Subject: BCS UPDATE, THINGS LOOK GOOD
Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 13:30:10 -0400
From: pcastald@atc.army.mil
To: rod.larson@mts.com, Tom.Kaufman@mts.com

Late Thursday I discovered a problem with a 497.22 card that conditions the
load cells.  I was able to get in touch with Tom Kaufman at MTS and thanks
to his efforts I received a package Friday morning at my home containing
Moog valves and a new 497.22 card.  By some miracle I also received a
package at work with new pilot line filters.  These things turned out to be
just the right remedy.  On Friday I changed 7 Moog valves, installed the new
497.22 card, and changed the pilot line filter - the old filter looks very
ugly!  Appears to be a lard like substance in the filter.

After making these changes and going through a zeroing process I was then
able to hold loads within 50 lbs and strains within 5 micro strain during a
static situation in Main Hi with the integrators on.  This is very
impressive!

Over the Weekend, I was then able to run several new crossings in strain
control (3mph M1,  9mph M1, 12mph M1, 15mph M1 and 9mph HET) the data looks
good to my eye,  but I  was having a little difficulty plotting the results
out on paper so we can do a more comprehensive observation.  I think this
and some other minor issues could be cleared up on the phone with Rod. A
visit may not be nessary, however my management is insisting that someone
from MTS be here as a precaution just in case something comes up that I
can't handle .  I'll try to call later.

Pat Castaldo
