IBM 1620 Project Journal

Rules

The rules we'll follow on this project are:

Carefully document everything we do.
We'll keep a master Log Book with the machine to record everything done to the system. This will not only help with continuity from week to week with different volunteers present but be important documentation for the future. As you think of ideas, write them down in your Log Book and then share them with the team.
DaveB and/or Joe must be present whenever the machine is worked on.
Use sound engineering judgement and practices.
Keep track of time and expenses.
Not only to help this project but also future projects. We are asking you to record in your Log Books the time you spend and in general what you are doing. Also record any expenses you incure - you can either consider it a donation and receive a letter to that effect from the museum or be reimbursed. Please check with DaveB before any significant expenses - we might be able to find or get an item donated.
Communicate via email.
Please use email sent to 'IBM1620_team@merlin.engr.sgi.com' as much as possible - it will keep everyone informed and mail to that alias is automatically archived.
Handle the IBM 1620 with the care it deserves.
Work on the machine with a partner.
For other than trivial tasks (ie: glue the tabletop chip back on) work together with at least one other person. One can do the work while the other records in the log, then trade off. A second person paying attention to what's being done can catch things that the first person might miss.
Whenever possible, plan to complete small tasks in one session.
The words here are consistency and continuity. A lot can be forgotten between work days. The person starting a task one day may not be available to finish it the next time. Recording what we're doing in the log is very important but can't capture everything. So, in general, if the task seems small enough that it can be done in one work session, it shouldn't be started unless there is sufficient time left to complete it.
All History Center property which leaves the warehouse must be approved by DaveB or Dag and must be logged.
In general, all History Center property will remain in the warehouse. However; there are times when an item must be taken somewhere else for a specific reason. These cases will be handled on an exception basis and must be approved before the item is taken. There is a place in the back of the Project Log Book for recording the appropriate information.
Label all parts taken off of the IBM 1620 and keep them in our designated work area.
Large parts can be labelled with the blue tape and a descriptive comment (ie: "IBM 1620 gate D cover"). Put small parts, screws, etc. in a labelled ziplock bag. This will help identify what belongs to the IBM 1620 (a lot gets moved around in the warehouse in between our work parties) and will help with re-assembly. Make careful notes in the Log Book when disassembling anything. Consider using the Polaroid camera to help document the unit - that's what we have it for.