Tasks leading up to the BHD experiment at the 40m meter are briefly described here. Please keep this page up to date with any info that makes the tasks more descriptive (i.e. minimal private communications). See this google spreadsheet for task allocation and rough deadlines.

1. CDS

1.1. Test of new FEs

The BHD upgrade will require two new FE machines to be installed. Additionally, the old SunFire server machine for c1ioo will be replaced with a more modern SuperMicro version. We'd like to test this infrastructure ASAP. Steps involved are:

• Procure 3 SuperMicro servers with compatible motherboard and sufficient PCIe slots.

• Procure OSSI PCIe expansion card (server side, minimum 2 pcs, preferably 3). We have the cards for the expansion chassis side in hand already.

• Procure 2 aLIGO timing interface units (chassis side) consisting of D070071, D080335, and D0902184-v2.

• Install OSSI PCIe expansion card and Dolphin card, and set them up for diskless boot over the martian network.
• Connect to the DAQ network, Dolphin network.
• Install expansion chassis and connect timing interface, timing signal via fiber from Timing Fanout in 1X6. Then connect to host machine.
• Install test ADC, DAC and BIO cards in the expansion chassis. Run some diagnostic tests with a test realtime model (just loopback a DAC signal read back by ADC? Or something more sophisticated? Any checksum based tests for the IPC?).

1.2. Phasing out of RFM in favor of Dolphin

We'd like to transfer the two end machines onto the Dolphin network for IPC (in favor of the RFM network they're currently on). For testing:

• Install a Dolphin card (in hand) in the server machine for c1iscex.

• Connect c1iscex to the Dolphin network.

• Confirm that the same signals that are sent over the RFM network are received over the Dolphin network (how? checksum? may have to account for clock cycle delays from the c1rfm model).

1.3. RT models and MEDM screen for BHD

• Need new MEDM screens for new suspensions (almost done).

• Closely related to Mechanics. Suspension models can be set up as the new suspensions are assembled, and we can run CDS tests (e.g. OSEM diagonalization, actuator calibration etc etc). This is pretty easily done once we have the new machines set up.

1.4. Phase out VME crate at EY in favor of Acromag

• Acromag chassis needs to be assembled and wired.
• Individual Acromag units need to be configured for the internal subnet.
• A supermicro server machine needs to be set up.
• A database file needs to be prepared.
• Care will have to be taken in the wiring not to worsen the grounding situaiton.
• Once bench tests pass, we can install this in 1Y4.

2. Mechanics

3. Optics

4. Electronics

4.1. Electronics chain for 1 suspension

First, we will test the electronics chain for 1 (non test-mass type) suspension, say MC1.

• HAM-A Coil driver (2pcs)
• Satellite box (1pc)
• Interface cabling to connect to CDS system.
• Install electronics once they've passed bench test (TFs, noise).
• Re-calibrate CDS settings (damping gains, whitening etc) for the new electronics.
• Observe over some weeks for stability/problems.

4.2. Suspension electronics overhaul

Once we are happy with 1 suspension, we will need to repeat for all the remaining 9 SOS installed, and also prepare for the 7 SOS to be installed. This phase will be a bit more involved. Will also require AA/AI/ISC whitening boards to be prepared.

4.3. OMC electronics

5. Vent

Unless there's a good reason, we will not vent the system and modify the core IFO layout until we have all the necessary pieces in hand and tested (including OMCs, BHD breadboard etc).