Engineering

This article is considered a canon article for Star Trek: Equilism.

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.

Chief Engineering Officer's Duties

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.

Engineering Officer's Duties

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. Oversight of damage control.
4. Coordinating with Flight control during flight operations.

Propulsion 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.

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 and 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 class 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 Engineer's 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 and 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 overlap 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 and 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 ensure 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 ycle of 36 hours, a nominal 24-hour period of degauss [meaning: demagnetization] and scheduled maintenance time follows. Graviton polarity sources have a 1500 hour operation rating between servicing of the superconductive elements.

Interia Dampening 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.

Navigational Deflector: 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: Ensure 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 Class, which is limited to a preloaded torpedo package (the Akira Class 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 departments.

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 and 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 Sythesizers: 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.

Waste Recycling: There are four types of recycling aboard a Starship; Water and Sewage Recycling, Solid Waste, Matter, and Hazardous Waste.

Water/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 Replicator 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.

Turbolifts: 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 andthe 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 Supression: 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 Systems

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.

Communication 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: 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 Systems

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.

Personnel Transporters: 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.

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.