when we go fishing for something...we find the murkiest pond we can find and use the heaviest weight to lure the big catch. I agree with Richie...you need to attach a heavy weight of some sorts to the ROV and drop it down. This way its a steady drop instead of all over the place. I firmly believe that Ric won't leave Niku without having some sort of evidence of pictures or whatever in his hands. Its best we do this for everyone. I don't know bout you guys but I'm on pins and needles since this expedition started. Heck I've already lost a week's worth of nights sleep due to listening to transmissions from Niku. But, its been fun and educational. I think the team needs a big break on the last day. Kinda of like the big shot in the Final Four game. Seconds are winding down....we call a timeout...regroup...and go for the big shot!!! You can do it guys!!!! Good Luck and God Bless!!!!
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 24, 2015, 06:38:26 AM
Amazing behaviors, he said...

Here's one possibility -

Tie a heavy weight to the ROV, lower it rapidly and cut the tether as it pays out...

Of course that would mean two less auxiliary anchors aboard for emergencies.  Might feel pretty good though.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: jgf1944 on June 24, 2015, 09:07:17 AM
Tie a heavy weight to the ROV, lower it rapidly and cut the tether as it pays out...
    A needed LOL. Thanks.
jgf
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Monty Fowler on June 24, 2015, 09:14:31 AM
Isn't it against the Geneva Conventions to shoot the wounded?

But Niku isn't Geneva, so ...

LTM,
Monty Fowler, TIGHAR No. 2189 ECSP
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Don Dollinger on June 24, 2015, 02:16:42 PM
Quote
talked to Pat three or four days ago and she told me that they have enough ROV spare parts to practically build another ROV so I'm really suprised at this.

Bob

Well apparently they didn't feel the need to include a new motherboard - damn the bad luck!



I suspect--without having any proof to back it up--that they don't have a Seabotix employee on board who could swap motherboards inside the ROV.

I've built a lot of computers in my day (I'm using one of my homebrews as I write this), and I know a lot of what it is like to take them apart and put them back together.  Odds are that it is not a job for amateurs, and it is conceivable to me that TIGHAR couldn't afford to take a pro with them.

Nothing but a mere guess but I would think that with the cadre of talent on the expo that they could've muddled through a motherboard swap if a spare was available.  I build, repair, upgrade, and configure computers for a living and to this day I sometimes make drawings, take pictures, or do whatever is needed to aid in reassembly of unfamiliar equipment.

BTW:  It was noted that the ROV contractor is Advanced Remote Marine Services.  The onus for the spares would be on their back not Seabotix the manufacturer.  Lets just hope that what they have left is enough for the task of at least getting something definitive on the anomoly.

LTM,

Don 
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 24, 2015, 05:56:53 PM
Nothing but a mere guess but I would think that with the cadre of talent on the expo that they could've muddled through a motherboard swap if a spare was available.  I build, repair, upgrade, and configure computers for a living and to this day I sometimes make drawings, take pictures, or do whatever is needed to aid in reassembly of unfamiliar equipment.

Understood.

If I was there and had a spare, and there was no one else available, I'd attempt it.

Note that the original motherboard seems to have blown up from a "power surge" while someone was working on something.  It may be that someone onboard made a mistake and was hot-swapping some components.  BTDT, paid for the damage.

Quote
BTW:  It was noted that the ROV contractor is Advanced Remote Marine Services.  The onus for the spares would be on their back not Seabotix the manufacturer.
 

Thanks for pointing that out.  It is a very important distinction.  My bad for taking Seabotix' name in vain.   :(
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Brad Mackey on June 25, 2015, 03:46:29 PM
Love the subtleties in the update.  One can't be too careful in exclaiming partial victory. I'm hoping my analysis is correct and they found the plane.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: George Lam on June 25, 2015, 04:16:46 PM
Love the subtleties in the update.  One can't be too careful in exclaiming partial victory. I'm hoping my analysis is correct and they found the plane.

I didn't quite reach that conclusion from the report, but I'm hoping for the best.  Something more than interesting shapes.  Im rooting for little to no coral growth on this anomaly...
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: George Lam on June 25, 2015, 10:08:16 PM
[As we wait for more details] ... this is insane... how did they lower a line 200 meters down and know (or believe) that the end of the line was over the anomaly? Would there not be drift or currents that will blindly offset the bottom of the line?  Did they have a GPS unit rigged to the cameras too? So many questions.  This is coming from someone without diving or underwater experience, so please correct me if there are ways to control the descent and location of the rig. 
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Oskar Erich Heinrich Haberlandt on June 26, 2015, 12:54:58 AM
Well, it's hard to imagine they were able to "find" the "anomaly" without ROV...
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: jgf1944 on June 26, 2015, 07:36:01 AM
Despite the prevailing north to south current, has any Norwich City debris ever been seen north of the wreck?
jgf
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Martin X. Moleski, SJ on June 26, 2015, 07:41:51 AM
Despite the prevailing north to south current, has any Norwich City debris ever been seen north of the wreck?
jgf

From the Week 2 dailies (http://tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/Niku8/dailies/niku8dailies2.html) for this expedition:

"Yesterday the dive team found some Norwich City debris north of the shipwreck. This was quite surprising as the current goes the other way, and may cause us to revise some others of our hypotheses. They will keep working along their lines and see what is to be seen. Some time today a map will be generated using the GPS system aboard Nai’a which can be matched with the grid map; I hope to have this to post tomorrow to show their progress."

Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 26, 2015, 07:47:17 AM
Hitchcock would be proud.
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: Don Dollinger on June 26, 2015, 08:14:49 AM
Quote
Lets just hope that what they have left is enough for the task of at least getting something definitive on the anomoly.

Gotta love the TIGHAR spirit and ingenouity.  Bolt everything together and pitch it overboard.   :o

After all the ROV drama it sounds like their last ditch effort returned results.  To you intrepid explorers, I give a standing ovation.

LTM,
Don
Title: Re: ROVs and GPS
Post by: JNev on June 26, 2015, 08:25:55 AM
Quote
Lets just hope that what they have left is enough for the task of at least getting something definitive on the anomoly.

Gotta love the TIGHAR spirit and ingenouity.  Bolt everything together and pitch it overboard.   :o

After all the ROV drama it sounds like their last ditch effort returned results.  To you intrepid explorers, I give a standing ovation.

LTM,
Don

There is something to that, fascinating.