The ship U.S.S. Voyager : Computers, page 3

Every so often the command is given to conduct a diagnostic of certain of the ship's systems, over and above routine diagnostics that form standard ship's maintenance. The word "diagnostic" is mentioned in over 70 stories (there are 160 stories in the series, but 172 episodes as 12 comprise two episodes or parts). At least one mention, in [#149 Drive], is fiction, and occasionally circumstances overtake events so that probably the diagnostic is not carried out, whilst others do not relate to USS Voyager at all, e.g. in [#125 Alice] the reference is to a secondhand spaceship which Tom Paris is restoring.

Sometimes the order is given to undertake a more specific diagnostic, for instance "carry out a Level 5 diagnostic". The procedure aboard Federation starships utilises pre-programmed engineering analysis software programs, available for use when actual or potential malfunctions are experienced. The diagnostic programs carry out an automated determination of systems performance, and at the same time identify any malfunctions. Key systems have a number of such diagnostic programs available, ranging from Level 5, which is the fastest and most automated, to Level 1 which is the most thorough but the slowest as it necessitates the most manual labour. Which level of diagnostic utilised depends on a number of factors, particularly how critical the situation is and on the amount of time available to carry out the procedure.

In detail the diagnostic levels are as follows, and are standard on all Federation Starfleet vessels:

Level 2 Diagnostic
Level 2 Diagnostic. This refers to a comprehensive system diagnostic protocol which, like a Level 1, involves extensive automated routines, but requires crew verification of fewer operational elements. This yields a somewhat less reliable system analysis, but is a procedure that can be conducted in less than half the time of the more complex tests.

Level 3 Diagnostic
Level 3 Diagnostic. This protocol is similar to Level 1 and 2 diagnostics but involves crew verification of only key mechanics and systems readings. Level 3 diagnostics are intended to be performed in ten minutes or less.

In [#1 and #2 Caretaker] the human Doctor orders the Nurse: "Run a level 3 diagnostic just to be sure." It is possible that he is not referring to computers, but it is very plausible that he is referring to medical diagnostic computers, for instance those which are incorporated in the 'clamshell' device affixed to the primary biobed on which a patient is, at the time, lying and being treated.

Level 4 Diagnostic
This automated procedure is intended for use whenever trouble is suspected with a given system. This protocol is similar to Level 5, but involves more sophisticated batteries of automated diagnostics. For most systems, Level 4 diagnostics can be performed in under 30 seconds.

In [#46 The Swarm], Torres says to the EMH diagnostic holoprogram, which looks like its creator (as does the Doctor), a man called Dr Zimmerman: "Doctor Zimmerman, you haven't told us anything that we don't already know. What I need is to find out exactly why the Doctor's memory circuits are degrading so that we can come up with a solution. Activate a level 4 diagnostic or whatever you need to do to get us some answers. I'll be back as soon as I can."

In [#56 Alter Ego], USS Voyager is apparently malfunctioning. At this point, the members of the crew are unaware that a mysterious alien is interfering. Torres, at the Bridge's engineering station: "Warp drive is still online and the helm appears to be working but the engines aren't responding. It's possible we've got a computer malfunction but I can't seem to localise it." Janeway: "Let's run a level 4 computer diagnostic, all systems." Kim: "Aye, Captain."

In [#93 One], whilst in sole charge of Voyager, on the Bridge Seven orders the computer to "trim heading by .31 degrees port" but the computer's voice is intermittent and eventually reports: "Attempting to make correction. Unable to comply."
Seven: "Manual override. Computer, initiate a level 4 diagnostic of your command processors."
Computer: "Diagnostic in progress." Seven is now en route for Astrometrics. "Diagnostic complete."
Seven: "Analyse."
Computer, still intermittent: "Quantum failures are present in 33 per cent of gel-pack relays."
Seven: "Reroute all functional relays through subprocessor chi-one-four."
Computer, voice now normal: "Rerouteing complete. Relay failures bypassed."

In [#145 The Haunting Of Deck Twelve]: Janeway: "Are you conducting a survey of meteoroids, Tom?" Paris: "Ma'am?" Janeway: "Check your sensors - we're travelling in circles."

Paris: "Not according to my readings." Chakotay: "Tuvok, run level 4 diagnostic on the navigational array." Tuvok does so and reports: "There is a malfunction in the subprocessors. It appears we're heading back the way we came." Janeway: "All stop. Re-initialise your sensors."

Level 5 Diagnostic
This automated procedure is intended for routine use to verify system performance. Level 5 diagnostics, which usually require less than 2.5 seconds, are typically performed on most systems on at least a daily basis, and are also performed during crisis situations when time and system resources are carefully managed.

In [#149 Drive], a diagnostic is mentioned but it is a fiction: Torres: "OK, I was upset that you cancelled our weekend but then I realised why should we spend this time apart when we can be together doing something you like?" Paris: "What about Harry?" Torres: "I assigned him to a Level 5 diagnostic in Engineering." Paris: "Oh that's terrible." Torres: "I'm just kidding. I told him how hard it was for us to get time together and he understood."

The level of diagnostic is usually not indicated. The following are examples:

In [#25 Tattoo] the Doctor programs himself to experience 29-hour Levodian flu but it has now run to 30 hours. Unbeknownst to him, Kes has added extra time to the program to make the experience realistic. Doctor: "Oh, I don't understand it. I, I ran a computer diagnostic and it said my program was fine." Kes helps him onto a biobed: "Just rest, Doctor."

In [#30 Alliances], after Voyager is unwittingly caught up in the Trabe's attempt to assassinate several Kazon First Majes, Janeway addresses her senior staff in the ship's Briefing Room. "There's no question that we're more vulnerable now than ever. We have to take every measure to make sure we're prepared for an attack. I want continual diagnostics on all ship's systems."

TOP BACK PREVIOUS INDEX FOR THIS ARTICLE SEARCH SECTION