Quick VPT Test Rig meeting - minutes


Date of meeting: 20 April 2001

Venue: RAL

Present: P Flower, B Kennedy, M Sproston, J Williams, D Cussans (Bristol)


  1. Current status (MS) :  cooling water is on, HT box almost gas-tight, but needs a little more work.  We will measure all 500 VPTs (except perhaps for a few retained at Brunel as standards for the 4T rig) with the current setup before making any modifications to reduce noise & improve repeatability.
  2. Development work (MS/JHW): ALL has all components required to construct next row of 8 cans.  Should be ready for mechanical tests of drive belt system after measurement of remaining 103 VPTs.   LED drive system - MS has a single-channel driver which could easily be duplicated for more channels - this would provide a possible development path if the present pulser is unable to drive more LEDs, as seems likely.  Remote control of the LabView software via LapLink now works.   MS/JHW intend to add a warning light and/or klaxon to the system to provide a warning when the HT is turned on.
  3. Future: expect deliveries of production VPTs to start in September 2001.  Will require 2 extra bar-code readers, some extra PCs, and lockable storage cupboards.  Efforts are being made to meet these needs without extravagant expenditure.
  4. Preamps (DC): Bristol have obtained quotations for the manufacture.   They are trying to get the amps made in Russia, with limited progress so far.   DC optimistic that preamps will be ready for use by September.

Bruce Kennedy 05 December 2003