1. Status Vacuum Control-Command for AdV
Summary of February visit
Decabling/Recabling between racks and vacuum devices represent a huge work
Some cables are already used at their maximum length
displacement of racks will require new intermediate boxes
Aging of tube racks due to difficult conditions: temperature, humidity, dust
Tube racks probably too small for PLCs
tube racks have to be completely rethought

2. Hardware Evolution from Virgo to AdV
We started to think how to integrate new devices in existing or new racks
In any case, increase of 50% in the numbers of racks and boxes
VIRGO
AdVIRGO
TOTAL RACKS : 33
TOTAL BOXES : 29
TOTAL RACKS : 48
TOTAL BOXES : 51

3. Hardware Evolution from Virgo to AdV
Study of cabling for all racks
Even in the simplest case (WE and NE), at least 1/3 of the existing cabling has to be removed and replaced
Upgrade of existing towers is a huge job, larger than expected (it is almost doing a new station)
Adding the 50% increase of number of stations leads to a very difficult situation
Careful estimation of manpower and planning is ongoing (rather years than months)
Current cost estimation seems to be a lower bound
Additional support is mandatory

4. PLC Tests
Schneider and Beckhoff successfully tested on several controllers
Displacement of PLCs in the workshop hut close to pumping station in May
New controllers coming with pumping station have to be tested in May
Study for the connection between PLCs and pumping station just started