Originally Posted by HSVTSO Dean

Yay, an update:

Everything actually does have electric backups here in HSV. The WTMDs are functional, the ETD machines are functional. After finding out some more information, I can say that it actually wasn't the weather that knocked out the x-ray machines (so instead of "Or: More Fun With Weather in Huntsville" it should actually read as "Or: WHOOPS!!).

The uninterruptable power sources for the x-ray machines were being changed last night. Since we are not allowed to do anything at all with the machines ourselves in terms of repair or maintenance (beyond cleaning), an electrician contractor was called in to install the new UPS devices.

Somehow or another the UPS malfunctioned. I've heard two stories - either it was installed incorrectly, or it was the incorrect amperage. Either way, when the test-fire was done on the x-ray machines to bring them up on the UPS power (ala simulated blackout of primary power source), the UPS fried the x-ray machines. Both of them.

Replacement parts have already been ordered in, with requests to get here ASAP. Supposedly, this'll happen around 1600 this afternoon, but even if they get here, the x-ray machines won't be brought back up until much later tonight.

So, as I said, WTMD and ETDs are unaffected. Just the x-rays are dead. So far, so good, though. It's exhausting, but everyone's in good spirits over it. We've only had two incidents — one gentleman didn't like it very much that we had to open a wrapped present, and a pilot (for American, I think) got a serious case of "DYKWIA?" but, aside from that, everyone's fairly understanding and in good-enough humor over it.

Wait-times in HSV have been about 30 minutes, at the busiest.

Four more hours to go. Oy.



I don't blame you~