The things you learn, when you're not paying attention....

[Toolslinger]

On the plus side, I didn't harm the 802a.

I didn't harm the 116a2 either.

I found, however, that if you mount the 802a sideways, all the way forward, with the controls to the drivers' side, you will not, in fact, be able to open the control panel door. When I got the 116a2 I remember thinking I needed to mount the 802a offset to the side a little, and I could not for the life of me remember why.

On the other hand, what I didn't anticipate (and then ignore) is that the control panel door will not be able to hinge over on top of the gen, because the tarp ribs aren't high enough by a couple inches.

For the moment, I just pulled the bolts holding the door to the hinge. Left 2 in finger tight to retain the cover. I'm going to put an angle that hangs down where the hinge normally does, and the cover will simply tuck behind it, and lock down with the handle. Not ideal, but since it can't go over the top, there's no point in shifting the unit over to the passenger side of the trailer.

After getting it secured, I fired it off. All is well with the 802a. I'm going to have to spend some quality time with the 116a2 to take care of some rattling... Not horrible, but eliminating rattle will make it nicer... Still need to run a ground from the trailer stud to the 802a's ground lug. Otherwise it's ready for service if needed.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Error is the best teacher .

 

[2Pbfeet]

Error is the best teacher .

Personally, I prefer to learn from someone else's errors if I can, but that doesn't stop me from making lots of my own.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Personally, I prefer to learn from someone else's errors if I can, but that doesn't stop me from making lots of my own.

That's why I like to tell you all about the stupid crap I do. If I can save one person from suffering from my stupidity than my day is complete

 

[Tinstar]

Every single human being has and will continue to make mistakes.
That’s just our nature.

Learning from them and try not to make the same
Mistake again is the key.

It’s the unforgiving mistakes that you lose your life over or worse, someone else’s life.

That was my biggest fear flying helicopters for over 32 years. Hurting or killing someone due to my stupidity
I didn’t care about myself or the aircraft, just please GOD don’t let me hurt someone.

I never did. Thank GOD

 

[Chainbreaker]

...

It’s the unforgiving mistakes that you lose your life over or worse, someone else’s life.

That was my biggest fear flying helicopters for over 32 years. Hurting or killing someone due to my stupidity
I didn’t care about myself or the aircraft, just please GOD don’t let me hurt someone.

I never did. Thank GOD

Boy howdy, I can relate to that fear of accidently making "preventable mistakes" as it relates to flying. I obtained my pilots license (ASEL) in late 80's & I remember being the most intensely focused during times were when my wife or friends were aboard. It really "upped the ante responsibility wise" especially during landings in high altitude airports in Colorado's summer heat often with strong gusting crosswinds at times.

Any "life & potential death experiences" are just as applicable when working around generators that can kill you & demands just as much respect for the machine & doing things right!

As I have aged, I often recognize my limits for the day & call it a day & walk away if I start to get frustrated or begin to lose focus on the issues at hand. Always seems to work better for me to resume working on difficult projects the next morning with a fresh mind & new day perspective especially after my first cup of coffee has been consumed!

Though I'm sure having those options, to set things aside for a while, is a true luxury as compared to actual military field operations when uptime is critical. Almost as bad is when one's power is out generator won't start & wife & family begin asking "how much longer to fix it???"

 

[Toolslinger]

As I have aged, I often recognize my limits for the day & call it a day & walk away if I start to get frustrated or begin to lose focus on the issues at hand. Always seems to work better for me to resume working on difficult projects the next morning with a fresh mind & new day perspective especially after my first cup of coffee has been consumed!

Though I'm sure having those options, to set things aside for a while, is a true luxury as compared to actual military field operations when uptime is critical. Almost as bad is when one's power is out generator won't start & wife & family begin asking "how much longer to fix it???"

Agree that walking away is masively important. I've always got multiple projects going on. Once I reach the frustration point, I have the option to go pick away at something else. Usually it's better if it's an unrelated activity. Frustrated with an engine, go do some woodworking, or mow a field. If it's turned in to "one of those days" when I've already shifted projects multiple times, then generally it's time to just stop. I've hit that point at noon on occasion, and while it bothers me to just stop, in the long run, it is absolutly the right choice. Getting hurt, hurting others, or doing damage doesn't ever help the project, or issue get fixed/done/resolved. Besides, that beer isn't going to drink itself in the afternoon while I plot the next day's attack.

 

[Tinstar]

It all gets worse as we age.
I am close to 63 now.

Now sometimes I walk into the shop to get something and I just stand there inside the door trying to figure out what I’m getting.

More times than I care to admit, I just turn around and leave and still haven’t a clue what I was looking for.

I am so much more focused now when using a chainsaw, guns, or dealing with generators, etc.
Slow, deliberate actions.
More thinking than muscle memory.

I look at my wall of glory in my office and see the pictures, memento’s of when I was at the top of my game, being the tip of the spear with the 160th SOAR.

Now……..
I’m a normal aging guy who forgets things.

Welcome to the Human Race

 

[Guyfang]

Do not feel alone. We are Legion.