It all started at 5:00AM this morning when the mail server at work died.  One of our few single-power supply systems still in use (we have a nice 4 SAS dual-power RAID 10 system to replace it scheduled for deployment Aug 21).   At any rate, the CRAPPY Ablecom SP302-1S power supply gave up (2nd one in 6 months, and it looks like a 3rd one just started to show signs of dying an hour ago) and one of our most critical systems was down!

After getting one of my engineers in route, I knew I’d have some time to look at the ripped up car in my garage.  With time on my hands, I flipped through some axillary tools sets, locating a pair of flat radio removal tools (designed for Alpine head units).  Pondering the possibilities of possibly manufacturing my old keys, I set about cutting up the metal. At least it was something to keep me busy.

It took a few attempts to find the right angles, but I did finally managed to get he head unit (aka Command Unit) removed!!

And, as I suspected, there it was yet ANOTHER fuse.   I’d recalled this morning from projects past, that most of the head units in MBZ had a fuse on the back of them.   And so does this one:

I always have an ample supply of fuses (from careers past).  With hope alive in my heart, and my cell phone by my side waiting to hear from my team, what the prognosis was for our mail server..   I re-attached the mass of plugs (3 analog, one fiber optic CAN, and the antenna);

slipped it into the dash and:

CODE!  I have the code prompt.  Expensive disaster averted!   Being the fastidious keeper of information that I am, I had the code at hand, and within a few seconds….  was rewarded with the sounds of my favorite local FM station.

At least the day did not start out as a TOTAL loss!

My guys called me back shortly after this, and let me know that the server was dead, totally dead, no power.  I instructed them to pull the system from our rack and bring it home for recovery.  I hastely re-assembled my car, got dressed, stopped by Krispy-Kreme to buy them coffee and doughnuts, then rocketed into the office to direct the recovery effort (which is still underway).

At least I could listen to the music for a little while. 🙂