| P-MAN XV Update #11 - Hosting the Ambassador. Last supper(s). 1 April No, we did not find anything new today. But we're moving "the Stockbridge experience" forward by leaps and bounds.
The students had control problems the last time they went out. They could drive the vehicle forward, but it would sink to the bottom. They could keep it off the bottom, but not go anywhere. Like a Star Trek episode, they need more power. But that won't happen out here. So, overnight, they worked the problem out with what they had available, working with buoyancy control, styrofoam, duct tape and "micro changes in air density." We were supposed to push off from the dock at 0900, but the bot still needed work. So the ROV team decided to take their time and called off the morning deployment. They would depart from the dock when their VIP visitor showed up. In the meantime, they sent us out to set a buoy on the target so we didn't waste their time out on the water. Smart thinking. Today, the ROV worked perfectly. Up, down, left, right, forward and backward. It works. Good thing, too, as the U.S. Ambassador to Palau was onboard to meet this year's team and see Dingar in action. The team met Ambassador Reed-Rowe last year and she expressed interest in meeting up with the team again this year. She is pretty jazzed about what this group of students has been able to accomplish and that they share their information and enthusiasm with the people of Palau.
A few years ago we did see a SSS return in the same area, but not very well defined, just bright. So we labeled it and said we'd get to it some day. The students lowered their vehicle into the water and away they went. They had full control today. In past missions, the students really had to work on manufacturing and maintenance. Now it's maintenance and pilotage. That they have an operational vehicle makes life so much easier, and less frustrating for everyone.
It had been rainy and windy all day and in the distance we could see a big squall line coming at us. So we called it a day and headed back to port. The Ambassador had planned to spend 4 hours with us, but could certainly use the extra time back in her schedule. And the students had a presentation to give at Sam's Tours at 1830, so a bit of extra time wouldn't hurt there either. We debriefed on the boat and then got extra time back at the house. We all headed over to Sam's for the Stockbridge presentation, which was well attended by us, our usual suspect friends in Palau, the diver community and Palauans who are interested in ROVs. One teacher that Josh met during the trip brought her students with her from the elementary schoo,l and Josh gave her a kit ROV for her class to construct. Pat wanted to really recognize his Mom on her birthday, so here is the recognition:
After the presentation was over, we departed Sam's and Derek picked Taj for his last meal in Palau this year. Well not really his last dinner here. The Stockbridge group picked Carp for the last meal and invited us to join them on Tuesday night. So tonight, it was Derek's choice. And a fine meal it was. Back to the house and the day was over. Tomorrow is Stockbridge's last day as well as Derek's. Our team will go from 18 to five overnight. - Flip Colmer |
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