++ ATOT official NEF thread part IV ++

[Red Squirrel]

Solar station more or less done! Well at least it's usable. I still need to add a proper battery cut off switch and a few other small details.

https://imgur.com/a/C9gU0X6

If I was to do it over again though I would setup the solar panels in such a way that they are built in and just fold out, kind of like a satellite. The stow away process is kinda tedious. Part of the reason is my fault though, I more or less just winged a lot of the internal measurements.

 

[bigboxes]

 

[bigboxes]

moo

 

[sdifox]

that socket is not removing the oil filter

 

[IronWing]

that socket is not removing the oil filter

Correct, need a heavier wrench and a vise-grip.

 

[bigboxes]

Correct, need a heavier wrench and a vise-grip.

I used Channellocks to break the filter free.

 

[bigboxes]

moo

 

[bigboxes]

moo

 

[Charmonium]

Stick a shiv thru the thin layer of metal - in one side, out the other. Then grab both ends and twist. Drain the oil first of course. Will still be messy though.
===================
The kitties be hongry. I normally use a 1.5 quart pot to scoop out about 2lbs of kibble and even if I fill up at 5am (don't ask) it usually lasts until 4 or so hours before sunset. Not today. They're almost to the bottom of the bowl (which I estimate to be around 3 quarts).

The cats are a little (ok, a lot) weird. Personally I appreciate that though. Anyway, there is only this bonded pair of tuxedo siblings that will eat from the bowl at the same time. Otherwise, I think it's a matter of dominance.

There's one small catten that I think might be adoptable but I should have made the effort sooner. And honestly, I don't really have the patience.

With my ex's cats, I was very consistent about being completely predictable. They very much appreciate that. Ferals just have this fraidy cat mindset that is impervious to any level of consistency.

The black cat still thinks that if I meow or hold up one finger it means "go away." Silly cat.

 

[sdifox]

Explain to me how you can drain the oil out of the oil filter first before you stab it

 

[bigboxes]

moo

 

[Charmonium]

You can't. But if you can't get it off any other way, that will do it.

I did say it would be messy

 

[bigboxes]

You can't. But if you can't get it off any other way, that will do it.

I did say it would be messy

I've got four oil filter wrenches of varying sizes with big cushioned grips. Unfortunately, they can't access the recessed filter on my Camry. So, I use the Channellocks. Sometimes, I can just use my hand to take them off. Usually, I need to use a tool to break their grip.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Nothing like a mass scale event 15 minutes before 5:00 on a Friday. Looks like I'm doing OT tonight.

 

[bigboxes]

moo

 

[Ajay]

I still wince a bit when I need 0W-20 for our Honda. My brain is like *zero* - does not compute!

 

[Red Squirrel]

4.5hours of OT, yay! Things are under control now so my watch has ended and off for 2 days. Already 9:30, goes by fast when it's all hands on deck.

I should probably go for a walk before it gets dark.

 

[sdifox]

I still wince a bit when I need 0W-20 for our Honda. My brain is like *zero* - does not compute!

Time for you to switch to metric

 

[Red Squirrel]

Some serious lightning outside. Was out in a field watching them, until one strike was a little too close to comfort, figured it was time to head in. You know it's close when the lightning and thunder happens at same time. I can see it when I close my eyes now it was crazy bright.

Lot of the strikes I couldn't see the actual bolt though, it was just the whole sky lighting up, but only the part not covered by clouds. It's like a sheet of clouds rolling by.

No rain. I think it's heat lightning.

 

[bigboxes]

Some serious lightning outside. Was out in a field watching them, until one strike was a little too close to comfort, figured it was time to head in. You know it's close when the lightning and thunder happens at same time. I can see it when I close my eyes now it was crazy bright.

Lot of the strikes I couldn't see the actual bolt though, it was just the whole sky lighting up, but only the part not covered by clouds. It's like a sheet of clouds rolling by.

No rain. I think it's heat lightning.

Almost a Darwin Award Winner

 

[Red Squirrel]

And the rain started. It's interesting since it looked like it was clearing up, the part of the sky that was lighting up was beyond the clouds. Really interesting system moving through that's for sure.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Almost a Darwin Award Winner

While I was watching the show I was thinking to myself, if it's my time, it's my time, at least I'll go out in an epic way.

But that last strike literally made me jump, my heart is still racing lol. It was probably further than I realize but it felt damn close!

 

[Red Squirrel]

Well that is random, the temp sensor for my living room just randomly decided to read 0 degrees. It made the furnace go on lol. I changed the default program so it does nothing. I reset the system and it's still reading zero. Very weird. I actually wonder if that was caused by the lightning.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Actually it's 3 of my sensors that are dead.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Rebooting server to see if it resets everything. Hallway temp is also reading 60C lol. Pretty sure I would be dead if it was that hot.