The CCD is sensitive to voltage spikes

[Mark R]

I recently saw a (retired) scientific instrument at a science museum. The device was out on display, with some of the covers removed.

Anyway, there was a general dearth of markings on this thing, and the big bright yellow warning stickers with the warning about arc lights were the only clue as to what it might be. The device had a massive bundle of cables connected to a patch panel with about 15 9 and 25 pin serial port type connectors - and 2 power connectors (standard 3 pin connectors like on a PC PSU) - albeit labelled 230 V AC (just in case there was any doubt).

Eventually, I found the information for the exhibit. My guess that this was some kind of camera was confirmed. Given the complexity of the device, I had also worked out that it was probably a very sensitive camera, as might be used for detecting faint objects. It therefore wasn't that surprising to learn that it was, in fact, a Faint Object Camera.

I must admit having realised what it was, that the arc light warning seemed somewhat superfluous. After all, I doubt that in use, there would have been interference from many arc lights. The fact that it just used standard power leads and serial port connectors was also disappointing - I was hoping for some sort of high tech fancy connectors.

 

[PottedMeat]

Originally posted by: Mark R
I recently saw a (retired) scientific instrument at a science museum. The device was out on display, with some of the covers removed.

Anyway, there was a general dearth of markings on this thing, and the big bright yellow warning stickers with the warning about arc lights were the only clue as to what it might be. The device had a massive bundle of cables connected to a patch panel with about 15 9 and 25 pin serial port type connectors - and 2 power connectors (standard 3 pin connectors like on a PC PSU) - albeit labelled 230 V AC (just in case there was any doubt).

Eventually, I found the information for the exhibit. My guess that this was some kind of camera was confirmed. Given the complexity of the device, I had also worked out that it was probably a very sensitive camera, as might be used for detecting faint objects. It therefore wasn't that surprising to learn that it was, in fact, a Faint Object Camera.

I must admit having realised what it was, that the arc light warning seemed somewhat superfluous. After all, I doubt that in use, there would have been interference from many arc lights. The fact that it just used standard power leads and serial port connectors was also disappointing - I was hoping for some sort of high tech fancy connectors.

So it really was on Hubble for 12 years and recovered by a shuttle mission - or was it a duplicate for ground testing?

From wikipedia:

The Hubble was funded in the 1970s, with a proposed launch in 1983, but the project was beset by technical delays, budget problems, and the Challenger disaster.

Designed in the 70's & 80's - I guess it would be filled with all sorts of D-SUB connectors.

I wonder how many hands a device like that passes through before use.

 

[Mark R]

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
So it really was on Hubble for 12 years and recovered by a shuttle mission - or was it a duplicate for ground testing?

From wikipedia:

The Hubble was funded in the 1970s, with a proposed launch in 1983, but the project was beset by technical delays, budget problems, and the Challenger disaster.

Designed in the 70's & 80's - I guess it would be filled with all sorts of D-SUB connectors.

I wonder how many hands a device like that passes through before use.

I'm pretty sure it was the real deal - I don't think that the instruments had duplicates. Too expensive to build a duplicate, if it doesn't work in testing - you fix it. The only part of Hubble that was built in duplicate was the primary mirror, because otherwise it would have delayed the project by several years if a flaw had been detected prior to assembly.

It had also taken some damage - in several areas, the chassis had been dented, revealing the internal honeycomb structure. What looked like solid aluminium panels, were in fact hollow with a delicate honeycomb providing strength. A number of wires had also been cut rather than disconnected.

 

[Howard]

IEC power connectors are great.