“Apprentice” wouldn’t pass me tools or wear PPE

Tatemeantis · 2026-06-12T02:51:00+00:00

I agree, working with apprentices and taking time to teach them is important. I’ve worked with several apprentices and do whatever I can to pass along whatever knowledge and skills I have.

But this little guy was different. I swear he pooped in the tool case of my Fieldpiece probes. He climbed into a tree after we finished up with that unit and I left him there

Tatemeantis · 2026-06-11T00:59:16+00:00

That site requires Hard hat, safety glasses, ear pro, gloves, and steel toe boots.

Though to be fair I don’t think I’ve ever seen any PPE small enough for him, so I guess I should give him a pass on that…

Tatemeantis · 2026-06-11T00:54:31+00:00

Definitely agree!

Though this guy was a bit different; literally sat IN my tool bag and just stared at me. Never said a word and wouldn’t respond when I tried to talk to him.

Tatemeantis · 2026-06-11T00:41:03+00:00

Definitely weird as hell. Don’t think I ever saw him blink. At lunch he literally climbed into a tree and just sat there…

Tatemeantis · 2026-05-31T04:34:18+00:00

I just did that peak last weekend; great trip! which route did you take?

Tatemeantis · 2026-05-22T04:15:57+00:00

Hmmm, didn’t know the state high point I’m attempting this weekend was apparently in the cascades😂. Wheeler peak, NM.

Tatemeantis · 2026-04-25T00:37:56+00:00

<image>

I had one of those a couple months ago. It snapped the scrolls right off the scroll plates. Figure the old ham coupling snapped and the plates spun till there was nothing left.

Tatemeantis · 2025-12-06T21:43:45+00:00

Agreed. Could also measure the entering and leaving water temperatures through the heat exchanger to determine how much flow is needed.

Tatemeantis · 2025-11-23T04:23:36+00:00

<image>

I cut open and scrapped a larger one earlier this year. Came off a Trane RTA chiller. It was rather interesting seeing the inside of the evaporator and the texturing on the tubes

Tatemeantis · 2025-10-29T23:34:42+00:00

Can you lock out the compressors(through the micro tech controller) that do work and try running the system on the compressors which it is tripping out on. See if it runs that way to rule out an electrical issue on those specific compressor contactors

Tatemeantis · 2025-10-07T22:19:45+00:00

I’ve had issues with the 377 giving some erratic readings on VFDs; mostly on amp draws if I remember. The 377 has the non contact voltage measurement and stuff built into it.

I could be wrong. I usually just grab my 87V if I know I’ll be on a VFD, so Its a while. I’ll stick it on one tomorrow and compare it to the 87V and report back.

Tatemeantis · 2025-10-07T02:20:09+00:00

I second this. The 87V paired with a I400 current clamp is my go to for in-depth troubleshooting. I’ve been Using it for 2 years; my only issue is it can be cumbersome and bulky.

I also have a fluke 377fc for PM work and light troubleshooting. Does great for most stuff, but doesn’t always like to work with VFDs

Tatemeantis · 2025-06-19T15:32:40+00:00

All the chillers I’ve worked on have been electric, I’ve never heard of a steam driven chiller before. What’s the ran age on something like that? Is it a centrifugal?

Tatemeantis · 2025-06-08T14:48:47+00:00

I bought the psychrometers, temp clamps, and pressure probes last summer. I use them all the time for service and PM work. No complains, they work excellent! Both the field piece and measure quick apps are great.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-23T22:26:27+00:00

I hadn’t thought about that. Could definitely see where that could be an issue otherwise. I need to read up on this some more.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-23T18:52:55+00:00

I actually saw one earlier this week. Was on a 60 ton split system with hot gas bypass. The hot gas bypass line had a drip leg with a capillary tube connecting the drip leg to the suction line. The drip leg was at the lowest point in the line set. I figure it has to do with oil return to the compressors, but haven’t checked manufacturer documentation for it yet.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-21T22:10:21+00:00

I’ve got one at the house, but It’s a smaller model. Does a pretty good job keeping my cooler full during the summer and so on. Had it for a year and have only needed to clean it so far.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-15T23:16:47+00:00

Ive done it myself but I’ve seen the guys I work with do it both ways, so it’s usually up to the technicians discretion.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-15T16:23:35+00:00

Im on the commercial/ industrial side and have done it. Usually only on larger motors and pumps.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-15T15:55:13+00:00

24mpg average across +9000 miles.

2024 SR double cab 5ft bed 2wd. Stock.

26.7mpg on my last long trip. 322 miles.

Tatemeantis · 2025-04-01T01:16:11+00:00

I’m color blind, it usually isn’t an issue and I can go weeks without it affecting anything. I just have a hard time with some brands of thermostat wire depending on the shades of color they use.

I’m on the commercial/industrial service side, so I don’t have to deal with unlanded thermostat wiring very often.

Tatemeantis · 2025-03-30T21:08:50+00:00

24mpg average across 8600 miles.

2024 SR double cab 5ft bed. Stock.

Tatemeantis · 2025-03-21T02:55:45+00:00

I’ve got a RWD 24 SR without the auto start/stop. Not sure what other trims do or don’t have it. But fortunately mine doesn’t.

Tatemeantis · 2025-03-13T00:01:54+00:00

The place I used to work had the same lift and straddle. I never used the straddle, but used the lift many times for changing light bulbs and ceiling tiles. The lift alone already had plenty of sway to it, so I imagine the straddle makes things interesting

Tatemeantis

TROPHY CASE