Duties
and Responsibilities Engineering
All engineers are required to have 30 hours of continuing education per
year. There are multiple ways in which to do this by attending classes,
conferences, or taking courses of the Subspace Communications Network.
Continuing education is necessary so that an Engineer can keep up-to-date
on the latest technology being employed on by Starfleet and her allies.
This will help them in performance of their duties.
All engineers will maintain knowledge of vessels being employed by
Starfleet, the Federation, and other Allies. This will help in the
rendering of aid to other ships in times of emergency.
Defined Chief Engineering Officer (CEO)
The Chief Engineer's duty is to make sure that ship or
station repairs are done in a timely manner. This may include but is not
exclusive to the following:
1. Schedule maintenance to prevent breakdown or discover breakdowns.
2. Schedule or triage repairs.
3. Perform maintenance to keep all systems within Starfleet Guidelines.
4. Investigate, report, and task damage control.
Defined Engineering Officer (EO)
The Engineer's duty is to assist the Chief Engineer in the
above as well as but not exclusive to the following:
1. Coordinating with Operations for requisition of supplies.
2. Inventory department supplies [both consumables and equipment].
3. Over-sight of damage control.
4. Coordinating with Flight control during flight operations.
Propulsive Systems
The Engineer's main work revolves around the Propulsion systems. Aboard
Federation vessels there are three main propulsive units: the Warp Drive,
Impulse Drive, and Reaction Control System or Thrusters. We'll review
those systems and Engineering duties in that order.
Warp Drive
The Warp Drive is the common name for the Continuum Distortion Drive,
which is the faster than light propulsion system on Federation starships.
Basic Warp Theory
Warp Drive works on the practical application of Warp theory. In normal
space the laws of physics prevent a vessel from traveling faster than the
speed of light. However with the use of asymmetrical subspace fields, a
vessel can capture itself and the space it is occupying. The subspace
field doesn't move the ship, but rather the "bubble" of space the ship is
in. It does this by creating a field imbalance, thus the asymmetrical
shape, having the stronger portion of the field in the aft of the ship
causing it to go in the opposite direction. Speed is determined by the
strength of the subspace field compared to the potential of that area of
space. A stronger field can be obtained by the layering effect. Because
the potential of an area of space varies, the amount of power necessary to
create a subspace field varies. For instance, in any area where a rift in
the boundary of space and subspace has occurred, the potential is negative,
and often times infinitely negative. An infinitely negative potential
means that no amount of power from the warp drive will create a workable
subspace field. The opposite is true, but the positive values have never
been infinite.
Systems Review & Duties
There are three main subsystems that the Warp Drive is comprised of: the
fuel system, warp core, and nacelles. All three are basically in the same
configuration no matter what ship you are on.
Fuel System:
The responsibilities of an Engineer towards the fuel system is to report
fuel consumption to the Commanding Officer and maintain the integrity of
the tank and it's piping as well as their flow. Engineers have to keep a
vigil to make sure that the containment system within the antimatter pods
does not fail. If the containment began to fail it would be necessary to
eject the pod. Engineers have to monitor the entire length of piping from
the antimatter storage pods to the warp core and the magnetic field as
well as adjust the various constriction parameters to maintain the flow.
Warp Core:
The next part of the warp drive is the Warp Core. Magnetic containment
fields must be maintained for the entire core from the matter injector to
the antimatter injector. The Engineers duties to the dilithium crystal
focus on alignment. He must make sure that the injectors & dilithium are
appropriately aligned so that the reaction will take place at the right
part of the core [in Intrepid Class starships, which utilize Dilithium in
the form of a crystalline foam, this is still necessary, however only in
so far as that the matter and antimatter streams must meet near the center
of the core]. This is especially important during intermix changes [which
is the ratio and amount of matter and antimatter as well as the speed in
which they are injected into the core]; such changes in the ratio are the
Chief Engineer's duty. Alignment checks are also important during
acceleration/deceleration. Physical adjustments can be made to the
injector nozzles or the dilithium articulation framework. Another means of
adjustment is the magnetic containment fields within the core itself.
While adjusting these for alignment purposes is one duty, the Engineer
must also adjust these to maintain containment of both the antimatter and
radiation within the core. Dilithium re-crystallization is also another
duty of the Engineering officer and should be done at appropriate times to
prevent complete loss of dilithium regulation.
Power Transfer Conduits:
Efficiency drops in the power transfer conduits could be a sign of trouble
and must be monitored. The containment fields on these conduits must also
be monitored to prevent plasma and radiation from leaking. Heat and
pressure from the plasma must also be monitored, too much and the conduits
can be easily ruptured. Pressure is regulated by the use of the magnetic
containment fields, but the heat has to be taken care of by the use of
coolant. Engineers must monitor the pressure and heat regulation system
regularly because of the danger involved if either gets out of hand. EPS
taps of the power transfer conduits must also be monitored.
Nacelles:
The firing rate of the plasma injectors are controlled by the computer and
the programming for that firing rate is loaded from the time the ship is
built. Adjustments can usually be made to the mass produced system to make
it ideal for the ship, Engineers are responsible for making these
adjustments so the ship runs as efficiently as possible. Equipment must be
monitored regularly to make sure that the injectors are firing properly.
Warp field tuning is achieved through the warp field grill [the Defiant
Class vessel does not have warp field grills], proper management is
necessary for an efficient warp field. Engineers must watch the warp field
coils to make sure they do not overheat, and that the structure of the
nacelles themselves to do not overheat. The final necessary item to watch
is the plasma vents, making sure that they are functioning properly so
that plasma is released and held only when necessary with the proper flow
rate. Equipment for masking the plasma and ion trail is within the vents
and must also be maintained.
Impulse Drive
The Impulse Drive is the slower than light, or sub-light, drive on
Federation Starships.
Systems Review & Duties
There are five main subsystems used by the Impulse Engine. The fuel
systems are the same ones used by the Warp Drive, and those duties will
over lap except for the care and maintenance of the sub-tanks that are
used mainly by the Impulse Drive. The other four systems of the Impulse
Engine are the Fusion Cores, Accelerator/Generator, Space Time Driver Coil,
and Vectored Exhaust Director.
Fusion Cores:
The fusion core has an inner liner of crystalline gulium fluoride 40 cm
thick that must be maintained to protect the reactor from the reactions
and radiation within it, once eroded the reactor sphere is replaced with a
new one, average swap out is 10'000 hours. If 0.01 mm of the inner line is
ablated or if ≥2 fractures measuring 0.02 cm3 form the reactor will be
swapped. Efficiency must be maintained through the adjustment of various
factors. One such factor, which also affects power output, is the size of
the frozen deuterium pellets used to fuel the reactor. Fusion initiators
must be maintained.
Accelerator/Generator:
The accelerator/generator is the switch that uses the energy from the
impulse reactors to either power the impulse drive or the ship. Normal
wear and tear change out is 6250 flight hours, however damage or anomalies
may accelerate this. Connections to the reactors, driver coil, and
eletroplasma system must be monitored and maintained. Only the accelerator
portion of this subsystem may be disconnected and put through testing
while the ship is away from a starbase, but the testing cannot be
destructive. Efficiency of both portions of this system must be maintained
to Starfleet standards.
Space-Time Driver Coil:
On vessels that have them, this coil must be maintained to keep the vessel
moving under impulse. Replacement of and scheduled repair on the driver
coil assemblies cannot be done without a dock-capable starbase. Servicing
is scheduled at 6250 flight hours. Following flight rules prevents most
early replacement, and the Chief Engineer is charged to enforce these
rules absent of emergency situations.
Vectored Exhaust Director:
The device that controls the direction in which the ship goes must be
synchronized, each vent and each separate engine. Programmed and human
input commands must be verified from time to time to test mechanism
communication. The directional veins within each vent can be replicated
and replaced if damaged or not performing to specifications.
Reaction Control System
Also known as thrusters, this propulsion system is generally used for
station keeping, making sure that the ship stays in one position, and
orientation. They are also used to move the ship in and out of dock.
Systems Review & Duties
Thrusters are similar to the Impulse Reactors; they use gas-fusion, not
solid fusion. Their fuel is deuterium, so most of the checks necessary for
the fuel system have been covered, the only addition is the immediate-use
supplies for each thruster package, the piping from the main deuterium
tank, and proper flow maintenance. Each thruster package has initiators,
magnetohydrodynamic field traps, vectored thrust nozzles, and mooring
tractor beam emitters.
Initiators:
The initiator must be synchronized with the fuel intake. This includes
firing rate timing and ignition strength. The ability of each thruster
package to act in unison with any other package or group of packages is
key. The reaction chambers can withstand 400'000 firings and 5'500 hours
of operation before the inner wall requires resurfacing.
Magnetohydrogynamic Field Traps:
This device performs energy recovery in the first stage maintenance must
insure it is capable of returning the appropriate amount of
undifferentiated plasma to the power net. The plasma return channels are
rated for 6'750 hours before the inlets must be replaced. The second stage
performs partial throttle operations, as the exhaust enters the thrust
nozzle. Proper flow must be maintained.
Vectored Thrust Nozzles:
These devices exert so much force against the space-frame of the vessel
that they must be checked for secure mounting regularly. Flow checks among
the nozzles should also be done regularly.
Mooring
Tractor Beam Emitters:
Nothing special is required to maintain this equipment, see Tractor Beam
Emitters.
Primary Systems
Those systems necessary to the safe and expedient operation of a ship or
station are called Primary systems. These include the propulsion and power
generation systems, the hull and it's structure, the defensive systems,
life support and environmental systems, and the computer. All effort is
made to keep these systems in operating order and they are given priority
when damage occurs. Priority within the primary systems is the same as
above. Serious damage to any of these systems can cause the ship or
station to be abandoned if not destroyed.
Hull and Structure
Insure through computer diagnostics and visual inspections that the hull
is within Starfleet guidelines. Maintain checks on baron particle buildup.
Check for the integrity of the waveguides of various systems within the
structural members [this includes Structural Integrity Field Waveguides as
well as the Deflector Grid]. Waveguides must not only properly transmit
the fields for the SIF and deflector systems, but thermal and radioactive
energies from inside and outside of the ship as well. Damage to substrate
segments of the hull can only be repaired at starbase or station
facilities. Erosion by micrometeoroid impacts is normally kept to a
minimum by the deflector systems, but after an average of 7.2 standard
years 30% of the leading-edge segments need replacement.
Structural Integrity Field
Structural Integrity Field is needed to keep the ships hull and structural
integrity stable during high speeds and erratic maneuvers. The Structural
Integrity Field is use to support the space frame of the vessel. The
system provides a series of force fields that compensate for the
propulsive and other structural loads. The SIF applies energy directly to
the field conductive elements within the space frame and increases the
load bearing capacity of the structure. Coolant levels, pressure, and
temperature of each SIF generator must be monitored. After the normal duty
cycle of 36 hours, a nominal 24-hour period of degauss [meaning:
demagnetization] and scheduled maintenance time follows. Graviton polarity
sources have a 1’500 hour operation rating between servicing of the
superconductive elements.
Inertia Damping Field
Inertia Damping Field is the system that allows a ship to travel at high
acceleration/decelerations (Impulse/Warp) while keeping the crew safe and
maintaining the ship’s structural integrity. This is due to the fact that
without the IDF those onboard the ship or the ship itself would not be
able to withstand the stress of the high G forces. The Inertia Damping
Field operates in parallel with the SIF system. This system generates a
controlled series of variable-symmetry force fields that serve to absorb
the inertial forces of space flight. Duties include regular maintenance of
the waveguides [which are separate from the SIF waveguides] and gravity
plates. Coolant level, pressure, and temperature for each generator must
be checked. After the normal duty cycle of 48 hours, a nominal 12-hour
period of degauss and scheduled maintenance follows. Graviton polarity
sources are rated for 2'500 hours of operation between routine servicing
of superconductive elements.
Deflector Systems [not including shields]
The Navigational Deflector is used to push objects from the path of the
ship. These objects could range from as small as an atom or micrometeoroid
particles to rare but more hazardous larger objects such as asteroids.
Navigational Deflector is a series of high power graviton polarity source
generators. Each generator is a cluster of six 128 MW graviton polarity
sources feeding a pair of 550 millicochrane subspace field distortion
amplifiers. The dish is steerable under automatic computer control using
electrofluidic servers capable of deflecting the dish on a z-axis by
varying amounts dependent upon ship class. The Deflector System must be
kept in proper alignment; Flight Control, Science, and Tactical rely on
the deflector system to help supplement scans from the various sensors.
Proper alignment is also required for the long-range sensors to function
properly. The Deflector Dish or Deflector Grid [depends on the ship]
should be maintained to a completely intact state so that no gaps occur in
the field. Generator maintenance should be regular. The graviton polarity
source should be replaced within a reasonable operational time period. The
diagnostics of the Navigational deflector are an automatic computer
function. Alignment is done via human input into the computer.
Defensive Systems
Shields
Insure the ship/station’s shield generator is operating
properly and at optimum efficiency.
Coolant level, pressure, and temperature must be kept within Starfleet
guidelines and monitored constantly. Generator synchronization must be
maintained. Generators rated for 12 hour on time with 12 degauss and
maintenance. Graviton polarity sources are rated for 1'250 hours between
servicing. As with the Navigational Deflectors the Deflector Shields
utilizes one or more graviton polarity source generators. The difference
here is the output is phase-synchronized through a series of subspace
field distortion amplifiers. Each generator consists of a cluster of
twelve 32 MW graviton polarity sources feeding a pair of 625 millicochrane
subspace field distortion amplifiers. Cruise Mode operating rules require
one generator in each of the major sections to be operational at all times
with at least one additional unit available for activation should an alert
condition be invoked.
Weapons
While the Tactical department is responsible for most maintenance and
upkeep of the weapon systems, the Engineering Department is required to
assist in repair and overhaul procedures. With all systems, it is the
engineer’s job to perform major repair work and refits of the weapons
systems. This includes repairs during alert condition where damage control
would be called. All engineers should have a working knowledge in the
weapons systems used aboard Starfleet ships. They should be ready to
assist the Tactical Department when requested.
Phasers
Assist tactical in alignment and routine maintenance of the phaser
emitters when called on. Be ready to perform emergency repairs at a
moments notice. Maintain proper power input through the Electroplasma
Conduits and power taps.
Torpedoes
Assist tactical in routine maintenance on all torpedo launchers when
called on. Perform emergency repairs of the launchers. Maintaining the
piping that carries the deuterium and antideuterium to the launcher [this
is not necessary on smaller ships, like the Defiant, which is limited to a
preloaded torpedo package (the Akira also has limited number torpedo
packages, but it also has the standard launcher setup)]. Care, storage,
and maintenance of torpedo casings are the responsibility of the Tactical
department, but the Engineering department maybe called to assist at any
time. The manufacture of new casings using spare parts is a joint
operation between both departments, special ordinance packages included.
Armor [if installed]
Ensure the integrity of the ship’s armor and to replace when needed. This
is important, as this is the last line of defense from incoming fire.
Tractor Beam
The main concern of when the tractor beam is in use is the physical
limitations of the technology. This includes insuring that the tractor
beam’s mount is not overly stressed.
Sensors
Sensors, specifically those not used by the Engineering department, are
maintained during all normal operations by the departments that use them.
During upgrades, refits, and emergencies the Engineering department will
assist. The exchange of external sensor pallets is a joint operation
between the Flight, Science, and Engineering department.
Probes
Although there are a number of probes in stock on most vessels, it does
become necessary to build probes from time to time. In this situation the
job of building the probe falls to Engineering. Circumstances that would
dictate the need to build a probe would be:
1. If the probe needed is not in stock due to its specific type.
2. The Probe needed is a special request from the Science Department.
In cases where off the shelf parts are available, and standard
configuration is called for, the Science Department usually performs the
operation of probe construction. But in cases where parts need to be made,
either standard or specialized, the Engineering
Department
assists.
For exact types of probes refer to ASBD specs.
Life Support & Environmental Systems
Maintain the life support and Environmental systems through inspections
and preventive maintenance. It doesn’t have to be stressed the importance
of keeping this up. Each processing module has a duty cycle of 96 hours,
and a normal maintenance schedule of 2'000 hours. At the end of each cycle
the other module takes over, but subsystems can be switched earlier. Of
all the ships systems, life support and environmental control are among
the most critical. With multiple layers of back up complete system failure
is highly unlikely. Even if there is a complete failure of the main
systems, the back up systems should insure crew survival in most
situations. Life Support and Environmental Systems under go constant
computer monitoring and diagnostics.
Artificial Gravity
As with the life support and environmental systems, the Artificial Gravity
is maintained through inspections and preventive maintenance. Although a
lower priority then Life Support, it is still import to maintain gravity
aboard ship/station. A controlled stream of gravitons like those produced
by the tractor beam creates the gravity field. Power from the EPS is
channeled into a hollow chamber of anicum titanide 454, a sealed cylinder
measuring 50 cm in diameter by 25 cm high. The stator, once set to a
rotational rate above 125,540 rpm, generates a graviton field with a short
lifetime, on the order of a few picoseconds. A second layer of generators
is placed beyond a 30-meter distance.
Replicator
Coordinate with Operations the scheduling of repairs for the Replicator.
Although Operations can repair the minor problems with the Replicator,
Engineers will have to deal with the more serious problems. There are two
types of replicators; these are Food Synthesizers and Hardware Replicators.
Food Synthesizers:
Food Synthesizers are optimized for a finer resolution, because of the
necessity of accurately replicating the chemical composition of foodstuffs.
Hardware Replicators:
Hardware Replicators are tuned to a lower resolution for greater energy
efficiency and lower memory matrix requirements.
Although there are a number of specialized replicators on the ship these
are the to main types found.
Waste
Recycling
There are four types of recycling aboard a Starship; Water and Sewage
Recycling, Solid Waste, Matter, and Hazardous Waste.
Water and Sewage Recycling:
Wastewater is pumped to treatment and recycling units located through out
the ship. It under goes three stages of recycling then is pumped back out
to the ship. Filtration until all solids and particulates are removed.
Osmotic and Electrolytic fractioning used to remove dissolved and
microscopic contaminates. Heating until the water is super heated to 150C
for biological sterilization.
Solid Waste:
Solid waste includes such items as clothing, packaging and other discarded
containers, and small personal articles. These items are conveyed to
processing units on the ship where they are scanned and classified as to
type of composition. Items that can be recycled are then processed into
packets, which can later be used to replicate new material such as
uniforms or other containers.
Matter Replication Recycling:
This is for material that cannot be directly recycled by mechanical or
chemical means. It is processed and stored in matter synthesis recycling.
This is accomplished by molecular matrix replicators that dematerialize
the matter and stores it in the computer’s memory.
Hazardous Waste:
This is all liquid and solid waste, which are considered hazardous
materials under toxicity, reactivity, biohazard or radioactivity
standards. Such materials are separated from other waste material and
immediately diverted to a matter replicator, which converts them to inert
carbon particles.
Maintenance and repair:
The entire waste-recycling unit undergoes constant computer monitoring due
to the hazardous materials that rotate through the system. Each unit
should be taken down for standard period maintenance every 300 hours of
online use.
Atmospheric Recycling
It doesn’t need to be stressed on how important it is for this to remain
working properly. Atmospheric processing modules are found through out the
ship at about 50m3 of habitable ship’s volume. The device maintains a
comfortable class M atmosphere, by removing the CO2 and other waste gases
and particulates. Cruise Mode operational rules specify a ninety-six-hour
duty cycle for processing modules, although normal time between scheduled
maintenance is approximately two thousand operating hours.
Turbolift
The duty of the engineer on the Turboelevator system (Turbolift) is mostly
on the Turbolift cars. The inspection and maintenance of the three linear
motors and Inertial Dampening Field is of primary important, along with
the electromagnetic conduits located along the side of all turboshafts.
With acceleration of 10 m/sec 2 the IDF system is crucial to a comfortable
ride.
Computer Systems
The Engineering department’s job is not the day-to-day handling of the
computer systems, but is the monitoring and repair of the hardware within
the computer. The Computer System is a joint responsibility between
Engineering and Operations. Each section of the computer must have a level
4 diagnostic run at each shift change. If there are multiple cores they
need to be synchronized. The symmetrical subspace field in the FTL
processor must be maintained for speedy processing. Synchronization
between the multiple sub-processors [both isolinear and bio-neural] and
the core[s] is key. ODN links between all terminals and equipment must be
maintained. Back up short-wave radio transmitters also need to be running
properly. LCARS software must be upgraded regularly with patches [these
are received when contact with a Starbase or a Federation ship with that
patch is made and installed automatically]. Isolinear storage chips must
be checked [with diagnostics and inspection] for integrity, suspected
damage or performance deviations maybe signs of deeper problems.
Bio-neural gel pack processors must also be regularly maintained with the
assistance of Medical staff. Keep accurate records of all computer
maintenance and scheduled maintenance. Assist Operations department when
requested with software diagnostics.
Power Generation Systems
Review Warp, Impulse, RCS
As previously discussed the Warp Drive, Impulse Drive, and Reaction
Control System provide power not only for propulsive purposes, but energy
purposes as well. The only addition to maintenance tasks previously
mentioned is the monitoring of the EPS power taps.
Backup Fusion
The backup fusion generators are used in case the propulsive power units
are unable to provide enough power for normal operations. These function
just as the Impulse Drive’s fusion generators, and thus have the same
maintenance requirements.
Batteries
There are times when an abundance of power is created during normal
operations. This energy is stored in power cells for later use, especially
during emergency situations. Monitoring the efficiency of the battery’s
storage and output capacity is the primary maintenance function.
Fuel Systems
The responsibilities of an Engineer towards the fuel system is to report
fuel consumption to the Commanding Officer and maintain the integrity of
the tank and it's piping as well as their flow. Engineers have to keep a
vigil to make sure that the containment system within the antimatter pods
does not fail. If the containment began to fail it would be necessary to
eject the pod. Engineers have to monitor the entire length of piping from
the antimatter storage pods to the warp core and the magnetic field as
well as adjust the various constriction parameters to maintain the flow.
Bussard Collectors
The Bussard Collectors are actually a series of specialized high-energy
magnetic coils. They are used to pull low-grade matter from the
interstellar medium. The Ramscoop pulls in tenuous gas found with in the
Milky Way galaxy. The gas maybe distilled for small amounts of deuterium
for contingency replenishment of the matter supply. Alignment of the
magnetic coils to bring in deuterium particles must be closely
synchronized with the warp drive when it is in operation.
Quantum Reversal Device
This device is used for making small amounts of anti-matter. The Quantum
Reversal Device to put it simply takes matter cools it to within one
degree of absolute zero, and exposes to a short-period stasis field to
further limit molecular vibration. As the stasis field decays focused
subspace fields drive deep with in the subatomic structure to flip the
charges and spin the frozen protons, neutrons, and electrons. The flipped
matter, now antimatter is magnetically removed for storage. The system can
normally process 0.08 m3/hr. With a ratio of 11-1 the device is
inefficient for normal operation. It is reserved for emergency use only
(i.e. getting a ship back to Starbase when fuel is running low).
Emergency Systems
Emergency systems must be monitored closely at all times. They’re vital to
the safety of the crew during any situation, even in the least drastic.
Lifeboats
Lifeboats, or Lifepods as they are also known, have many of the same
systems that a ship does. Each of these must be equally monitored as the
main vessel does. Regular maintenance schedules must be performed on each
lifeboat.
Fire Suppression
The sensors and suppression forcefields must be kept within Starfleet
guidelines. The Chief Engineer is charged with the task of making sure
that all equipment, furnishings, and personal effects conform to Starfleet
fire safety guidelines.
Damage Control
During emergency situations where damage has been incurred to the vessel,
the Engineering Department must prioritize and then proceed with repairs.
Personnel within other departments will continue to work within their own
department’s concerns, however in non-critical areas, where there might
even be damage, cross trained personnel will temporarily transferred to
the Engineering department and used to repair critical systems.
Secondary
Most of these systems aren’t vital to the survival of a vessel, however
their smooth and continued operation is necessary for optimal vessel
performance.
Communications Systems
Internal:
The engineer’s duty is to insure that all data line sets and terminal node
devices aboard the vessel are operating with in Starfleet specifications.
This is done by automated computer diagnostics; computer assisted
diagnostics, and limited visual inspections. The engineer should start at
the computer core; move on to the Optical Data Network, which contains the
local sub-processor short-range RF pickup, then down to the various input
devices.
Ship-to-Ship:
As before the engineer’s duty is to insure that all data line sets and
terminal node devices aboard ship are operating with in Starfleet
specifications added to this is making sure all subspace receivers are
also operating with in Starfleet specifications. This is done by automated
computer diagnostics; computer assisted diagnostics, and limited visual
inspections. The engineer should start at the computer core; move on to
the Optical Data Network, which contains the local sub-processor
short-range RF pickup, then down to the various input devices.
Ship-to-Ground:
(See Internal) The engineer also ensures the RF section consisting of 15
transceivers assemblies cross-connected by the ODN and copper-yttrium 2143
hard-lines that are linked to the main computer processor are operating
with in specifications.
Ship-to-Base [sub-space] See Ship to Ship
Universal Translator
When dealing with the Universal translator, it is best to allow the
computers automated diagnostics to do most of the work. Since the
translator is actually a program with in the computer there is no hardware
to deal with outside the already stated hardware. The one thing to make
sure of is the program does not get corrupted. In the event that the
Universal Translator malfunctions or is corrupted, personnel from the
linguistics division of the Science department would assist in fixing the
problem.
Holographic Systems
The main job of the engineer is the maintenance of the hardware
controlling the Holographic System. Replacement of the holo-diode cluster
and Isolinear Chip matrix is the main concern. When necessary the
engineering department may be called to assist Operations in other repairs
of the Holographic System.
Transporter
There are two types of Transporters: Personnel with a quantum resolution
(life form) and Cargo with a molecular resolution (non-life form).
Although they work on the same principle, they both have their
limitations.
Transporter Systems
Personnel Transports:
As stated these have a quantum resolution and are used for transport of
life form. This resolution can be changed, but is usually unnecessary.
Cargo Transporters:
As stated the cargo transporter is set to molecular resolution, but unlike
the Personnel Transporters the resolution can be changed to quantum
resolution. With the change of resolution they transporter loses payload
capability.
Duties
Although the transporter system under goes a constant computer diagnostics
with each use, it is necessary for engineering to run other diagnostics on
a regular basis. Since the transport beam conduits permit the matter
stream to be rerouted to any of the pattern buffers any of the chambers
can be reused immediately without waiting for cool down. Engineering is
charged with the maintenance and up keep of all transporter components.
Because of the great amount of technical workings involved with the
Transporters, and traditional departmental lines, the Engineering
department is responsible for the operation of the Transporters.
Engineers use all types of tools. And some engineers make their own. Here
we have a list of tools that are standard Federation Issue. Along with the
standard, we have the improvised tools used and submitted by Engineers
across the fleet.
Engineering Tools
Engineers use all types of tools. And some engineers make their own. Here
we have a list of tools that are standard Federation Issue. Along with the
standard, we have the improvised tools used and submitted by Engineers
across the fleet.
Accelerometer -
Instrument used to measure velocity changes.
Anodyne Relay
- Power transfer device, used routinely on Intrepid Class Starships.
Antigrav
- Device employing gravitons and antigravitons to move heavy loads.
Anyon Emitter
- Used to clear chroniton particle contamination.
Bipolar Torch -
Powerful cutting tool. This tool was used on Deep Space 9 to cut through
Toranium Metal Inlay. It is bigger than a Plasma Torch and therefore
probably not in a Tool Kit.
Coil Spanner
- Engineering Tool. Use unknown.
Construction Module
- Remotely controlled robotic device used for construction in free
space.
Dualitic Inverter
- Use is unknown. It was used by Starfleet Engineers on the Defiant.
Duotronic Probe
- Used to regulate plasma flow, it is speculated though that a
Gravitivic Caliper is more suited for the task.
Dynamic mode stabilizer
- A tool used to analize computer systems, and scan for anomalies. Most
useful on isolinear, and bio-neural gel pack circuits. 3x19 cm.
EJ7 Interlock
- Engineering tool used to open critical system access panels on space
stations and starships.
Electro-Plasma Regulator
- This is used for the handling of EPS power relays, and the maintenance
of the power conduits. Its dimensions are 5x36cm.
Emergency Hand Actuator
- Aboard Federation Starships and Stations, a small hand crank located
in an access panel on one side of an automatic door. The actuator can be
used to open a door should the normal computer-driven system be
inoperative.
Environmental Suit
- Protective garments worn by Starfleet personnel when exploring
inhospitable environments.
EPI Capacitor
- Device used to open a runabout hatch in an emergency, bypassing the
normal door actuation servos.
Flow Distributor
- Used to redirect the power flow out of a relay from a damaged
conduit/peripheral equipment (Replicators, etc). It can be used to adjust
for the flow ratio of a power conduit/EPS flow regulator, or to realign
the induction coils.
Flux Generator
- Science and Engineering instrument.
Flux Spectrometer -
Sensor Device used aboard Federation installations.
Gravitic Caliper
- A tool used to regulate plasma flow, speculated to be more precise
than a Duotronic Probe.
Hammer
- Tool used for the pounding of obstinate hardware and personnel.
Hyperspanner -
Enigneering tool used in the calibration of Plasma Injectors.
Hypospray
- Although normally a medical instrument. The Hypospray has become part
of the Engineer's vast array of tools because of the Bio Neural Gel Packs.
Interphasic Coil Spanner
- Use unknown. Used on Deep Space 9.
Isochronious Asymmetric Compensator
- Used for transporters. Has a variety of uses from realigning the phase
transition coils, to adjusting the flow feed of the Doppler compensators.
Isolinear Chip Reader
- A device that reads data on an Isolinear Chip. It can also check if
the chip is still usable or damaged.
Isolinear Enhancer
- Similar purpose to the Inducer, except it offers a phase regulator for
those pesky ODN problems, requiring isolinear i-node probing. 25 cm long.
Isolinear Inducer -
This tool is used in a variety of tasks from replacing a damaged circuit
to diagnosing anomalies in a bio-gel pack. It's shaped like a very crude
looking broom handle, with a nice comfy easy grip. It's about 25 cm long.
Isolinear Phase Inverter
-This tool is used to probe Isolinear circuits for common problems. At
current, it can be used as a diagnostic tool, or just something to pry the
lid off a can of peanuts. The tool has a rather large, white light
emitting diode at the tip of it. It's about 48 cm long, and very thick.
KLS Stabilizer
- Engineering device used to maintain power output stability of a
starship's warp core.
Krellide Storage Cells -
A power-storage device used in shuttlecraft and handheld tools.
Magnetic Probe
- Used to seal the flow of Matter-Antimatter in the Warp Core. This tool
was used in the 2260's so it may have been replaced by now.
Magnaspanner
- Handheld tool used by Starfleet engineers.
Magnetic Probe
- Handheld engineering tool used to seal the matter-antimatter flow.
Microdine Enhancer
- Used specifically for subspace equipment. It has a variety of functions,
and is easily callibrated. Keep away from flame. 3x19cm.
Microoptic Drill
-A handled piece of Starfleet equipment used to produce extremely small,
precision holes.
Micro-inducer -
Precision electronic engineering tool.
Multiphasic Scanner
- Use unknown. Used aboard the USS Enterprise-D.
ODN Recoupler
- Use unknown, used by Starfleet Officers. Only to be used on the
Optical Data Networks.
PADD
- Personal Access Data Device. Used many ways, for duty schedules,
repair schedules, manuals, note taking, log recording, etc. At least one
small PADD is essential for the Engineer's Tool Kit.
Pattern Enhancers
- Devices used by Starfleet transporter systems to amplify a transporter
signal, thereby making personnel transport safer during relatively
hazardous situations. Three pattern enhancers are used, deployed in a
triangular formation.
Phase-Conjugate Graviton Emitter -
Engineering device sometimes used in tractor beams to increase lift
capacity.
Plasma Infuser
- Handheld instrument used for the transfer of high energy plasma.
Plasma Torch -
Cutting tool. Not as powerful as a Bipolar Torch. It is small enough to
fit in a Tool Kit. Engineers should use caution as this tool can injure
you. Can be used on conduits.
Quantum regulator -
This tool is used to jupiter quantum fluctuations, quantum regularities,
and a useful tool in field mechanics. This tool is rather small, and hand
held. 23cm long with a thin, rod shaped, rounded tip.
Reverse-Ratcheting Router
- Used to create gouges.
SCM Model 3
- Small handheld superconducting magnet used aboard starships.
Self-Sealing Stem Bolts
- Useful gizmos.
Subsonic Transmitter
- Device used on planet Omicron Ceti III to drive the spores from the
surviving colonists' bodies in 2267. The subsonic transmitter broadcast an
irritating frequency that was described as like spreading itching powder
on the affected individuals.
Subspace Field Inverter
- A piece of equipment not normally included in the inventory of a
Federation starship. This device is capable of generating low levels of
Eichner Radiation, which were found to stimulate growth of certain strains
of deadly plasma plague.
Subspace Resonator
- Field manipulation device.
Subspace Shunt
- Device used to gain unauthorized control of computer systems. Attached
to a secondary system, the shunt could be used to bypass normal security
lockouts.
Thermal Interferometry Scanner
- Device for measuring distances by means of the interference of thermal
gradients.
Thruster Suit
- Protective garment designed to allow humanoid starship crew members to
work in an airless environment. A thruster suit also incorporates a small
propulsion unit to permit maneuvering in weightless conditions, intended
for emergency evacuation.
Transponder, Emergency
- A small device about the size of a lipstick case, capable of
transmitting an emergency distress call across limited interstellar
distances.
Transporter Test Article
- A cylinder of duranium about one meter tall and 25 centimeters in
diameter. Used to test transporter performance by beaming the article away
and then back to a transporter pad, or simply beaming it between pads.
Tricorder
- Handheld device, used for field measurements and having a tactical
database. Tricorders can identify things such as particles, chemical
substances and atmospheric composition. Can be used to run or verify
diagnostics. Also great for data transfers. Required for a good Engineer's
Toolkit. A medical tricorder is identical, but is programmed for medical
use and has a small handheld sensor probe.
Warp Core Matrix Flux Capacitor
- Used for power distribution of the EPS. Can be easily callibrated to
adjust any warp core. Dimensions are roughly the same as a Microdine
Enhancer.
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