
General Questions
What services does BELS offer?
We are responsible for managing the BSOE instructional labs. Specifically, we support all the equipment in the labs (i.e., test and measurement hardware, computer workstations, and furniture such as lab benches and chairs), and we provide all the necessary support for the courses that use these lab spaces. We also provide numerous additional services outside of the lab spaces. We operate parts stockroom with thousands of electronic parts, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, IC chips, Raspberry Pi’s, Arduinos, tools, batteries, cables, etc. We also rent to students helpful and sometimes required equipment such as microcontrollers, Basys boards, and the Analog Discovery 2 (a USB device that fits into your pocket and functions as an oscilloscope, function generator, and much more). We also offer a poster printing service, a 3D printing service, and a PCB milling service.
Is BELS open over breaks and university-recognized holidays?
Yes, but we are usually busy prepping labs for the next quarter and do not routinely staff the parts stockroom and other services. During these times, it would be best to submit a ticket with your request, and if necessary, we can arrange a specific time to meet with you.
Where is Russ?
Russ’s office is on the 3rd floor of Baskin Engineering, BE-353B. If he is not there, you can check in the basement in rooms BE-40 and BE-66. If not in any of these places, he is probably in a meeting or helping in a lab. The best way to reach him is by email at rwevans@ucsc.edu.
How can I apply to be a BELS staff member?
Go to the UCSC student employment website and search for BELS positions on Handshake.
Where is BELS?
The parts stockroom is located in the Jack Baskin Engineering Building basement in room BE-40. BE-40 is across the hall from Slugworks at the west end of the building. BELS engineering staff are in room BE-66, and Russ’s office is at BE-353B.
I lost something in a lab; where is the lost and found?
You can check to see if we have it in BE40 or BE399C or submit a ticket.
Can I eat food in the labs?
Please do not consume food and drinks in the lab. Doing so violates the terms and conditions for lab access, and your access could be revoked.
Do holidays count as business days?
No, BELS is not open during holidays. However, if you need help, you should submit a ticket so we can respond to your issue when we return.
What is the best way to submit a ticket/write an email to BELS?
The best format would be a clear title stating the subject, such as “Poster Printing” or “Broken Power Supply,” and in the body expanding on what you require, such as “Fix the broken power supply at workstation [insert number] in [insert room number].” Please be detailed and thorough in your ticket request!
Lab Computer/Account Issues
Why can’t I log in to a lab computer?
All computers in the BELS labs now accept student UCSC logins under the Windows Active Directory ITS Customer Relationship Management (ADCRM) domain. To log in, make sure you are logging in under the ADCRM Active Directory. If this is your first time using a BELS computer and you are getting an error logging into ADCRM then you likely need to activate your ADCRM account. You will also need to activate your ADCRM account each time you change your CRUZID Blue password.
To activate your ADCRM account, visit the UCSC ADC Computing Account Services Activate page.
Why am I getting an error “Server unable to preform” when activating my ADCRM account?
This means your Cruz blue password is too weak. Try setting it to completely random characters, including numbers and capital and lowercase letters.
I got locked out of my account; now what?
This generally means you have typed an incorrect password multiple times. Your account should reset on its own in 15-20 mins.
Lab Access Issues
What are BELS Lab Access Methods?
PIN Code – You may have been given a PIN code for room access. Your account automatically comes with a PIN code, but it is possible that it wasn’t shared with you. This is your personal PIN, so do not share it with others. It will be the same PIN for every room you have been given access to and for every quarter. It doesn’t change (unless it gets compromised). The PIN code is a set of random numbers and does not appear on your ID card. The PIN code is the most reliable entry method.
If you don’t know your PIN code, submit a ticket, and we will send you your PIN code. Please don’t ask for us to send you the PIN code if you have already been sent it. Please, search your email before making a ticket.
ID Card – This is an optionable entry method. If you want to use your ID card for entry, you must see the Baskin Engineering Facilities group in room BE-399C to sync your ID card with your electronic access account. Frankly, my experience has been that the ID cards are problematic for entry, and I encourage you to use your PIN code. If you insist on the ID card, I recommend that you know your PIN code as a backup.
Why can’t I access the lab with my PIN code?
It is possible that the lock is simply updating. One clue is that the red light blinks every couple of seconds. During this update, no one will be able to use omnilock. Simply wait a minute and try again.
Another issue might be the battery is dead. When you tried your PIN, did the red light flash? If none of the lights flashed, it could be a dead battery. Please wait a minute or two, try again, and see if the problem persists.
If you continue to have issues, please create a ticket, and we will get it sorted.
Why can’t I access the lab with my student ID card?
See the commentary above. Try your PIN code if you have it.
I recommend requesting your PIN code if you haven’t already received it.
I locked my item in a room, and I don’t have access to it!
Come down to BELS (Room 40 or Room 66 in the basement of the Jack Baskin Building), and we may be able to assist you. Otherwise, we may be able to find someone to be able to assist you.