RailSignals

Technology has brought so much efficiency to our lives that
often we tend to overlook it until some malfunction shows up.
One thing that vividly demonstrates this is the inability of
modern drivers to function in older automobiles. One thing
that I find remarkable, is most can not even name the systems
that saves their asses. See a great thread about this here ---->
High-tech Cars Replacing Driver Skill?

Today I worked on a relatively simple

optical infrared thermal measurement device

Not a new technology or modern by today’s standards, but
this box resists definite and repeatable diagnosis. It seems
that with each path our team went down,
new or different manifestations of “the problem” appeared.
Often the mindset is to throw new parts at a problem, and
sometimes that is the cost effective solution. Especially
this “tube jockey” mentality comes out when no other
solution presents itself. First you replace the most likely
parts, then the parts you don’t know what they do. Of course,
like today, that didn’t work, and created new problems so,
now you replace every part and the box that holds them. Well
that does not do it either, then replace everything within 10 feet
of the box, no joy. I give a call to Rod Sirling at
The twilight zone , he knocks over my nickel, and the
whole thing goes to work, go figure. One must realize that
the system will continue to function until I get 100 miles
away from the location, and at that exact moment, well
you get it, the life of a field service technician.