26th March 2025

David Morrison (Tuska), Mike Kushy and Alex Randall. MK and DM did some more work at baby Templeton in the morning. Clearing out run in and shaping the surroundings. AR arrived around 1pm ish and we all set to work on wiring up sockets. 2 x outdoor 13amp double plug socket boxes wired up with braided 2.5mm cable, we decided we'd cut and fit the 16amp connection plugs in situ. Fired up the generator and laid the winches (with 13amp plugs fitted), tools, lights (with 13amp plugs) and drill into the sled. AR and MK headed on down to greet the sled. The first winch bracketed onto the original steel great. AR concentrated on fixing the socket box onto the wall with a wooden backing, whilst MK concentrated on cutting the braided wire to length and fitting the 16amp plug to connect into the existing wiring. Went smoothly and lights/winch worked well. We then lowered the 2nd winch, drill and tools down the South pot sled. The steel runners could do with a cleaning up/rubbing back and greasing. Again we set the 2nd winch to the top of Echo Pot in the same fashion. Need to take in a suitable ratchet spanner to fully tighten the winch bracket bolts close to the wall. The existing socket we planned to connect to had a 32amp plug rather than the 16amp we required, luckily Tuska supplied us with a female 16amp plug, so it was just a case cutting off the plug and re wiring, a cooker wire does not fit into a 16amp plug well. The plug end will require some extra waterproofing to fully seal it, silicone sealant should do the trick. We then heard DM arrive at the top of South pot, we gave him a shout to plug us into the mains and everything worked well and as it should. Need to take some thick cable ties in and tidy it up a bit. On the way out the winch at the top of South Pot was playing up/jamming near the top, we believe having a chain across the centre will solve this plus the wire needs replacing anyway. All plugs have been turned off for now, also don't forget to unscrew big red button on winch controls to activate. The main winch to surface was very slow it went smooth for the first few seconds then slowed right down, if left for a while it gained power but lost it soon again..maybe hydraulic oil problem? A long day, Mike.
MK operating Echo Pot winch, photo AR.
South Pot winch set up, photo AR.

South pot sled going down, photo AR.






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