Alcator C-Mod Weekly Highlights
			   January 31, 2003


We continued work on ICRF antennas, the Lower Hybrid MIE project,
and the new field control coils.  Cryostat and vacuum component
installations proceeded.



Operations
----------

Winding of the first of eight field control coils will be completed
early next week.  A picture of the coil being wound may be found at

http://www.psfc.mit.edu/cmod/operations/EngImages/MACHINE/PF/DCP_1300.JPG

Tests of the control coil power supply began this week under PLC control.
Tests under Hybrid control, using the first coil as a load will begin
next week.

The upper cryostat cover was installed this week as were the upper
vertical port vacuum flanges.  The lower cryostat will be raised into
position next week as will the lower vertical port flanges.


ICRF Systems
------------

We continued work on modifications to the antennas to increase their
voltage standoff capability.   Components are expected back in-house
next week that will allow re-installation to begin on the E-Port antenna.
The J-Port vacuum flange was removed this week so that improvements to
the rf coax contacts could be made.


Lower Hybrid MIE Project
------------------------

Most issues relating to the HVPS crowbar circuits have been resolved
with the vendor and circuit modifications have begun.  Work continues
on the Coupler Protection System chassis.  We have received low power
test data of the first high power circulator from the vendor.  We
continue to assemble waveguide and circulator/waveguide support
components on Cart #1.  We also continued work on phase and amplitude
control software.  Work on serial optical interfaces and other control
system hardware continued.



Travel and Visits
-----------------

Miklos Porkolab attended the reception and talk by Secretary of
Energy, Spencer Abraham, at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory on
Thursday, January 30.  In his talk, the Secretary announced that the
US would rejoin the ITER negotiations and the US would attend the
next meeting in February, in St. Petersburg, Russia.