Laboratory Facilities

The Science Lab is a very good facility, and I am very grateful for the generous space provided, but it could be improved. Lighting was very poor, even after I had replaced all the blown bulbs. More protection against electrostatic damage to computer-type equipment caused by charged-up technicians, should be provided in the form of conductive floor and table mats (Senior Technician Nick Millar says the failure rate of computers at Scott Base is near 100%). There is not enough basic test equipment for more than one major problem at a time. The convenience of closely spaced power plugs on walls, floor and ceiling is compromised by the long individual feed wires to each plug, and the spike voltages induced in them by the D-region Radar. The technicians are frustrated by delays in buying minor tools and stock, and need authority to purchase it directly. Even so, it is the best facility on Ross Island, and I greatly appreciate the expert assistance of Howard Nicholson in maintaining and operating my new computer-based equipment installed in the Lab.