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CERN Engineers Have To Identify and Disconnect 9,000 Obsolete Cables (vice.com)

Posted by Soulskill on from the IT's-version-of-russian-roulette dept.

An anonymous reader writes: CERN, home to the Large Hadron Collider, has grand plans to update the world's largest particle accelerator complex in the next few years. But engineers have identified a barrier to the upgrade: there's no space for new cables in the injectors that accelerate particles before they enter the LHC. In the past, when parts of the accelerators have been upgraded or added to, engineers would often additionally replace the cables that connected them. In the process, they would leave in place the old cables that were no longer in use. Now, a heap of obsolete cables are blocking the way to install new ones needed for the accelerator’s next big upgrade. To make space, CERN engineers have set out to identify and remove the old, unused cables. All 9,000 of them.

9 of 169 comments (clear)

  1. Market idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sell them to audiophiles. You have a limited supply of cables used in a unique, world-class esoteric application. That's a perfect match for people with deep pockets and shallow skulls.

    1. Re:Market idea by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 5, Funny

      Sell them to audiophiles. You have a limited supply of cables used in a unique, world-class esoteric application. That's a perfect match for people with deep pockets and shallow skulls.

      Oh yeah, oh yeaah! Here's the hook. Since the cables have been bombarded by high energy particles, they've had all of their atoms lined up in a manner which results in less frequency domain delay, and a purity of sound unmatched by mere normal cables.

      That and special gold plated fuses, zebrawood knobs and those special rocks will give you a kickass audio system.

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
    2. Re:Market idea by PopeRatzo · · Score: 5, Funny

      Whenever the discussion turns to audiophiles, I have to post my favorite audiophile gear of all, the $150 cable elevator. (currently on sale for $119, but on back-order)

      http://www.reddragonaudio.com/...

      "By moving cables away from surrounding surfaces the negative dielectric field interaction is completely removed, preserving the delicate audio signal's purity. "

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
  2. a daunting task no doubt. by nimbius · · Score: 5, Funny

    cern manager: we've disconnected 4 cables...can anyone confirm on the console that these are disconnected?
    cern engineer: nothing new here chief.
    cern researcher: my panini press stopped working.
    cern manager: ok wrong cable
    cern engineer: janice had a panini press in her office?! I want one
    cern manager: guys lets not get off track here...
    cern mathematician: Where do I file a report about the espresso maker? its seemed to quit working entirely.
    cern laureate: my jack lalane power juicer just cut out and im mid-smoothie, this is urgent...
    cern manager: just use the vitamix in my lab.
    cern engineer: vitamix?! am i the only one here whos been drinking freeze dry sanka for 5 years?!
    cern mathematician: of course not Ive been drinking your sanka too...

    --
    Good people go to bed earlier.
  3. Lame by Major+Blud · · Score: 4, Funny

    LHC.....No wireless. Cost more than Fermilab. Lame.

    --
    If you post as Anonymous Coward, don't expect a reply.
  4. CERN - Now hiring! by scunc · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are you looking to get into the fast-paced, exciting world of experimental particle physics? Then CERN might be looking for you! We are currently in the process of hiring an unpaid intern to help us perform maintenance on the Large Hadron Collider (yes, you read that right--THE Large Hadron Collider!)

    Pay: This is an unpaid position, but the experience you gain will look great on your resume!

    Hours: Don't Ask.

    Required Qualifications: At least 10 years experience working with high energy supercolliders, 15 years experience with networking enterprise-level systems, and a minimum of a Master's Degree in Theoretical Physics (student experience will be considered)

    Position: Entry-level.

  5. Damn by U2xhc2hkb3QgU3Vja3M · · Score: 4, Funny

    One more cable and they could have gone Super Saiyan on the task.

  6. Re:Amazing... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    They are all colour coded... All grey ones are cables.

  7. Re:Amazing... by Hawks · · Score: 5, Funny

    So THATS where the PFY has been all morning. I thought he was in the tape safe again.

    --
    in anima Apparatus