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equipment:edwards-306:log [2026/06/12 21:50] – [Day 2026-06-12 (q3k, hugo, rahix)] rahixequipment:edwards-306:log [2026/08/14 12:10] (current) – august logs rahix
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 ===== Journal for the Edwards AUTO 306 Coating Systems ===== ===== Journal for the Edwards AUTO 306 Coating Systems =====
 This is the journal.  See the [[equipment:edwards-306:start|Edwards AUTO 306 Coating System]] project page for an overview. This is the journal.  See the [[equipment:edwards-306:start|Edwards AUTO 306 Coating System]] project page for an overview.
 +
 +> //This page is a lab notebook. It documents the work done in the lab and our thoughts, theories, and findings related to it. Everything you read here is work in progress and not final results. We believe it is best to have our lab notes out in the open, because it gives more detailed insight into what worked for us and what didn't. Of course you can also use this page to follow our progress!//
 +
 +==== Day 2026-08-14 (rahix, q3k, hugo) ====
 +Used the sputter coater again today to coat another hair with chromium.
 +
 +During pump down, we ran into the penning gauge ''VOLTS ERR'' again, like on 2026-07-25. Maybe something fell into it again?
 +
 +We didn't check and decided to go ahead with coating regardless, flying blind on the pressure inside the chamber.
 +
 +Coating went well, the hair turned out great at 30s coating time.
 +
 +Will need to check the penning gauge //again// next time. At final pump down, the vacuum system repeatedly failed with ''HIGH VAC FAIL'', presumably due to the penning gauge.
 +
 +==== Day 2026-08-07 (rahix, guest) ====
 +Measured the sample mounting rails inside both coaters to design a custom fixturing system to hold samples above the coating heads.
 +
 +==== Day 2026-08-01 ====
 +A lot of successful sputter coating during the third //Find-Out Forum//.
 +
 +==== Day 2026-07-25 (q3k) ====
 +Today, the sputter coater failed due to penning gauge error:
 +
 +{{:equipment:edwards-306:2026-07-25-penn-volts-err.jpg?400|}}
 +
 +Power cycle did not help so decided to take apart the system. Penning gauge sits all the way in the back (the red device sticking down from the vacuum chamber). Suspicion was confirmed: There was debris inside, likely causing it to fault. Opened the gauge and cleaned everything.
 +
 +{{:equipment:edwards-306:2026-07-25-penn-location.jpg?400|}}
 +{{:equipment:edwards-306:2026-07-25-penn-opened.jpg?400|}}
 +
 +After reassembly, it works again! Measuring 2.8e-4 mbar.
 +
 +-----
 +
 +Worked on building automated control of the MFC (Mass Flow Controller). It is now connected to a MODBUS Analog Output module. This can then be controlled from the lab network via a MODBUS-TCP bridge.
 +
 +TODO q3k: Link script
 +
 +This is still work in progress and will likely get replaced by a proper control system (soon<sup>TM</sup>). Ideally the vacuum system of the coater should be integrated here just as well, but that's not trivial.
 +==== Day 2026-07-17 (q3k, guests) ====
 +
 +Rerouted Ar through MFC channel 1. Connected MFC channel 1 to lab PSUs to control by hand.
 +
 +==== Day 2026-07-08 (q3k) ====
 +Replaced the push fitting on the argon regulator. So far it does not leak anymore.
 +
 +==== Day 2026-07-04 (rahix) ====
 +Rerouted the cooling water loop and argon supply so the tubing isn't flying about anymore.
 +
 +Refilled chiller water and it seems to still push water all the way through the loop.
 +
 +Unclear whether we have air in the system still and whether cooling works correctly still. This will need to be verified before next using the coaters.
 +
 +==== Day 2026-06-27 (rahix) ====
 +Both coaters now have their own ~3ph outlet (on the same 16A circuit). Installed secondary 4mm² PE connection for the sputter coater.
 +Checked R<sub>LOW</sub> and R<sub>ISO</sub> for both coaters.
  
 ==== Day 2026-06-12 (q3k, hugo, rahix) ==== ==== Day 2026-06-12 (q3k, hugo, rahix) ====
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 The argon supply is still leaking close to the gas bottle.  Will need to fix that soon. The argon supply is still leaking close to the gas bottle.  Will need to fix that soon.
 +
 +Placed the two cheap environment sensors into the controls enclosures of the two coating systems. We did not rename them yet, so the mapping is "Unusually Large Staircase" -> Sputter Coater and "Chillzone" -> Evap Coater.
 ==== Day 2026-06-07 (q3k, guests) ==== ==== Day 2026-06-07 (q3k, guests) ====
 //To be documented// //To be documented//