{"id":2885,"date":"2010-11-05T19:38:21","date_gmt":"2010-11-05T23:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/galadriel.astro.utoronto.ca\/ballast\/?p=2885"},"modified":"2010-11-05T19:38:21","modified_gmt":"2010-11-05T23:38:21","slug":"hwpr-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?p=2885","title":{"rendered":"HWPR Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Yesterday was Mark&#8217;s first day here (after arriving very late the night before). He sees to aligning the optics before close-up can proceed. Then the rest of the day is spent with the half-wave plate rotator (HWPR). HWPR is pronounced &#8220;hooper&#8221; or &#8220;whipper&#8221; (in the southern H-before-W manner) depending who you ask. Juan and I spend the day in debugging Hell&mdash;dealing with broken thermometers and the biphase link, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-2885 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2887'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5835-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Nick is Weird\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2887\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5835-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5835-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5835-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2887'>\n\t\t\t\tPump fittings make Nick feel&#8230;umm&#8230;let&#8217;s call this wistful\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2888'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5837-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Widow\/Israel\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2888\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5837-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5837-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5837-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2888'>\n\t\t\t\tThe ground station computer: widow\/israel (it has two names)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2889'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5838-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Nick Climbing, Talking\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2889\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5838-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5838-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5838-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2889'>\n\t\t\t\tNick stands up on the gondola, talks to Mark\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2891'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5847-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Safety Meeting\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2891\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5847-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5847-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5847-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2891'>\n\t\t\t\tThis changes into Mark&#8217;s first discussion with the safety people. Can you see the sparks flying?\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2890'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5843-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Back to Tapping\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2890\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5843-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5843-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5843-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2890'>\n\t\t\t\tNick goes back to retapping holes screwed up during powder-coating\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2892'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5850-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Squeeze Doll\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2892\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5850-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5850-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5850-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2892'>\n\t\t\t\tSqueeze Doll (Important cargo, brought by Matt)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2893'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5852-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Doll Squeezed\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2893\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5852-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5852-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5852-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2893'>\n\t\t\t\tDoll Squeezed\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2894'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5854-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Alignment\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2894\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5854-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5854-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5854-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2894'>\n\t\t\t\tMark gets out the laser and turns off the light to align optics\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2895'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5858-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Red Dots\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2895\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5858-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5858-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5858-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2895'>\n\t\t\t\tThe red dots on this side aren&#8217;t particularly informative\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2896'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5862-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Important Dots\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2896\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5862-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5862-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5862-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2896'>\n\t\t\t\tThese are the more important red dots\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2897'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5865-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Juan in the Dark\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2897\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5865-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5865-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5865-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2897'>\n\t\t\t\tJuan continues to work on thermometers, in the dark\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2898'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5866-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"SIP Side the First\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2898\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5866-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5866-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5866-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2898'>\n\t\t\t\tThe flight engineers Joseph and Chris also arrived with Mark&#8230;\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2899'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5867-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"SIP Side the Second\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2899\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5867-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5867-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5867-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2899'>\n\t\t\t\t&#8230;they unpack the SIP (Standard Instrument Package)&#8230;\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2900'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5868-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"SIP Side the Third\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2900\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5868-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5868-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5868-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2900'>\n\t\t\t\t&#8230;like most rectangular object, it has four sides&#8230;\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2901'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5869-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"SIP Side the Fourth (and Third and Top)\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2901\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5869-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5869-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5869-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2901'>\n\t\t\t\t&#8230;and I photograph them all\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2902'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5872-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Joseph\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2902\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5872-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5872-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5872-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2902'>\n\t\t\t\tJoseph works on the SIP\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2903'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5874-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Optics Closing\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2903\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5874-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5874-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5874-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2903'>\n\t\t\t\tMatt and Mark start to close the optics box\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2904'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5875-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"New ROX Cable\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2904\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5875-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5875-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5875-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2904'>\n\t\t\t\tElio is very proud of his new ROX cable, so he shakes it\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2905'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5878-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Umbilical\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2905\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5878-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5878-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5878-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2905'>\n\t\t\t\tThe main data umbilical\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2906'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5881-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Umblical Insides\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2906\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5881-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5881-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5881-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2906'>\n\t\t\t\tInside the umbilical is a pile of small and expensive cables\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2910'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5897-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Balance System\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2910\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5897-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5897-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5897-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2910'>\n\t\t\t\tThe inner frame balance tanks, and pump box (barely visible)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2907'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5886-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Torque Testing\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2907\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5886-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5886-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5886-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2907'>\n\t\t\t\tTorque testing, of HWPR drive shaft\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2908'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5891-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Test Fitting\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2908\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5891-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5891-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5891-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2908'>\n\t\t\t\tTest fitting the pieces on the HWPR&#8217;s floor\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2909'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5896-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Elio&#039;s Gears\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2909\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5896-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5896-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5896-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2909'>\n\t\t\t\tElio and his gears\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2911'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5902-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"The Gears\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2911\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5902-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5902-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5902-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2911'>\n\t\t\t\tThe gears, ready for the HWPR to show up\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2912'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5907-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Watertight Packing\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2912\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5907-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5907-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5907-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2912'>\n\t\t\t\tThe HWPR is in watertight packing, so it won&#8217;t rust\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2913'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5910-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Multisorb Technologies\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2913\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5910-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5910-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5910-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2913'>\n\t\t\t\tDesiccant helps too (plus, Multisorb Technologies is a sweet name)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2914'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5911-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"The HWPR, Unboxed\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2914\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5911-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5911-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5911-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2914'>\n\t\t\t\tThe HWPR, unboxed\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2915'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5914-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Alignment Dots\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2915\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5914-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5914-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5914-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2915'>\n\t\t\t\tAlignment dots. Very important\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2916'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5917-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Top Surface\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2916\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5917-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5917-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5917-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2916'>\n\t\t\t\tThe top surface, no visible damage\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2917'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5925-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Bottom Surface\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2917\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5925-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5925-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5925-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2917'>\n\t\t\t\tSimilarly for the bottom\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2918'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5928-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Positioning\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2918\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5928-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5928-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5928-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2918'>\n\t\t\t\tMark positions the HWPR\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2919'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5933-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Potentiometer Brushes\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2919\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5933-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5933-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5933-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2919'>\n\t\t\t\tThe brushes for the potentiometer are attached\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2920'><img width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5944-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Black, Gear, Pot\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2920\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5944-150x100.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5944-250x166.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5944-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2920'>\n\t\t\t\tBlackness, gear, and potentiometer rails\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2921'><img width=\"100\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5945-100x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Matt Working\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2921\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5945-100x150.jpg 100w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5945-166x250.jpg 166w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/11\/img_5945-682x1024.jpg 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2921'>\n\t\t\t\tOne last shot of Matt working on the HWPR\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yesterday was Mark&#8217;s first day here (after arriving very late the night before). He sees to aligning the optics before close-up can proceed. Then the rest of the day is spent with the half-wave plate rotator (HWPR). HWPR is pronounced &#8220;hooper&#8221; or &#8220;whipper&#8221; (in the southern H-before-W manner) depending who you ask. Juan and I [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9,12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2885"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2885"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2885\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2924,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2885\/revisions\/2924"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}