Today I completed the final step of installing a new backup generator at the Pilot Hill transmitter site for KUWR. Over the past few weeks I had electricians install the unit and plumbers route the fuel line to it. The last remaining step was a startup by a dealer for warranty purposes.

The previous generator had failed to start during a severe snow storm which knocked out power to the site. It attempted to start but the starter had broken away from the engine mount. When I went up with the power company to investigate the situation I found the generator enclosure packed with snow!

Snow on the outside…

Snow on the inside!

I met with Robin from Kalcon Electric to do the final commissioning of the new generator. He inspected the installation and filled the unit with coolant before doing the startup. Robin gave up a prime day of elk hunting just to come up and do this startup on short notice before I left for vacation! 🙂

Robin gives the new generator a final once over before startup

Robin’s dog looks on as we complete the startup

The new generator is up and running! Just under 2 hours of runtime so far.

It was a long but worthwhile process. This generator should provide reliable backup power to run KUWR at reduced power for many hours in the event of a power failure. There is still some work left to do to but at least things are up and running now.