Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We're
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We're >>working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module >>is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the >>connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that >>option . Anybody know ?
Just to mention there are some via Ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311&_nkw=1995+chevy+silverado+climate+control
Some have decent pictures that may help out...
Prices all over the place, expensive control😬
It has become a moot point , I found a used unit at a local salvage
yard for 40 bucks . It's in overall good shape , only one small tab
broken , and one locator pin . The pin is in a location that we can put
a long screw thru as a replacement . The tab is going to require a dot
of super glue .
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:25:45 -0400
Leon Fisk <lfiskgr@gmail.invalid> wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We're
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module >>> is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
Just to mention there are some via Ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311&_nkw=1995+chevy+silverado+climate+control
Some have decent pictures that may help out...
Prices all over the place, expensive control😬
So this image has defrost:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oy0AAOSw8E9i4DV0/s-l1600.jpg
This one doesn't:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/eP0AAOSwr1Vk4rwi/s-l1600.jpg
It looks like another module with a couple wires to rear plug are added
to the module with defrost. However the cables that plug in to either
module look the same...
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:24:01 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
<snip>
It has become a moot point , I found a used unit at a local salvage
yard for 40 bucks . It's in overall good shape , only one small tab
broken , and one locator pin . The pin is in a location that we can put
a long screw thru as a replacement . The tab is going to require a dot
of super glue .
That sounds like a good fix. Prices I saw were waaayyyy more
than that😉
On 8/21/2023 2:40 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:24:01 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
<snip>
It has become a moot point , I found a used unit at a local salvage
yard for 40 bucks . It's in overall good shape , only one small tab
broken , and one locator pin . The pin is in a location that we can put
a long screw thru as a replacement . The tab is going to require a dot
of super glue .
That sounds like a good fix. Prices I saw were waaayyyy more
than that😉
 Yeah , like $150+ for a unit that looked like it was dragged thru the
mud and let dry . And with the lock tabs broken off to boot !
On 8/21/2023 1:42 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/21/2023 2:40 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:24:01 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
<snip>
It has become a moot point , I found a used unit at a local salvage
yard for 40 bucks . It's in overall good shape , only one small tab
broken , and one locator pin . The pin is in a location that we can put >>>> a long screw thru as a replacement . The tab is going to require a dot >>>> of super glue .
That sounds like a good fix. Prices I saw were waaayyyy more
than that😉
  Yeah , like $150+ for a unit that looked like it was dragged thru
the mud and let dry . And with the lock tabs broken off to boot !
I figured you had already checked LMC, but gmpartsdirect.com has
surprised me a few times. If I am not sure between a couple options I
have been able to email them the VIN and get a guaranteed correct match.
On 8/21/2023 3:57 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/21/2023 1:42 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/21/2023 2:40 PM, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:24:01 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
<snip>
It has become a moot point , I found a used unit at a local salvage
yard for 40 bucks . It's in overall good shape , only one small tab
broken , and one locator pin . The pin is in a location that we can
put
a long screw thru as a replacement . The tab is going to require a dot >>>>> of super glue .
That sounds like a good fix. Prices I saw were waaayyyy more
than that😉
  Yeah , like $150+ for a unit that looked like it was dragged thru
the mud and let dry . And with the lock tabs broken off to boot !
I figured you had already checked LMC, but gmpartsdirect.com has
surprised me a few times. If I am not sure between a couple options I
have been able to email them the VIN and get a guaranteed correct match.
 Yup , first place I checked after I saw the used ones going for new prices . There's quite a bit of stuff from LMC already in/on my truck
and fixin' to be more . I checked Rock , the only one they carry is with
rear defog and this truck doesn't have that feature . I haven't traded
with gmpartsdirect , are their prices competitive ? Sears direct parts
is great for getting part numbers , but I ain't payin' their prices ...
Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We'reIn my past experience it should fit.
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We're
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
Actually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug.
Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We'reActually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug.
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
On 8/21/2023 9:15 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
  Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We're >>> working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control module >>> is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
  Actually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug.
 Turns out that I found a used OEM replacement locally . For about a quarter the price they are asking online and in better shape . The
neighbor has plugged it in and it functions as it's supposed to . Now
we're waiting on new air control actuators and a replacement bezel . I
think another neighbor is going to install that stuff . I'm the parts
guy ... seriously , I order parts for several neighbors and they keep me supplied with beer . But I drink whiskey ... most of the time .
On 8/21/2023 7:46 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/21/2023 9:15 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
  Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... We're >>>> working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control
module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog >>>> ... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that
option . Anybody know ?
  Actually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug.
  Turns out that I found a used OEM replacement locally . For about a
quarter the price they are asking online and in better shape . The
neighbor has plugged it in and it functions as it's supposed to . Now
we're waiting on new air control actuators and a replacement bezel . I
think another neighbor is going to install that stuff . I'm the parts
guy ... seriously , I order parts for several neighbors and they keep
me supplied with beer . But I drink whiskey ... most of the time .
Sounds like a beer party and bonfire behind Snag's house.
On 8/22/2023 12:53 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/21/2023 7:46 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/21/2023 9:15 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
  Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ...
We're
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control
module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear defog >>>>> ... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the
connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that >>>>> option . Anybody know ?
  Actually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug.
  Turns out that I found a used OEM replacement locally . For about
a quarter the price they are asking online and in better shape . The
neighbor has plugged it in and it functions as it's supposed to . Now
we're waiting on new air control actuators and a replacement bezel .
I think another neighbor is going to install that stuff . I'm the
parts guy ... seriously , I order parts for several neighbors and
they keep me supplied with beer . But I drink whiskey ... most of the
time .
Sounds like a beer party and bonfire behind Snag's house.
 Not right now , the woods are dry dry dry , and I don't want any
"wild fires" here .
On 8/22/2023 1:15 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/22/2023 12:53 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/21/2023 7:46 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/21/2023 9:15 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
  Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... >>>>>> We're
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control
module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only
available new control is only available with the button for rear
defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the >>>>>> connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have that >>>>>> option . Anybody know ?
  Actually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug. >>>>>
  Turns out that I found a used OEM replacement locally . For about >>>> a quarter the price they are asking online and in better shape . The
neighbor has plugged it in and it functions as it's supposed to .
Now we're waiting on new air control actuators and a replacement
bezel . I think another neighbor is going to install that stuff .
I'm the parts guy ... seriously , I order parts for several
neighbors and they keep me supplied with beer . But I drink whiskey
... most of the time .
Sounds like a beer party and bonfire behind Snag's house.
  Not right now , the woods are dry dry dry , and I don't want any
"wild fires" here .
You just don't want to cleanup after...
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:uc8j2s$3l4s4$1@dont-email.me...
 Actually empties are a bonus , just toss 'em in the fire and I'll
rake the aluminum out of the ashes after they cool . The woods really
are pretty dry right now . Extended periods of no rain with periods of
rain so heavy that it just runs off instead of soaking in . After last winter's sub-zero temps and this summer's semi-drought the trees are
stressed , we're seeing a lot of trees being killed by Hypoxylon Canker
this year . Nasty shit , always in the trees but only manifests when
they are weakened and stressed . Got one white oak tree about 70 ft tall
x about 16" at the base right next to my driveway that's affected and
needs to come out . Neighbor called a couple of days ago to tell me he's
got like 4 trees affected and do I want them for firewood ... OF COURSE
I want free firewood !! Especially since he usually cuts them into stove lengths for me and all I have to do is haul it home and split/stack .
 These are the kind of neighbors everybody wishes they had .
Snag
--------------------------
My neighbors let me cut all the dead trees I wanted on their large
property, so logging became my health club. I bought the 91 Ranger to
haul it out on trails that experience showed were too narrow for a full
sized pickup.
I built the sawmill to salvage good lumber from the straightest of the
mature oaks that died or blew down on my lot, the dead trees on theirs
were mostly 8" or smaller and had failed to reach the canopy. I wish now
I'd bought the 12" planer instead of the cheaper 9", though the 9" has
been adequate for the wall of bookshelves and new oak door and window
frames. The less perfect wood has become 6" x 6" x 8' columns and 6" x
12" x 12' beams that I can use for shed roofs or cut thinner as needed.
My portable gantry hoists can be assembled partly within the sheds to
stack these heavy timbers on stickers cut from waste. Have you priced
oak lumber recently?
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:uc8t3b$3mn23$1@dont-email.me...
 I haven't , but I can imagine it ain't cheap ! What's really cool
about the woods here is that the trees are so close together they are encouraged to grow straight up until they can get above the canopy .
Makes for long straight trunks with few side branches .
Snag
---------------
That's a great help for felling and splitting. As you know but others
might not trees with lower branches may twist, hit another and fall unpredictably and are difficult to split. I split my firewood with an
axe for about 15 years until a helpful friend went into the tree
business and unloaded the trunks of suburban shade trees with heavy side branches in my yard. Then I built a hand-pumped splitter from a shop
crane ram. I mentioned it to a pawn shop owner who told me he had a
powered one for sale, for $200.
It needed new seals for $40, a pump for $100, an oil filter it had
lacked and the brand new replacement engine would stall after about 5 minutes, due to a leaky float, $3 to fix. Since then it has given 25
years of good service.
I made a rugged table to store it on, nested above the shop crane. Chain hoists enable compact storage. When splitting the table is on the far
side for wood to roll onto instead of falling, so the whole operation is
at waist height without heavy lifting off the ground, which my back
won't take for long. Burnable kindling splints go into an obsolete
recycling bin on one side, bark scraps into a bin on the other,
simplifying cleanup. I pick up wood from the ground only once after
cutting it to length, otherwise it's in the trailer or wheelbarrows or stacked on covered pallets, which makes the dozen or so times each piece
is handled much easier.
On 8/25/2023 6:25 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:Wood - the only home heating fuel that heats twice
"Snag" wrote in message news:uc8t3b$3mn23$1@dont-email.me...
I haven't , but I can imagine it ain't cheap ! What's really cool
about the woods here is that the trees are so close together they are
encouraged to grow straight up until they can get above the canopy .
Makes for long straight trunks with few side branches .
Snag
---------------
That's a great help for felling and splitting. As you know but others
might not trees with lower branches may twist, hit another and fall
unpredictably and are difficult to split. I split my firewood with an
axe for about 15 years until a helpful friend went into the tree
business and unloaded the trunks of suburban shade trees with heavy side
branches in my yard. Then I built a hand-pumped splitter from a shop
crane ram. I mentioned it to a pawn shop owner who told me he had a
powered one for sale, for $200.
It needed new seals for $40, a pump for $100, an oil filter it had
lacked and the brand new replacement engine would stall after about 5
minutes, due to a leaky float, $3 to fix. Since then it has given 25
years of good service.
I made a rugged table to store it on, nested above the shop crane. Chain
hoists enable compact storage. When splitting the table is on the far
side for wood to roll onto instead of falling, so the whole operation is
at waist height without heavy lifting off the ground, which my back
won't take for long. Burnable kindling splints go into an obsolete
recycling bin on one side, bark scraps into a bin on the other,
simplifying cleanup. I pick up wood from the ground only once after
cutting it to length, otherwise it's in the trailer or wheelbarrows or
stacked on covered pallets, which makes the dozen or so times each piece
is handled much easier.
I split with wedges and a maul until I tore the lower end of my left
bicep loose . Then I bought a gas powered splitter . Usually I'll cut to >stove length and trailer out of the woods . I use a pivoting jib crane
with a HF 2500 pound winch to move it to the splitter . Sometimes I'll
use a wheelbarrow to move it to the stack , sometimes I just toss it in
a pile and re-stack later .
I was happily splitting away yesterday when the splitter died ...
turns out there's a small settling bowl as part of the fuel valve , it
was full of junk from the tank . Back in business a half hour later but
by then it was getting a bit too warm . Got 5 more big rounds to split
then it's time to bring some more out of the woods . So far I've got
about 2 cords split and stacked for this winter , all given to me by a >neighbor who wanted more sunlight on his garden . His brother (also has >property here in The Holler) told me Saturday he has 4-5 more trees for
me when I'm ready ...
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:uca6lg$190n$1@dont-email.me...The portable base is made from lengths of c channel that was made for
I use a pivoting jib crane with a HF 2500 pound winch to move it to the splitter .
-------------------
You mentioned the jib crane before. How did you mount it to support a cantilevered side load?
My crane works well from the truck bed but the trailer is too light to
lift much over the side without tipping over. I can flip it on its side
by hand to work on a tire or wheel bearing. It was showing its age when
I bought it in 1975.
I load long logs from the back end with the tripod hoist, whose legs can
be individually walked forward while the log is lowered. The log rests
on folding sawbucks in the trailer to avoid damaging the tailgate or
tool box lid. I've brought in logs up to about 20' long that way to use
as wood shed roof beams; shorter columns fit in the 8' trailer. The only significant expense for the sheds was the 2' x 8' corrugated galvy
roofing, which was $8 per sheet originally and I bought extra. Now it's
over $20. The sheets are mostly tied down with $1.01 cull PT 2x4s to
avoid holes for screws, so it can be reused later elsewhere if damaged
by falling branches and hammered back straight over pipe.
The shed floors and inner end walls that support the stacks are 40" x
48" pallets, the outer walls are HF camo tarps that last 5 years or
more. They have held up well to heavy snow and ice loads and falling branches, plus a falling tree that broke one roof beam log and was
stopped by the other.
On 8/23/2023 11:10 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/22/2023 1:15 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/22/2023 12:53 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/21/2023 7:46 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/21/2023 9:15 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
On Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:36:31 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote: >>>>>>
  Lots of experience here and I can't find the answer online ... >>>>>>> We're
working on my neighbor's 1995 Chevy truck , the heater/ac control >>>>>>> module
is shot . His truck doesn't have rear window defogger , the only >>>>>>> available new control is only available with the button for rear >>>>>>> defog
... I'm wondering if that unit just has an extra pin or two in the >>>>>>> connector , and if it will swap into his truck that doesn't have >>>>>>> that
option . Anybody know ?
  Actually I think the RWD switch has a separate harness and plug. >>>>>>
  Turns out that I found a used OEM replacement locally . For
about a quarter the price they are asking online and in better
shape . The neighbor has plugged it in and it functions as it's
supposed to . Now we're waiting on new air control actuators and a
replacement bezel . I think another neighbor is going to install
that stuff . I'm the parts guy ... seriously , I order parts for
several neighbors and they keep me supplied with beer . But I drink
whiskey ... most of the time .
Sounds like a beer party and bonfire behind Snag's house.
  Not right now , the woods are dry dry dry , and I don't want any
"wild fires" here .
You just don't want to cleanup after...
 Actually empties are a bonus , just toss 'em in the fire and I'll
rake the aluminum out of the ashes after they cool .
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucavbi$5suc$1@dont-email.me...
You guys must have that "cold" fire. When we used to have desert
parties there wasn't much left of cans tossed in the fire. I knew
ironwood tended to burn hotter than most woods, but most of our bonfires
were dead fall mesquite.
Bob La Londe
----------------------
Damp wood doesn't burn very hot.
On 8/25/2023 3:18 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:Ha! That's about all we ever had a fire for. Okay, when I ran traps
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucavbi$5suc$1@dont-email.me...
You guys must have that "cold" fire. When we used to have desert
parties there wasn't much left of cans tossed in the fire. I knew
ironwood tended to burn hotter than most woods, but most of our
bonfires were dead fall mesquite.
Bob La Londe
----------------------
Damp wood doesn't burn very hot.
 And I'll be damned if I'll burn up my seasoned firewood for a bunch
of lushes !
 Actually I have a couple of piles of branches that I could drag to a
spot where we could burn them . I usually leave the small stuff piled up
as shelter for small critters . The semi-feral cats appreciate it .
On 8/25/2023 1:33 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/25/2023 3:18 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:Ha! That's about all we ever had a fire for. Okay, when I ran traps
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucavbi$5suc$1@dont-email.me...
You guys must have that "cold" fire. When we used to have desert
parties there wasn't much left of cans tossed in the fire. I knew
ironwood tended to burn hotter than most woods, but most of our
bonfires were dead fall mesquite.
Bob La Londe
----------------------
Damp wood doesn't burn very hot.
  And I'll be damned if I'll burn up my seasoned firewood for a bunch
of lushes !
there were a few times my fire was legitimately for warmth, and a shovel
full of coals for cooking breakfast is cheaper than a few cents worth of
gas to start the stove... These days about the only time I start a fire
is to grill steaks, lobsters, or chicken. I actually don't care for lobster, but my wife says she likes the way I grill them for her. I
think that mostly means she likes when I'm cooking and she isn't.
  Actually I have a couple of piles of branches that I could drag to
a spot where we could burn them . I usually leave the small stuff
piled up as shelter for small critters . The semi-feral cats
appreciate it .
So you kiss up to the cats to control the pests, and then you create
habitat for the pests to appease the cats. Makes perfect sense to me. I actually like cats, maybe scraping half a flattened lizard off my boot
not so much... and wondering where the other half is.
Seasoning firewood is not a big deal around here. We get about a month
of humid weather all year.
On 8/25/2023 4:33 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/25/2023 1:33 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/25/2023 3:18 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:Ha! That's about all we ever had a fire for. Okay, when I ran traps
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucavbi$5suc$1@dont-email.me...
You guys must have that "cold" fire. When we used to have desert
parties there wasn't much left of cans tossed in the fire. I knew
ironwood tended to burn hotter than most woods, but most of our
bonfires were dead fall mesquite.
Bob La Londe
----------------------
Damp wood doesn't burn very hot.
  And I'll be damned if I'll burn up my seasoned firewood for a
bunch of lushes !
there were a few times my fire was legitimately for warmth, and a
shovel full of coals for cooking breakfast is cheaper than a few cents
worth of gas to start the stove... These days about the only time I
start a fire is to grill steaks, lobsters, or chicken. I actually
don't care for lobster, but my wife says she likes the way I grill
them for her. I think that mostly means she likes when I'm cooking
and she isn't.
  Actually I have a couple of piles of branches that I could drag to
a spot where we could burn them . I usually leave the small stuff
piled up as shelter for small critters . The semi-feral cats
appreciate it .
So you kiss up to the cats to control the pests, and then you create
habitat for the pests to appease the cats. Makes perfect sense to me.
I actually like cats, maybe scraping half a flattened lizard off my
boot not so much... and wondering where the other half is.
Seasoning firewood is not a big deal around here. We get about a
month of humid weather all year.
 I'm familiar with that climate . I grew up in Box Elder County Utah , very similar . Maybe not quite as dry as where you are , but the av
annual rainfall is IIRC 18"-24" . We've had like 15 inches in the last
month here .
Wood - the only home heating fuel that heats twice
Wood - the only home heating fuel that heats twice
"Mike Spencer"Â wrote in message news:87ledybce6.fsf@enoch.nodomain.nowhere...
Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca> writes:
 Wood - the only home heating fuel that heats twice
More than twice. I figure every piece of firewood is moved 9 times
between the pile of 8' logs and being on fire in the stove. And that doesn't count felling or getting it out of the woods as in recent
decades I've had 8' wood delivered to the yard. Don't have the
endurance for woods work any lomger but I do still split 8 cord a year
with a 7# maul or, when absolutely needed, the occasional gnarly bolt
with wedges.
Mike Spencer                 Nova Scotia, Canada
---------------------
I counted at least 12 handlings, sometimes more.
1. Lift log with chain hoist to cut to lengths.
2. Pick up 16" lengths, Into wheelbarrow.
3. From wheelbarrow into trailer or truck.
4. From trailer into open-sided drying shed.
5. From drying shed into trailer or wheelbarrow.
6. Into rain-tight storage shed.
7. Into wheelbarrow, to splitter.
8. Split to palm size, into another wheelbarrow.
9. From wheelbarrow into ready-use shed behind house.
10. Into wheelbarrow.
11. Through wall hatch Into metal chute.
12. From chute into stove.
(13) screen charcoal from ashes.
1 requires bending down to chain it, standing to hoist. On rocky ground
I slice it at waist height while standing upright, though usually cut it where it lies in the yard or driveway or on the roof. (*)
2 requires bending down to pick it up, the only back strain. Cutting to
fall into the wheelbarrow risks it tipping onto my feet while I'm
holding a running chainsaw. If the tree falls close to the trail and is
light enough I cut it to fall into the trailer, but that's rare. I think
it's best to do all the felling and sawing while I'm fresh and careful,
then get tired lifting and moving the wood.
8 is standing, with the splitter wheels on ramps and an Atwood 82302
folding & telescoping stabilizer supporting the beam. The off side wood
rolls onto the table. As-is the splitter beam sits low enough to roll
heavy wet pieces onto it. I've weighed them at up to 150 Lbs, more than
I probably should have been lifting into the truck.
12 is seated on a rolling stool, the rest are standing and bending only slightly, not enough for back strain. My bad back and knees were high
school sports injuries that never completely healed and are easily aggravated. I claim I feel like a teen-ager because I still hurt in the
same places.
I rigged the chimney so that pulling one cord tilts the rain/snow/birds
cap open, another operates a weighted brush to clean it, while standing
on the ground instead of the icy roof. The all-metal added structure up
there is minimal and painted to blend into the background of trees.
(*) The morning after an ice storm I woke up to no electricity and a
branch poking through the bedroom ceiling.
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:ucapao$4nql$1@dont-email.me...
...
Rusty the Tractor would just bury the back tires , got plenty of power
but not much traction - especially with the blade up front mounted .
-------------------------
The turf tires on my garden tractor gave too little traction on snow and
ice so I made up a set of tire chains from some rusty chain I got at a
yard sale. It wasn't difficult to cut some of it to the length that
reached half way around the tire and join their ends to longer lengths
with split end chain repair links. The closure is with screw Quick
Links. They aren't as tight as car tire chains with pelican hooks but
the wheels doesn't spin fast enough for that to be a problem. They gave
the snow traction though I still needed ag tires for springtime mud.
I saved some discarded links from log skidder tire chain for disposable weights to throw lines over high branches. On it the links were simply
welded together at a right angle.
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:ucfdum$15d1d$1@dont-email.me...
I use a bow and arrow to
get lines over higher branches I can't otherwise reach .
--------------------
An arrow is likely the most accurate but I don't want to puncture a
roof, mine or a nearby neighbor's. Where roofs aren't a problem I use a pneumatic line throwing gun similar to this, which has been accurate
enough and can be regulated for power/distance so it doesn't tangle in
the tree beyond.
http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html
My procedure :
Fell a tree , cut to stove lengths where it falls .
On 8/26/2023 9:06 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:A hex nut on a spin casting rod works well for me to get baler twine
"Snag" wrote in message news:ucapao$4nql$1@dont-email.me...
...
Rusty the Tractor would just bury the back tires , got plenty of power
but not much traction - especially with the blade up front mounted .
-------------------------
The turf tires on my garden tractor gave too little traction on snow and
ice so I made up a set of tire chains from some rusty chain I got at a
yard sale. It wasn't difficult to cut some of it to the length that
reached half way around the tire and join their ends to longer lengths
with split end chain repair links. The closure is with screw Quick
Links. They aren't as tight as car tire chains with pelican hooks but
the wheels doesn't spin fast enough for that to be a problem. They gave
the snow traction though I still needed ag tires for springtime mud.
I saved some discarded links from log skidder tire chain for disposable
weights to throw lines over high branches. On it the links were simply
welded together at a right angle.
The turf tires on mine were totally shot when I got it , I went straight
to ag tires and the chains stay on pretty much year round . Not much
help in the woods but every little bit helps . I use a bow and arrow to
get lines over higher branches I can't otherwise reach .
On 8/27/2023 7:50 PM, Gerry wrote:
On Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:01:27 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
On 8/26/2023 9:06 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:A hex nut on a spin casting rod works well for me to get baler twine
"Snag" wrote in message news:ucapao$4nql$1@dont-email.me...
...
Rusty the Tractor would just bury the back tires , got plenty of power >>>> but not much traction - especially with the blade up front mounted .
-------------------------
The turf tires on my garden tractor gave too little traction on snow and >>>> ice so I made up a set of tire chains from some rusty chain I got at a >>>> yard sale. It wasn't difficult to cut some of it to the length that
reached half way around the tire and join their ends to longer lengths >>>> with split end chain repair links. The closure is with screw Quick
Links. They aren't as tight as car tire chains with pelican hooks but
the wheels doesn't spin fast enough for that to be a problem. They gave >>>> the snow traction though I still needed ag tires for springtime mud.
I saved some discarded links from log skidder tire chain for disposable >>>> weights to throw lines over high branches. On it the links were simply >>>> welded together at a right angle.
The turf tires on mine were totally shot when I got it , I went straight >>> to ag tires and the chains stay on pretty much year round . Not much
help in the woods but every little bit helps . I use a bow and arrow to
get lines over higher branches I can't otherwise reach .
up there which is usually suficient.
Back when I ran a lot of wire one of the tools they sold was a spring
gun with a spin cast reel on it. I could run wire faster, further, and
more accurately with push pull rods.
Might have been good for throwing a line over a branch though. LOL.
--For pulling wires across T-Bar ceilings I used a RC buggy running in
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
On Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:01:27 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
On 8/26/2023 9:06 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:A hex nut on a spin casting rod works well for me to get baler twine
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:ucapao$4nql$1@dont-email.me...
...
Rusty the Tractor would just bury the back tires , got plenty of power
but not much traction - especially with the blade up front mounted .
-------------------------
The turf tires on my garden tractor gave too little traction on snow and >>> ice so I made up a set of tire chains from some rusty chain I got at a
yard sale. It wasn't difficult to cut some of it to the length that
reached half way around the tire and join their ends to longer lengths
with split end chain repair links. The closure is with screw Quick
Links. They aren't as tight as car tire chains with pelican hooks but
the wheels doesn't spin fast enough for that to be a problem. They gave
the snow traction though I still needed ag tires for springtime mud.
I saved some discarded links from log skidder tire chain for disposable
weights to throw lines over high branches. On it the links were simply
welded together at a right angle.
The turf tires on mine were totally shot when I got it , I went straight
to ag tires and the chains stay on pretty much year round . Not much
help in the woods but every little bit helps . I use a bow and arrow to
get lines over higher branches I can't otherwise reach .
up there which is usually suficient.
On Sun, 27 Aug 2023 20:18:48 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
wrote:
On 8/27/2023 7:50 PM, Gerry wrote:For pulling wires across T-Bar ceilings I used a RC buggy running in
On Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:01:27 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
On 8/26/2023 9:06 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:A hex nut on a spin casting rod works well for me to get baler twine
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:ucapao$4nql$1@dont-email.me...
...
Rusty the Tractor would just bury the back tires , got plenty of power >>>>> but not much traction - especially with the blade up front mounted . >>>>>
-------------------------
The turf tires on my garden tractor gave too little traction on snow and >>>>> ice so I made up a set of tire chains from some rusty chain I got at a >>>>> yard sale. It wasn't difficult to cut some of it to the length that
reached half way around the tire and join their ends to longer lengths >>>>> with split end chain repair links. The closure is with screw Quick
Links. They aren't as tight as car tire chains with pelican hooks but >>>>> the wheels doesn't spin fast enough for that to be a problem. They gave >>>>> the snow traction though I still needed ag tires for springtime mud. >>>>>
I saved some discarded links from log skidder tire chain for disposable >>>>> weights to throw lines over high branches. On it the links were simply >>>>> welded together at a right angle.
The turf tires on mine were totally shot when I got it , I went straight >>>> to ag tires and the chains stay on pretty much year round . Not much
help in the woods but every little bit helps . I use a bow and arrow to >>>> get lines over higher branches I can't otherwise reach .
up there which is usually suficient.
Back when I ran a lot of wire one of the tools they sold was a spring
gun with a spin cast reel on it. I could run wire faster, further, and
more accurately with push pull rods.
Might have been good for throwing a line over a branch though. LOL.
--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
reverse (so the driven wheels hit the T Bar first) pulling a pull
string. pulled over 200 feet across a 35 foot ceiling and dropped the
buggy through a single lifted tile hole to the POS terminal below to
run Cat5 network connection (from an upper mezzanine at one end of the building)
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucikk4$1por4$1@dont-email.me...
You are not supposed to lay wire on the grid most places, ...
------------------
Are there Do's and Don't for routing single pair thermocouple wires over suspended ceilings or through walls? The ceiling tiles are fire
retardant around the wood stove. I have a spool of the shielded
extension wire but haven't seen (detected?) a serious problem with the regular J and K unshielded pairs. The readout shows water boiling on the basement stove at 213F, within the tolerance.
The scrap dealer wanted $1 a foot but I talked him into the per-pound
price because it wasn't selling. From $100 to $5.
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucj40a$1rtml$1@dont-email.me...
I don't know if noise would be an issue on a thermo couple wire. Would induced noise/voltage affect the reading of the thermister?
----------------------
A thermocouple is simply two wires of different alloys welded together
at the sensing end. Iron and copper wire produce a temperature dependent voltage and both are used, but paired with other special alloys such as constantan, copper + nickel, to give a higher voltage that changes more linearly with temperature. The signal level is millivolts, at low
impedance.
http://sparkbangbuzz.com/thermocouple/thermocouple.htm
Many good ideas there.
The instruments that read them usually have high rejection for
common-mode interference (the same on both wires) from adjacent power
lines or electrical leakage into the heated metal being sensed. In my
case the wood stove's metal chimney is grounded because I've heard a
spark jump from it during a thunderstorm.
They gain some immunity from normal-mode interference (voltage
difference) because the impedance is very low, it's just a shorted loop
of wire, whereas a thermistor may have a resistance of thousands of Ohms.
They are simple to make with a spot welder or acetylene torch,
relatively low cost and some (mine) are able to operate in flame at
2000F or more.
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucj40a$1rtml$1@dont-email.me...
I don't know if noise would be an issue on a thermo couple wire. Would induced noise/voltage affect the reading of the thermister?
----------------------
A thermocouple is simply two wires of different alloys welded together
at the sensing end. Iron and copper wire produce a temperature dependent voltage and both are used, but paired with other special alloys such as constantan, copper + nickel, to give a higher voltage that changes more linearly with temperature. The signal level is millivolts, at low
impedance.
http://sparkbangbuzz.com/thermocouple/thermocouple.htm
Many good ideas there.
The instruments that read them usually have high rejection for
common-mode interference (the same on both wires) from adjacent power
lines or electrical leakage into the heated metal being sensed. In my
case the wood stove's metal chimney is grounded because I've heard a
spark jump from it during a thunderstorm.
They gain some immunity from normal-mode interference (voltage
difference) because the impedance is very low, it's just a shorted loop
of wire, whereas a thermistor may have a resistance of thousands of Ohms.
They are simple to make with a spot welder or acetylene torch,
relatively low cost and some (mine) are able to operate in flame at
2000F or more.
On 8/28/2023 9:14 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucj40a$1rtml$1@dont-email.me...
I don't know if noise would be an issue on a thermo couple wire. Would
induced noise/voltage affect the reading of the thermister?
----------------------
A thermocouple is simply two wires of different alloys welded together
at the sensing end. Iron and copper wire produce a temperature
dependent voltage and both are used, but paired with other special
alloys such as constantan, copper + nickel, to give a higher voltage
that changes more linearly with temperature. The signal level is
millivolts, at low impedance.
http://sparkbangbuzz.com/thermocouple/thermocouple.htm
Many good ideas there.
The instruments that read them usually have high rejection for
common-mode interference (the same on both wires) from adjacent power
lines or electrical leakage into the heated metal being sensed. In my
case the wood stove's metal chimney is grounded because I've heard a
spark jump from it during a thunderstorm.
They gain some immunity from normal-mode interference (voltage
difference) because the impedance is very low, it's just a shorted
loop of wire, whereas a thermistor may have a resistance of thousands
of Ohms.
They are simple to make with a spot welder or acetylene torch,
relatively low cost and some (mine) are able to operate in flame at
2000F or more.
 I have a couple of type K's that I use occasionally to check the temp
in my forge and my foundry furnace . I've seen up to IIRC 2300 or so
when melting brass/bronzes .
On 8/28/2023 8:54 PM, Snag wrote:
On 8/28/2023 9:14 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucj40a$1rtml$1@dont-email.me...
I don't know if noise would be an issue on a thermo couple wire. Would >>> induced noise/voltage affect the reading of the thermister?
----------------------
A thermocouple is simply two wires of different alloys welded
together at the sensing end. Iron and copper wire produce a
temperature dependent voltage and both are used, but paired with
other special alloys such as constantan, copper + nickel, to give a
higher voltage that changes more linearly with temperature. The
signal level is millivolts, at low impedance.
http://sparkbangbuzz.com/thermocouple/thermocouple.htm
Many good ideas there.
The instruments that read them usually have high rejection for
common-mode interference (the same on both wires) from adjacent power
lines or electrical leakage into the heated metal being sensed. In my
case the wood stove's metal chimney is grounded because I've heard a
spark jump from it during a thunderstorm.
They gain some immunity from normal-mode interference (voltage
difference) because the impedance is very low, it's just a shorted
loop of wire, whereas a thermistor may have a resistance of thousands
of Ohms.
They are simple to make with a spot welder or acetylene torch,
relatively low cost and some (mine) are able to operate in flame at
2000F or more.
  I have a couple of type K's that I use occasionally to check the
temp in my forge and my foundry furnace . I've seen up to IIRC 2300 or
so when melting brass/bronzes .
I may hit you up down the road on that. I was thinking about maybe
someday making aluminum bronze. I have a shelf full of old burned up
motors out back of the shop to maybe someday do something like that
with. Metal is expensive these days. I hardly throw any of it away anymore.
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:uclr6g$2e21n$1@dont-email.me...
 I'm saving the cast aluminum pieces from the Toyota motor I just had replaced to be melted down ... I seldom pass up a chance to expand my
"scrap" pile . If it's metal , I'm savin' it .
Snag
----------------------
It may be a high silicon alloy similar to this:
https://www.wbcastings.com/non-ferrous-alloys/aluminum/a356/
The silicon creates a very hard surface that substitutes for a steel
cylinder liner.
I made some castings from a scrapped Chevy Vega block but didn't really understand what I was doing and they came out porous. I poured some of
the excess molten metal into a snowbank where it solidified as shiny teardrops.
I made some castings from a scrapped Chevy Vega block but didn't really understand what I was doing and they came out porous. I poured some of the excess molten metal into a snowbank where it solidified as shiny
teardrops.
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucl88d$2bbs9$1@dont-email.me...
The places I've worked that needed networking always had an IT
department to handle it. They jealously guarded their jobs from the
techs who were much better educated and could have done their work if we
had the time. It was funny to attend an IT security lecture and then
watch them crumble under questions they couldn't answer, not just from
me though I was trained in top level military electronic communications security. I was once flagged for Googling "chainsaw", a common tool here
in NH but a terror weapon in MA.
On 8/29/2023 3:01 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucl88d$2bbs9$1@dont-email.me...
The places I've worked that needed networking always had an IT
department to handle it. They jealously guarded their jobs from the
techs who were much better educated and could have done their work if
we had the time. It was funny to attend an IT security lecture and
then watch them crumble under questions they couldn't answer, not just
from me though I was trained in top level military electronic
communications security. I was once flagged for Googling "chainsaw", a
common tool here in NH but a terror weapon in MA.
I've had mostly similar experiences with IT personnel even to the point
that some would lie if they felt any part of their image might be threatened. The exceptions where the really smart guys who had managed
to work their way into a supervisory position.
In college a buddy of mine (pretty smart fella) who had an on again off
again computer service business invited me to come help him put on a demonstration. He would periodically reserve the meeting room in the basement of the library for the "Yuma Computer Club" and put a notice in
the newspaper. We were using parallel laplink, and serial null modem
cables to transfer data from PC to PC. No big deal today when you can transfer gigabyte video files from your cell phone to your PC with blue tooth, but it was a bid deal back then when network cards were crazy expensive and many PC users were kids who saved their allowance and
Christmas gift money to buy a second or third generation old used PC so
they could dial up a BBS.
The Yuma Computer Club was real and it was a fiction at the same time.
It did create a social connection between some people who might
otherwise never have met, but my buddy would just call a meeting and
setup a demo for something to get his business face in front of new
people. It was always "open invite, all are welcome, demos will be
done," and there was never any club business like minutes, or votes or anything like that.
At the meeting where we were doing the PC to PC data transfers on the
cheap this kid name Craig came in with his mom in tow. I think she just came to make sure it was what it said it was, because I don't recall her hanging around. Craig sucked up everything we had to teach in seconds
the first time often before we finished explaining it. I could tell we bored him pretty quickly, but he was polite, listened, and watched as we finished our demo and let people ask questions. I'm modestly smart. My buddy is pretty smart. I could tell Craig could suck knowledge out of a rock.
I didn't run into Craig a lot. I might have seen him on some of the
BBSs, but I don't know what his handle was.
One day not to many years later Craig walks into my office and asks if I
can run network cable. Sure. Its cable. Anything I don't know I can learn. He says, well I need a licensed contractor to run 200 arcnet
drops in the MCAS Yuma adversary squadron building. We did the job on schedule, and that's when I bought my first real network cable tester.
Craig was running his own computer business by then and he seemed to
know his way around pretty well. He might have been 17 or 18.
it was a big job for me.  $8.5K in 1995. I had net terms from all my vendors, and I figured we'd have it done in 2 weeks. The job went fine, there was some question over certification until I handed them
certification reports on a disk and then we submitted to get paid. It
was Craig's job so he was the one who invoiced it. I invoiced him.
The job wasn't to bad except for having to wait for somebody to open the
door to the building every time we came in. The doors were posted no photography and a few other things, but nobody gave us a second look.
They just opened doors for us. The Russians would have paid dearly for photos of the chalk boards in some of the rooms. I don't remember the
details of anything that was on the boards, but I do recall some of what types of data was written. Speeds, air frame G capabilities in various maneuvers and vectors, etc. Stuff that could be learned from
observation, and theoretical limits both. Honestly I didn't really look
at any of it except to be surprised it was posted in empty meeting rooms.
We didn't get paid, and we didn't get paid, and we didn't get paid. I
had vendors screaming at me to get paid, and one of them cut off my
credit permanently. I was calling Craig regularly. I didn't know if he played me or what. One day he walks into my office, and tells me he
doesn't know what to do. McDonald Douglas (yes I am naming those sorry bastards) was just ignoring him. Being a licensed contractor I have one super power. I can file a lien against the physical property involved
if I don't get paid. We sat down and wrote a polite succinct, and
rather forceful lien notice letter to...  The Commandant of the Marine Corps informing him that one of his contractors was refusing to pay us,
and had been ignoring us for months. We would be filing a lien against
his air station. Now I know we can't foreclose on a us military base,
but we could still file the lien and it would be a huge black eye for
the Marine Corp.
I told Craig if he mailed that letter its likely he would never do
another job for McDonald Douglas, and maybe not for any military
contractor or us military service. He said, it didn't matter if he
couldn't walk into my office and ask for help when he needed it. It
wasn't too long (maybe a week) before Craig came down to my office and
handed me a check. He said he had received it Fed-Ex overnight.
I know what Craig said, but I figured that was a pretty unpleasant experience. I faced backlash in a couple of my vendor relationships
over it for years. I didn't think I would ever see Craig again. Only a few years later he calls me up again.
Craig was the head IT guy for a consortium to provide among other things
IT for about 40 schools. He wanted to open purchases orders on dozens
of schools and have me do all their small jobs cabling, maintenance, and repairs. He's the one who asked me to get that high school registration center up and running I posted about previously. He was never the least
but threatened by me, and didn't mind me talking with his bosses, or
school administrators if he wasn't handy. I did eventually screw that
up (my fault) for not kissing the ass of a political above him, but well
that happens.
Craig was smart, recognized what others could do, and let them. More so
he didn't seem to let ego get in his way or put unpleasantness off on
the wrong people like many others do. Last I heard from his was a post
card and a phone call from Europe somewhere. He was still working for
the consortium, but all of his work was on a consulting basis and he
would remote in if needed. They had him on a retainer as an independent consultant.
I ran across a couple others like Craig. Maybe not quite as smart, but
with the right attitude. Herb with Crane Schools (IT for maybe 20
schools), and the guy (I can't recall his name) from Gowan Company.
Maybe because as Gowan got bigger and bigger he had to delegate to
underlings who were like as you described.
One that blew me away in the wrong way was BOSE. I sold them equipment
for their plant in Mexico which I visited once, and I did a big video surveillance job for their warehouse here in Yuma. The job included
network monitoring capability, but when it came to the point to setup
the DVRs on the network the IT people just refused. They didn't refuse
to cooperate. They refused to allow it on the network. They didn't understand it, and they wouldn't even listen when I explained unless
they opened up ports or put them in a DMZ there was no outside risk.
(Well unless it was hostile Chinese equipment which it wasn't.)Â They
just refused. In just a couple minutes they refused to even talk to me.
 They were clearly threatened, and I was a bit surprised they didn't
even want to tell me why. They just refused.
I walked up the plant manager's office and explained why I couldn't
finish the job, and that I was invoicing them anyway. I also documented
how his IT people could tie in the equipment for him if they decided to
do their jobs. I gt paid in a timely fashion, and had very few service calls. I also did a few additional small jobs adding cameras. Nobody in
IT would talk to me at all. LOL.
Yeah, IT guys can act very tribal in a small group or very "everybody is
the enemy as individuals," but those who really know what they are doing
and really can learn whatever they need to don't seem to be. The people
who actually are smart.
...No big deal today when you can transfer gigabyte video files from your >cell phone to your PC with blue tooth, but it was a bid deal back then when >network cards were crazy expensive and many PC users were kids who saved >their allowance and Christmas gift money to buy a second or third
generation old used PC so they could dial up a BBS.
"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:ucnne9$2pk7k$1@dont-email.me... ...
On 8/30/2023 8:15 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/29/2023 3:01 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:ucl88d$2bbs9$1@dont-email.me...
The places I've worked that needed networking always had an IT
department to handle it. They jealously guarded their jobs from the
techs who were much better educated and could have done their work if
we had the time. It was funny to attend an IT security lecture and
then watch them crumble under questions they couldn't answer, not just
from me though I was trained in top level military electronic
communications security. I was once flagged for Googling "chainsaw", a
common tool here in NH but a terror weapon in MA.
I've had mostly similar experiences with IT personnel even to the point
that some would lie if they felt any part of their image might be
threatened. The exceptions where the really smart guys who had managed
to work their way into a supervisory position.
In college a buddy of mine (pretty smart fella) who had an on again off
again computer service business invited me to come help him put on a
demonstration. He would periodically reserve the meeting room in the
basement of the library for the "Yuma Computer Club" and put a notice in
the newspaper. We were using parallel laplink, and serial null modem
cables to transfer data from PC to PC. No big deal today when you can
transfer gigabyte video files from your cell phone to your PC with blue
tooth, but it was a bid deal back then when network cards were crazy
expensive and many PC users were kids who saved their allowance and
Christmas gift money to buy a second or third generation old used PC so
they could dial up a BBS.
The Yuma Computer Club was real and it was a fiction at the same time.
It did create a social connection between some people who might
otherwise never have met, but my buddy would just call a meeting and
setup a demo for something to get his business face in front of new
people. It was always "open invite, all are welcome, demos will be
done," and there was never any club business like minutes, or votes or
anything like that.
At the meeting where we were doing the PC to PC data transfers on the
cheap this kid name Craig came in with his mom in tow. I think she just
came to make sure it was what it said it was, because I don't recall her
hanging around. Craig sucked up everything we had to teach in seconds
the first time often before we finished explaining it. I could tell we
bored him pretty quickly, but he was polite, listened, and watched as we
finished our demo and let people ask questions. I'm modestly smart. My
buddy is pretty smart. I could tell Craig could suck knowledge out of a
rock.
I didn't run into Craig a lot. I might have seen him on some of the
BBSs, but I don't know what his handle was.
One day not to many years later Craig walks into my office and asks if I
can run network cable. Sure. Its cable. Anything I don't know I can
learn. He says, well I need a licensed contractor to run 200 arcnet
drops in the MCAS Yuma adversary squadron building. We did the job on
schedule, and that's when I bought my first real network cable tester.
Craig was running his own computer business by then and he seemed to
know his way around pretty well. He might have been 17 or 18.
it was a big job for me. $8.5K in 1995. I had net terms from all my
vendors, and I figured we'd have it done in 2 weeks. The job went fine,
there was some question over certification until I handed them
certification reports on a disk and then we submitted to get paid. It
was Craig's job so he was the one who invoiced it. I invoiced him.
The job wasn't to bad except for having to wait for somebody to open the
door to the building every time we came in. The doors were posted no
photography and a few other things, but nobody gave us a second look.
They just opened doors for us. The Russians would have paid dearly for
photos of the chalk boards in some of the rooms. I don't remember the
details of anything that was on the boards, but I do recall some of what
types of data was written. Speeds, air frame G capabilities in various
maneuvers and vectors, etc. Stuff that could be learned from
observation, and theoretical limits both. Honestly I didn't really look
at any of it except to be surprised it was posted in empty meeting rooms.
We didn't get paid, and we didn't get paid, and we didn't get paid. I
had vendors screaming at me to get paid, and one of them cut off my
credit permanently. I was calling Craig regularly. I didn't know if he
played me or what. One day he walks into my office, and tells me he
doesn't know what to do. McDonald Douglas (yes I am naming those sorry
bastards) was just ignoring him. Being a licensed contractor I have one
super power. I can file a lien against the physical property involved
if I don't get paid. We sat down and wrote a polite succinct, and
rather forceful lien notice letter to... The Commandant of the Marine
Corps informing him that one of his contractors was refusing to pay us,
and had been ignoring us for months. We would be filing a lien against
his air station. Now I know we can't foreclose on a us military base,
but we could still file the lien and it would be a huge black eye for
the Marine Corp.
I told Craig if he mailed that letter its likely he would never do
another job for McDonald Douglas, and maybe not for any military
contractor or us military service. He said, it didn't matter if he
couldn't walk into my office and ask for help when he needed it. It
wasn't too long (maybe a week) before Craig came down to my office and
handed me a check. He said he had received it Fed-Ex overnight.
I know what Craig said, but I figured that was a pretty unpleasant
experience. I faced backlash in a couple of my vendor relationships
over it for years. I didn't think I would ever see Craig again. Only a
few years later he calls me up again.
Craig was the head IT guy for a consortium to provide among other things
IT for about 40 schools. He wanted to open purchases orders on dozens
of schools and have me do all their small jobs cabling, maintenance, and
repairs. He's the one who asked me to get that high school registration
center up and running I posted about previously. He was never the least
but threatened by me, and didn't mind me talking with his bosses, or
school administrators if he wasn't handy. I did eventually screw that
up (my fault) for not kissing the ass of a political above him, but well
that happens.
Craig was smart, recognized what others could do, and let them. More so
he didn't seem to let ego get in his way or put unpleasantness off on
the wrong people like many others do. Last I heard from his was a post
card and a phone call from Europe somewhere. He was still working for
the consortium, but all of his work was on a consulting basis and he
would remote in if needed. They had him on a retainer as an independent
consultant.
I ran across a couple others like Craig. Maybe not quite as smart, but
with the right attitude. Herb with Crane Schools (IT for maybe 20
schools), and the guy (I can't recall his name) from Gowan Company.
Maybe because as Gowan got bigger and bigger he had to delegate to
underlings who were like as you described.
One that blew me away in the wrong way was BOSE. I sold them equipment
for their plant in Mexico which I visited once, and I did a big video
surveillance job for their warehouse here in Yuma. The job included
network monitoring capability, but when it came to the point to setup
the DVRs on the network the IT people just refused. They didn't refuse
to cooperate. They refused to allow it on the network. They didn't
understand it, and they wouldn't even listen when I explained unless
they opened up ports or put them in a DMZ there was no outside risk.
(Well unless it was hostile Chinese equipment which it wasn't.) They
just refused. In just a couple minutes they refused to even talk to me.
They were clearly threatened, and I was a bit surprised they didn't
even want to tell me why. They just refused.
I walked up the plant manager's office and explained why I couldn't
finish the job, and that I was invoicing them anyway. I also documented
how his IT people could tie in the equipment for him if they decided to
do their jobs. I gt paid in a timely fashion, and had very few service
calls. I also did a few additional small jobs adding cameras. Nobody in
IT would talk to me at all. LOL.
Yeah, IT guys can act very tribal in a small group or very "everybody is
the enemy as individuals," but those who really know what they are doing
and really can learn whatever they need to don't seem to be. The people
who actually are smart.
I never did another job for the Marine Corps, or a marine contractor,
but I did work on base for individual marines a few times. I also did
work for the Army, Air Force, Loral Aerospace (for the air force), and >another AF contractor, Justice, Customs and through GSA. None of them
were because I was on the government contractor bid list. All I got
from that were was people trying to take advantage of me or sell me a
class on how to be a government contractor. Every job I got was because >somebody knew me and wanted me to do the job. A couple times I would
get a call that start like this, "Bob, this is Sam. Renew your bid
listing. We want you to bid a job." I did receive a few calls from
Marine Corps contractors, but I quickly realized they were just fishing
for a third bid so they could award it to their sweetheart anyway. I
quit wasting my time on them.
As to BOSE. A very senior manager became a personal client a couple
years later. He found out I was making molds on the side and asked me
about doing mold repair for their production facility in Mexico. I told
him I didn't have machines that good, I didn't really know much about
that type of mold making, if I did I would probably be just as expensive
if not more so than companies who already had all the equipment and
infra structure, and I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with guys like his
IT department. He asked about my experience, listened, and said, "Price >isn't that big of a deal as long as you don't screw us, you will only
deal with me or somebody who respects the job you do, and if you ever
feel you want to try this call me personally and let me know." That was
a long time ago and I don't remember his name, but it made me feel a lot >better about BOSE as a company.
--
Bob La Londe
Proffessional Hack, Hobbyist, Wannabe, Shade Tree, Button Pushing, Not a
real machinist
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucnne9$2pk7k$1@dont-email.me...
...No big deal today when you can transfer gigabyte video files from
your cell phone to your PC with blue tooth, but it was a bid deal back
then when network cards were crazy expensive and many PC users were
kids who saved their allowance and Christmas gift money to buy a
second or third generation old used PC so they could dial up a BBS.
I still haven't bought a brand new computer and use USB3 on an
ExpressCard to transfer the TV video recordings to multi-terabyte
drives. These older Dell laptops run Win7 for its HDTV tuner compatible
Media Center and take a second 1TB drive for the recordings in the
expansion bay, while booting from an SSD. Although the recordings are
mainly concerts, musicals, operas etc I'm security conscious enough to
not broadcast them on WiFi. Cable company mail and phone ad spam is bad enough without them knowing what I watch. They drive around monitoring
for signal leakage and who knows what else. Maybe like in Britain they monitor the IF frequency to see what you are watching. I told you I was
in communications security, and learned how much can be done if they
want to. I haven't hooked up an IP security camera yet because it seems
to require full time Internet access, to inform China. I just want it to
wake an old cell phone by the bed if it detects motion.
No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
On Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:32:22 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
wrote:
On 8/30/2023 8:15 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
On 8/29/2023 3:01 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Bob La Londe"Â wrote in message news:ucl88d$2bbs9$1@dont-email.me...
The places I've worked that needed networking always had an IT
department to handle it. They jealously guarded their jobs from the
techs who were much better educated and could have done their work if
we had the time. It was funny to attend an IT security lecture and
then watch them crumble under questions they couldn't answer, not just >>>> from me though I was trained in top level military electronic
communications security. I was once flagged for Googling "chainsaw", a >>>> common tool here in NH but a terror weapon in MA.
I've had mostly similar experiences with IT personnel even to the point
that some would lie if they felt any part of their image might be
threatened. The exceptions where the really smart guys who had managed >>> to work their way into a supervisory position.
In college a buddy of mine (pretty smart fella) who had an on again off
again computer service business invited me to come help him put on a
demonstration. He would periodically reserve the meeting room in the
basement of the library for the "Yuma Computer Club" and put a notice in >>> the newspaper. We were using parallel laplink, and serial null modem
cables to transfer data from PC to PC. No big deal today when you can
transfer gigabyte video files from your cell phone to your PC with blue
tooth, but it was a bid deal back then when network cards were crazy
expensive and many PC users were kids who saved their allowance and
Christmas gift money to buy a second or third generation old used PC so
they could dial up a BBS.
The Yuma Computer Club was real and it was a fiction at the same time.
It did create a social connection between some people who might
otherwise never have met, but my buddy would just call a meeting and
setup a demo for something to get his business face in front of new
people. It was always "open invite, all are welcome, demos will be
done," and there was never any club business like minutes, or votes or
anything like that.
At the meeting where we were doing the PC to PC data transfers on the
cheap this kid name Craig came in with his mom in tow. I think she just >>> came to make sure it was what it said it was, because I don't recall her >>> hanging around. Craig sucked up everything we had to teach in seconds
the first time often before we finished explaining it. I could tell we >>> bored him pretty quickly, but he was polite, listened, and watched as we >>> finished our demo and let people ask questions. I'm modestly smart. My >>> buddy is pretty smart. I could tell Craig could suck knowledge out of a >>> rock.
I didn't run into Craig a lot. I might have seen him on some of the
BBSs, but I don't know what his handle was.
One day not to many years later Craig walks into my office and asks if I >>> can run network cable. Sure. Its cable. Anything I don't know I can
learn. He says, well I need a licensed contractor to run 200 arcnet
drops in the MCAS Yuma adversary squadron building. We did the job on
schedule, and that's when I bought my first real network cable tester.
Craig was running his own computer business by then and he seemed to
know his way around pretty well. He might have been 17 or 18.
it was a big job for me.  $8.5K in 1995. I had net terms from all my >>> vendors, and I figured we'd have it done in 2 weeks. The job went fine, >>> there was some question over certification until I handed them
certification reports on a disk and then we submitted to get paid. It
was Craig's job so he was the one who invoiced it. I invoiced him.
The job wasn't to bad except for having to wait for somebody to open the >>> door to the building every time we came in. The doors were posted no
photography and a few other things, but nobody gave us a second look.
They just opened doors for us. The Russians would have paid dearly for >>> photos of the chalk boards in some of the rooms. I don't remember the
details of anything that was on the boards, but I do recall some of what >>> types of data was written. Speeds, air frame G capabilities in various >>> maneuvers and vectors, etc. Stuff that could be learned from
observation, and theoretical limits both. Honestly I didn't really look >>> at any of it except to be surprised it was posted in empty meeting rooms. >>>
We didn't get paid, and we didn't get paid, and we didn't get paid. I
had vendors screaming at me to get paid, and one of them cut off my
credit permanently. I was calling Craig regularly. I didn't know if he >>> played me or what. One day he walks into my office, and tells me he
doesn't know what to do. McDonald Douglas (yes I am naming those sorry >>> bastards) was just ignoring him. Being a licensed contractor I have one >>> super power. I can file a lien against the physical property involved
if I don't get paid. We sat down and wrote a polite succinct, and
rather forceful lien notice letter to...  The Commandant of the Marine >>> Corps informing him that one of his contractors was refusing to pay us,
and had been ignoring us for months. We would be filing a lien against >>> his air station. Now I know we can't foreclose on a us military base,
but we could still file the lien and it would be a huge black eye for
the Marine Corp.
I told Craig if he mailed that letter its likely he would never do
another job for McDonald Douglas, and maybe not for any military
contractor or us military service. He said, it didn't matter if he
couldn't walk into my office and ask for help when he needed it. It
wasn't too long (maybe a week) before Craig came down to my office and
handed me a check. He said he had received it Fed-Ex overnight.
I know what Craig said, but I figured that was a pretty unpleasant
experience. I faced backlash in a couple of my vendor relationships
over it for years. I didn't think I would ever see Craig again. Only a >>> few years later he calls me up again.
Craig was the head IT guy for a consortium to provide among other things >>> IT for about 40 schools. He wanted to open purchases orders on dozens
of schools and have me do all their small jobs cabling, maintenance, and >>> repairs. He's the one who asked me to get that high school registration >>> center up and running I posted about previously. He was never the least >>> but threatened by me, and didn't mind me talking with his bosses, or
school administrators if he wasn't handy. I did eventually screw that
up (my fault) for not kissing the ass of a political above him, but well >>> that happens.
Craig was smart, recognized what others could do, and let them. More so >>> he didn't seem to let ego get in his way or put unpleasantness off on
the wrong people like many others do. Last I heard from his was a post >>> card and a phone call from Europe somewhere. He was still working for
the consortium, but all of his work was on a consulting basis and he
would remote in if needed. They had him on a retainer as an independent >>> consultant.
I ran across a couple others like Craig. Maybe not quite as smart, but >>> with the right attitude. Herb with Crane Schools (IT for maybe 20
schools), and the guy (I can't recall his name) from Gowan Company.
Maybe because as Gowan got bigger and bigger he had to delegate to
underlings who were like as you described.
One that blew me away in the wrong way was BOSE. I sold them equipment >>> for their plant in Mexico which I visited once, and I did a big video
surveillance job for their warehouse here in Yuma. The job included
network monitoring capability, but when it came to the point to setup
the DVRs on the network the IT people just refused. They didn't refuse >>> to cooperate. They refused to allow it on the network. They didn't
understand it, and they wouldn't even listen when I explained unless
they opened up ports or put them in a DMZ there was no outside risk.
(Well unless it was hostile Chinese equipment which it wasn't.)Â They
just refused. In just a couple minutes they refused to even talk to me. >>>  They were clearly threatened, and I was a bit surprised they didn't
even want to tell me why. They just refused.
I walked up the plant manager's office and explained why I couldn't
finish the job, and that I was invoicing them anyway. I also documented >>> how his IT people could tie in the equipment for him if they decided to
do their jobs. I gt paid in a timely fashion, and had very few service >>> calls. I also did a few additional small jobs adding cameras. Nobody in >>> IT would talk to me at all. LOL.
Yeah, IT guys can act very tribal in a small group or very "everybody is >>> the enemy as individuals," but those who really know what they are doing >>> and really can learn whatever they need to don't seem to be. The people >>> who actually are smart.
I never did another job for the Marine Corps, or a marine contractor,
but I did work on base for individual marines a few times. I also did
work for the Army, Air Force, Loral Aerospace (for the air force), and
another AF contractor, Justice, Customs and through GSA. None of them
were because I was on the government contractor bid list. All I got
from that were was people trying to take advantage of me or sell me a
class on how to be a government contractor. Every job I got was because
somebody knew me and wanted me to do the job. A couple times I would
get a call that start like this, "Bob, this is Sam. Renew your bid
listing. We want you to bid a job." I did receive a few calls from
Marine Corps contractors, but I quickly realized they were just fishing
for a third bid so they could award it to their sweetheart anyway. I
quit wasting my time on them.
As to BOSE. A very senior manager became a personal client a couple
years later. He found out I was making molds on the side and asked me
about doing mold repair for their production facility in Mexico. I told
him I didn't have machines that good, I didn't really know much about
that type of mold making, if I did I would probably be just as expensive
if not more so than companies who already had all the equipment and
infra structure, and I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with guys like his
IT department. He asked about my experience, listened, and said, "Price
isn't that big of a deal as long as you don't screw us, you will only
deal with me or somebody who respects the job you do, and if you ever
feel you want to try this call me personally and let me know." That was
a long time ago and I don't remember his name, but it made me feel a lot
better about BOSE as a company.
--
Bob La Londe
Proffessional Hack, Hobbyist, Wannabe, Shade Tree, Button Pushing, Not a
real machinist
No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:ucobhd$2sr2j$1@dont-email.me...
On 8/30/2023 1:05 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
 No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
What's your opinion of Kenwood speakers ? I have a mishmash of component stereo equipment , most pretty old stuff like the Pioneer SX-6 receiver
. Rated .009% THD @ 50 watts , but it'll push 100 watts at .01 % .
Snag
----------------------
I wish my ears were still rated that good.
On 8/30/2023 5:32 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Snag"Â wrote in message news:ucobhd$2sr2j$1@dont-email.me...
On 8/30/2023 1:05 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
 No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
What's your opinion of Kenwood speakers ? I have a mishmash of
component stereo equipment , most pretty old stuff like the Pioneer
SX-6 receiver . Rated .009% THD @ 50 watts , but it'll push 100 watts
at .01 % .
Snag
----------------------
I wish my ears were still rated that good.
 I don't think mine ever were ... I'm not so much into loud these
days as clean . Of course InnaGoddadaVida and Stairway to Heaven ...
On 8/30/2023 5:32 PM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
"Snag" wrote in message news:ucobhd$2sr2j$1@dont-email.me...
On 8/30/2023 1:05 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
What's your opinion of Kenwood speakers ? I have a mishmash of component
stereo equipment , most pretty old stuff like the Pioneer SX-6 receiver
. Rated .009% THD @ 50 watts , but it'll push 100 watts at .01 % .
Snag
----------------------
I wish my ears were still rated that good.
I don't think mine ever were ... I'm not so much into loud these days
as clean . Of course InnaGoddadaVida and Stairway to Heaven ...
On 8/30/2023 1:05 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:They made some good stuff and some absolute crap. The etuff back in
No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
What's your opinion of Kenwood speakers ? I have a mishmash of component >stereo equipment , most pretty old stuff like the Pioneer SX-6 receiver
. Rated .009% THD @ 50 watts , but it'll push 100 watts at .01 % .
On Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:15:26 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
On 8/30/2023 1:05 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:They made some good stuff and some absolute crap. The etuff back in
No Highs, No lows -BOSE
Along with Junky But Loud JBL
What's your opinion of Kenwood speakers ? I have a mishmash of component
stereo equipment , most pretty old stuff like the Pioneer SX-6 receiver
. Rated .009% THD @ 50 watts , but it'll push 100 watts at .01 % .
the eighties? was pretty good
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