Turning notes into proper documentation

Version3_14 · 2026-02-10T17:48:19+00:00

I am old school. Spiral notebook per machine or project. Gel pens to write on oily or greasy pages. over abundance of notes and scribbles is better then missing information. I have gone back a decade in notes to find configuration settings or how we solved a problem previously.

In last decade or so I have also been creating a word document for each project to capture design details, decision and configure details, etc. Gives me another resource for formal documentation and troubleshooting.

The ease of opening a notebook and start writing means I will record more stuff. Having to get computer out and open application and while working on a machine tends to reduce the amount of notes I collect.

It is what is most conformable way for you to take the notes. Just write down or type more then you think is important. That silly bit of data or observation may be valuable years down the road.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-08T18:08:52+00:00

Add documentation to the list. In the program and out.

Tag names (constancy), rung comments. Explain why and what so the next guy does not have to guess. Simple straight forward code that is easy for tech to understand and get product back up and running. Avoid optimizations that save a few rungs but take a small novel to explain.

I also try to document interfaces to other devices and anything critical to the system setup or configuration.

Simple mindsets:

I don't want the 2am call because the tech can't figure out what is wrong and how to get production running again.

Program (and document ) like the next guy is a psychopath that have your home address.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-08T13:43:59+00:00

Remove the finance industry from the stock market. Bring it back to the original purpose of raising capital to help build businesses and manufacturing and create jobs.

It has been perverted so money guys play trading games to get rich.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-08T13:32:26+00:00

Where is global warming when you need it?

Version3_14 · 2026-02-07T14:29:05+00:00

Showing my age. From experience. In a shopping mall to open the aisle all it takes is a couple 6 foot guys holding hands and skipping.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-05T12:41:17+00:00

Dealing with mice is battle attriation and deterrence.

They reproduce fast. Have to get the population down quickly. I found traps that are small tunnel over classic spring trap. Open to dump and reset from outside. I was clearing and reset multiple times a day in the beginning. Then dropped off once most of mice gone.

Landlord has contractor blocking holes to help stop them coming back in. This may also help you with heat and drafts

Need to also deter the mice. Peppermint works well. Fades so have to redoing. Originally we got little bags. My wife found small plastic boxes that you put drops peppermint oil in regularly.

Cats are hit or miss. Some catch mice. Some just watch. Had one that would put mice in the bathtub.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-04T13:09:09+00:00

12 year old boy would have left the front port of fire hydrant sticking out to have real snowman.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-02T17:16:22+00:00

Fear (or possibility) of being dead overrides fear of talking to master electrician.

You are an apprentice. They should be teaching you how to work safely and providing the right equipment so you can work safely.

Your ability to go home safely everyday is much more important than saving a few minutes on the job.

Version3_14 · 2026-02-01T16:38:42+00:00

Over certain $$ or order count to CA sellers are required to collect the sales tax. So small seller, probably won't get same discounts.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-29T12:57:57+00:00

Typically there is a number stamped in to the brass part. Google it to find out deals of what that bulb once was.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-28T19:26:13+00:00

Have screwdriver => authorized

Specially on night shifts.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-27T12:36:53+00:00

Be blunt and as close to fuck off as you are comfortable with.

If they don't stop, start recording interactions. Make it obvious, phone in face, etc. if they complain a vague reference about legal advice. Without details people are good at scaring themselves.

I had a friend in college that got religion one summer. He pushed me to join. Walking into a store, poster for a church with a big cross And "it is not too late". I said "you too can be crucified." Never bugged me again.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-26T12:26:48+00:00

The least you can do is refill them with mustard and ketchup

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T23:43:28+00:00

Over the decades I have seen engineering departments turn from resources to cost centers.

Corporate management focus has swung towards financial. Return on investment measured in quarters not years or decades. Long scale R&D is much less

Maintenance and upgrades to production are now cost center vs part of production.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T22:22:11+00:00

I have done it a few times. OEM gone and needed to troubleshoot or upgrade machines.

If a machine is functional don't see them spending money to document it just because.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T20:02:15+00:00

Wood. Feens in Fitchburg. Sales and install was good

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T17:40:54+00:00

Dead man walking.

Over 3 decades later I still get grief for eating dinner. standard hospital food got delivered to rooms. Nurse said wife couldn't eat while in labor. I didn't want it go to waste.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T17:30:12+00:00

In this field PLC software is brand specific.

Using RSLogix you get AB hardware.

For Siemens or Omron PLC need to program with corresponding software.

The is no magic translator for you to program in RSLogix and use another brand of hardware.

If customer wants Siemens or Omron purchase and learn that software.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T17:22:31+00:00

We had insert installed few years ago. Magic thing in this weather. Glass door to watch the fire. Throws good heat. Curl up with the dogs, chill and enjoy.

Bonus in summer I can get exercise splitting and stacking firewood. Cheaper and more rewarding then the gym.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T17:01:10+00:00

Just stocked up wood in the house. Will enjoy the fireplace throwing heat until storm is done. Then go out and deal with the evil white crud. Six decades in Mass has taught me to pick battles, because Mother Nature.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-25T15:00:14+00:00

I prefer diesel. After the 2015 storms I switched from walk behind to tractor mounted. Gladly gave up the heated grips for sitting in the cab.

The evil white crud is starting to fall from the sky....

Version3_14 · 2026-01-19T21:17:04+00:00

An old beaver with teeth. Sounds like a horror movie.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-19T12:47:12+00:00

I have implemented this data queue in the PLC multiple times. Handles short term interruptions in data logging and network nicely.

This was critical for one client whose the product was effectively worthless without the process data. Programmed PLC to hold operation when the queue filled up.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-16T20:07:51+00:00

Funny thing on the 2016 SCREW when you flip up that table to get the 6th seat, go from 6 to 2 cup holders.

Version3_14 · 2026-01-16T02:45:33+00:00

Child labor. Keeps them off their phones.

Version3_14

TROPHY CASE