Log Book for March 18, 2008

Engineering Report

Elisha Sanders Reporting


Generator/Electricity:

Wendy

Hobbs Meter: 3725.2 hrs [ +20.3 hrs since yesterday ]

Voltage: 119 VAC

[*] Frequency: 63 Hz

Oil Level: full

Oil Pressure: 30 PSI

Water Drained: no



Xantrex Inverter/Dynasty Batteries:

Time Voltage (Temp Comp) Load Temp Generator Running?
1004 21.1V 5.4A 5C no
1012 24.1V 8.0A 5C yes
1321 26.8V 7.5A 6C yes
1841 26.8V 6.2A 9C yes
1903 21.9V 6.9A 9C no



Fuel Status (as of 1800):

Diesel:

Approximate Reading: 1/2




Propane Tank:

Approximate Reading: 60% (600 gallons = 2271.2 L)




Gasoline:

Quantity Remaining: 39 gallons = 147.6 L [ -1 gallons since yesterday ]


Notes/Comments:
Topped off the tanks after ATV training (less than 1 gal). I found a
half full 5 gal gas tank next to the gas pump without a lid on the
spout. I decided not to use it since we have had some precipitation in
the last few days. I'm not quite sure what to do with the can.



Oil:

[*] GenSet Quantity: 15 quarts [ no change since yesterday ]

ATV Quantity: 8 quarts [ no change since yesterday ]

[*] V'ger Quantity: 0 quarts [ no change since yesterday ]



Water Status:

Outside Potable Water Tank Level: 310 gallons = 1173.5 L

Trailer Potable Water Tank Level: 9 inches from the base

Potable Water Meter Reading: 27286.1 gallons = 103288.8 L
[ +47 gallons since yesterday ]

Out to Toilet Meter Reading: 8316.7 gallons = 31482.0 L
[ +12.2 gallons since yesterday ]

In to GreenHab Meter Reading: 7829 gallons = 29635.9 L
[ no change since yesterday ]

Dishwasher Runs: 1


Notes/Comments:
We attempted to use the dishwasher today, but one member of the crew
accidently added dish soap rather than dishwasher powder. Needless to
say we had suds overflowing from the dishwasher, and were unable to
complete the cycle.


GreenHab:

Crops Watered: no


Crop Condition:
Pictures of the crops will be sent attached to an email to the ET email
list.


Observatory:

not used


Transportation:




Kawasaki ATVs

ATV 1
Used: yes
Oil Checked: yes
Fuel Consumed: 0.2 gallon = 0.8 L
Tire Status: ok

ATV 2
Used: yes
Oil Checked: yes
[*] Fuel Consumed: 0 gallons = 0 L
Tire Status: ok

ATV 3
Used: yes
Oil Checked: yes
Fuel Consumed: 0.2 gallon = 0.8 L
Tire Status: ok


Notes/Comments:
We had a problem starting ATV 2. It started up at first, but kept
stalling. After starting and stalling three times, it refused to start
again. We tried jumping the battery, but it still would not start. Did
not seem to be a problem with the battery. The starter was grinding
and the engine turning over but it would not catch. We are suspecting
a fuel, starter, or spark plug problem.



Appliances:
We are having prolems with the water heater. Last night one of the
members of the crew took a shower and the water was at best lukewarm.
There has been no warm water at all today. We checked the fuses and
circuit breaker and all look fine. Also the switch above the kitchen
sink is turned on. Any ideas where to start investigating?


GreenHab:
Greywater pumped into the GreenHab until full as usual today.

inside
time temp hum
0948 90F 12%
1332 84F 13%
1847 81F 14%

outside
time temp hum
0948 54.1F 37%
1332 59.7F 19%
1847 54.7F 15%

There has been some mention in the last crew's reports of attempting to
transplant the water hyacinths from AT2 to AT1. What is the current
stance on this project? Should we attempt to transplant? Also all
flow between tanks has stopped completely. There is no water flowing
into AT1 and consequently no water has flowed down to the other tanks.
I am suspcious of the bioball filters. The inlet sprinkler attachment
is hardly dripping. It may be clogged. We will try cleaning it out
tomorrow. Also is there any documentation on the pump/filtration
system in the GreenHab. There may be a problem with the pump feeding
the bioball filters. There is also a valve in the lines that is
currently closed (opening it did not increase flow). It would be nice
to know the general purpose of each of the components and how the whole
system is intended to work together before we start messing with
anything.