Ya Gotta Do What You Gotta Do!

So a network bridge card went Tango Uniform Memorial Day weekend at work. That killed the communications between two operator workstations to a Programmable Logic Controller. Not just any controller, the one that runs our waste treatment process. So I deftly replace that card with a spare. Its brand spanking new! What could go wrong? Factory sealed. Since 1995.

I ran into the "Bathtub Failure Curve". Here it is:

The "New" card fell out. I ran into the Early "Infant Mortality" Failure. Card is now made of unobtanium.

I work at a chemical plant and the beaker people up front are really good at making oil and water stick together. This thing tries to undo the work they did before we discharge to the public sewer system. So now its like getting into a perfectly functional car but there is no dashboard and no ignition switch.

So, with little options left we went old school. 

Drag a PC out to it with the programming software on it. Direct connection to the processor and force or enter variables to run the thing. Some logic is in the operator workstations so its the equivalent of having a Lobotomy to a degree. It will run for a while without the higher logic but its running. That's the main thing. 

The Smithsonian called and wants the Reliance Electric AutoMax DCS when we are done with it though. So there is that, LOL!  I hate it though. This thing has been so reliable over the years. I doubt whatever I put in next will hold up 20 years.

And that is why Blogging has been light. I hope to get to the range and provide more shooty goodness posts soon. I think however I will be busy with ripping this stuff out soon!