[n.b. This is a backdated post, part of a May/2014 blog catchup. This post's content is a slightly edited version of an email sent on December 21st, 2012, about signs of trouble with the station's Deep Light Sensor and our plans to correct the problem.]
The station's "deep" BIC has been dropping in and out of communications, with the first hints of trouble in July and more serious data gaps starting in September. This isn't so worrisome in and of itself but beginning in late November the station's power levels have been fluctuating as well, which could indicate a flooding problem in the light sensor. In extreme cases this could take the entire station offline due to power loss.
Our next visit from AOML to the station cannot happen until April or May at the earliest. However, we will be shipping a collection of dummy plugs to Marlon Hibbert (NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program) and José Sanchez (USVI's Department of Planning and Natural Resources) so that they may remove the failing instrument and cap its cable during their next maintenance visit.
(signed)
Mike Jankulak