April 21, 2009

PQL II is a program for viewing time-series data in any of four formats: MSEED, SEGY,  SAC, or AH (though, to be honest, PASSCAL staff has not used the AH option). It is the second generation PQL, hence the name PQL II. Both generations of code were written by Richard Boaz and PASSCAL staff supports the code on MAC OS X, LINUX, and Solaris platforms.To install PQL II on your system, you need to go the PASSCAL download page, or directly to PQL II download on PASSCAL's FTP area.

The HELP menus for PQL II are actually helpful. Use them a lot till you get to know the program.

All equipment, especially sensors and cables, are cleaned and comprehensively tested when they arrive at the PIC, regardless of whether the equipment are newly delivered from the manufacturer or being returned from an experiment.  PASSCAL makes every effort to ensure that all equipment are operating to the manufacturers specifications.

This article outlines the procedures undertaken and metrics employed by the PIC to verify that sensors operate within manufacturers specifications.

All sensors returning from a field experiment are subject to the following procedures:

This note concerns only those stations utilizing a remote autonomous power system and solar panels. Systems that will be using AC power should contact the PIC staff for more information on safely using these types of power sources.

Grounding of DAS units should only be attempted in extreme cases where static charge is a problem (for example, failing equipment such as external GPSes). Attempts to ground DAS units can lead to ground loops if not properly done, or even if done to best practices!  It should only be attempted when the sensor itself has been isolated from ground by a non-conducting plate such as a tile or phenolic pad.  Pads which are not part of the original vault design can also cause stability/noise problems, and must be well coupled to the base of the vault or concrete.