not a train headed my way

For a change.

I don’t blog much about work, but this has been a thorn in my side.

I have been asked to add an accessory to a machine tool. The kind of thing I do a lot of, and do often. Like falling off a log.

And usually, they;re in and out jobs.

This one has taken four trips. And each trip, I discover some new horror.

SO Here are the pieces:

Machine tool with outdated control and outdated, budget software, which the manufacturer no longer supports.

External component with “black box” properties- it has certain functions which can be partially controlled, but the majority of it is hidden, and there is a piece of software which connects to it, which is in itself, a barely operable translaton to english from two other languages. Some screens are still in German, some still in Swedish.

Programmable controller which connects the two, but which has it’s own whole set of limitations.

Any two of the above obstacles make the task merely impossible. Four or more, well, it’s unheard of.

Add to this, the fact that many of the mechanical components of the machine are worn, and cause problems/mask errors of the other equipment. Add to THAT, the customer’s decided (and deserving) distaste of the amount of time this has required.

That’s where I am. Oh, and the area where I must work is travelled with stunning regularity by forklifts- I have to place orange road cones to prevent being hit, and have been hit twice just today despite the cones. And the area around the rest of the machine- well, I have to suck in my still not insubstantial gut to get there.

The first system went online today. With the help of a few incredibly talented people, I made the impossible possible. And it’s an incredible feeling of accomplishment.

Now I just have to do it all again, to a machine ten feet away.

May God have mercy on my soul.