Author: Rachel Wright

Rachel Wright is an entrepreneur, Certified JIRA Administrator, and author of the JIRA Strategy Admin Workbook. She started using JIRA in 2011, became a JIRA administrator in 2013, and was certified in 2016. She is the owner and founder of Industry Templates, LLC, which helps companies grow, get organized, and develop their processes.

“Jira Admin Scary Stories” in Columbus and Palm Beach

Zombie Rachel Wright

In honor of Halloween, Rachel Wright will present scary Jira admin stories at the Columbus, Ohio Atlassian User Group on October 9, 2018 and the Palm Beach County, Florida Atlassian User Group on October 23,2018.  Hear stories of spooky security, freakish custom fields, and the potential horrors of user-created projects and issue types.  These stories are based on the gruesome mistakes in the Jira Strategy Admin Workbook.

Atlassian Users Groups are where users meet, learn, network, and share best practices. The groups meet locally, all over the world, on a quarterly or more frequent basis.  User Group members are newbies and veterans who like to “talk shop” about Atlassian software, about Agile development, and about related business topics.  At these events, you can network with your peers, share solutions, meet Expert Partners, get special content from Atlassian, and enjoy a beer.

Will you be in Columbus on October 9 or Palm Beach on Oct 23?  Join us, join the User Group in your city, or start a group!

Users Create Jira Projects. A Good Idea?

Atlassian just announced a new feature for Jira Cloud users:  anyone can create a project, issue type or custom field.  No need to engage the admin team!  When I heard this at the Summit user conference, I cringed at the thought of cleaning up the new messes that end users will inevitably create.  I’ve spent many years fixing poor decisions made by application admins and now end users, with even less knowledge and application management experience, are unleashed on the config?  Yikes!  A fellow conference attendee sitting near me exclaimed “but I just got our application cleaned up” and let out a large sigh.  Atlassian also announced the 2,000 Cloud user limit is upped to 5,000 users.  Now even more people can create a bigger mess!

President Jay Simons: Open & Fluid

A theme throughout the conference was “open.”  It means being open in your communication, your intentions, open to new ideas, and more.  I enjoyed that talk and I took it seriously.  So, I’ve challenged myself to reject my original pessimism, embrace this change, and find the good in it.  I spoke with a Jira Software representative at Summit but initially that didn’t ease my fears.  It wasn’t until I tried out the new project creation feature that I calmed down, the fear subsided, and I saw the potential.  I can appreciate Atlassian trying to simplify a complex process and free up time for busy application administrators.  This also aligns with the concept of added workflow and screen editing abilities introduced in Jira Server versions 7.3 and 7.4.  And yes, I was scared of those changes at first too.  But guess what?  The world did not explode and I didn’t have to fix too many botched workflows.  😉

Good to Know

“Create independent projects” Global Permission

These new project abilities are configurable.  It’s a global permission, so you can decide which groups receive the power.  You don’t have to use the default “Anyone” setting.

Projects created with this method are structured totally different from previously created projects.  These projects are independent entities that don’t impact or share schemes with the other types of projects.  I know what you’re thinking:  sharing schemes is “the way” to easier maintenance!  It will be interesting to learn how best to manage projects built in two very different ways.

Quick Tests

I created a project of this new type, created a new issue type, and a created a new custom field.  Since these objects are decoupled from global settings, there’s nothing I’ll actually have to clean up later at the application level.  For example, there’s no new entry on the Admin > Issues > Custom Fields page.  I wonder how these objects are stored?  Since this is Cloud, I can’t access the database to see.

The new issue type creation wizard prevents you from creating an issue type that already exists, which is great news.  See screenshot.  But, it can’t prevent other “human caused” problems, like dupes (think “Bug” vs. “Defect” in the same project), plurals, and misspellings.

Duplicate Issue Types

As a test, I created a new issue type and called it “Epics” (with an “s”.)  Now the test project has both “Epic” (which has the special association behavior you expect), and “Epics” which is simply a standard issue type.  It’s not pretty but luckily this unfortunate action is constrained to the project where the issue type was created.  All users will see both options in the JQL search however.

Poor “Date” Type Choice

I also created a custom field with the new fields designer feature.  I created a field called “Date” and selected the type as “Text” instead of “Date” like it should be.  It’s a common mistake and end users are bound to make it.  In the screenshot, you can see my lovely new field on the right and its purposefully ridiculous value.  Again, since this unfortunate decision is constrained to the project, maybe it’s not too much of a problem.  This team won’t be able to properly sort or query data in this field, but it’s not the end of the world.

One Observation

This leads me to my only real gripe.  Atlassian also announced a project archival feature (yay!), but it’s only for the Data Center version of Jira.  I think the Cloud version needs this feature now more than ever!

What happens when all your users create their own personal projects for every little item on their “to do” list?  How does an application admin clean those up when they aren’t needed or when the creator leaves the company?  What happens when you visit the “all projects” list and there are 500 more entries than there were yesterday?  How does a user know which “Marketing” project to file their issue in, now that there are 5 to choose from?  I’m not sure there’s a good way (yet?) to manage these scenarios.  A bulk clean up tool is really needed.

Also, my Cloud instance is very small, yet very slow.  I know performance is improving and is a priority.  But I worry that adding all these extra elements (even the cool new stuff) could slow it down even more.

Being Open

After my very brief look into the new features, I’m willing to be open.  Change is hard but I’m choosing to embrace it.  New concepts and features certainly deserve a fair shot.  It will be interesting to see what, if any, issues arise and how application admins can best address them.

What do you think?  Are you open to this change?  What are some pros, cons, scenarios, and considerations?  Post your opinions in the comments field below.

Learn more about these features in this post or watch the Summit keynote starting at 1:02:50.

How to Make Atlassian Summit Suspenders

The Problem

Summit Flair

After attending every Atlassian Summit user conference since 2013, I’ve acquired a lot of buttons, or “Summit flair” as I call them.  I’ve run out of room for them on my conference lanyard however, and honestly, they were getting heavy!  So this year, I needed a different solution.  How could I display my flair?

The Solution

I thought for a while and came up with nothing.  Then, somehow, I thought of suspenders!  Now, being a girl, and never being a farmer, I’ve never worn this contraption.  But I asked my boyfriend where I could get them and we found some in the men’s section at Walmart.  $6.50 USD later and I had a craft project!  Follow along below to make your own.

How To

Step 1:  Configure suspenders
Realize you don’t know how to wear suspenders and watch many YouTube videos until you can successfully adjust the length.  Learn that women should wear thinner versions.  Ignore that tip; it won’t be the first time you’re not “on trend” in fashion.  PS – A wardrobe of only Atlassian t-shirts is always “on trend”!

Summit Materials

Step 2:  Gather Summit materials
Your Summit hording pays off!  You have 4 lanyards from previous Summits ready for a second life.  Realize you’ve collected far too many Atlassian pins though.  Choose your favorite ten, give the other twenty a hug, and put them away.

Step 3:  Gather craft materials
Realize that you travel full-time in an RV so craft materials are scarce.   This is the one time where a can of WD-40, a drill, and awning repair tape won’t fix it.

Look in the tool box and the office supply drawer.  Find a glue stick, a needle, less than a yard of thread, scissors, permanent markers, a seam ripper (why is this needed in an RV?), a label maker, safety pins, a putty knife, and something called “Super Weld.”  Put half of that stuff away because it won’t help this project.

Step 4:  Get crafty
Use the scissors to cut the lanyard fabric from its hardware.  It frays immediately.  Run back to the tool box and find the “Super Weld.”  Use it as super glue on all the lanyard ends.  Do it quick because it’s unraveling!  Try not to super weld fingers together.  Use the needle and scarce amount of thread to affix the lanyard to the suspenders.

Realize that you haven’t sewed anything since seventh grade home economics class.  Remember?  You attempted to make jean shorts.  Floral.  Denim.  Shorts.  Horrific!  How did you even pass that class?

Step 5:  Add finishing touches
With the pins and two pieces of lanyard on the front, it’s time to decorate the back.  People standing behind you need to know about your Atlassian devotion too!

Resist the urge to glue the remaining lanyard with the “Super Weld.”  Sew a few stitches with the remaining inches of thread.  Curse loudly as you struggle to knot the thread by the dim light of a lantern.  Only stab yourself with the needle once.  Impressive!  If this Jira consulting thing doesn’t work out, maybe you can be a seamstress?

Step 6:  Finish up
It’s way past your bed time but you have a completed an almost respectable attempt at custom suspenders.  Costs, injuries, and permanent damage to the RV is minimal.  Congratulations!  All that’s left now is to put them on and get yourself to Atlassian Summit!

Find Rachel and Her Summit Suspenders

Will you be at Atlassian Summit, in Barcelona, the week of September 3, 2018?  Meet Rachel Wright and win her Jira Strategy Admin Workbook or one of 5 new training courses!  Rachel will be hard to miss with her custom-made Summit suspenders.  Find her in these locations.

Not at Summit?  Use coupon code SUMMIT for 15% off your order in the Strategy for Jira store!

Atlassian Summit Survival Guide

The grand Atlassian event of the year is approaching!  Use this guide to navigate Summit and make the most of your time at this year’s user conference.

Not at Summit?  Use coupon code SUMMIT for 15% off your order in the Strategy for Jira store!

Before Summit

  • Use the “Atlassian Events” Android or iOS mobile app to pre-plan which sessions you want to attend, but be flexible.  Continuing your conversation with that Expert partner or Atlassian employee may be more valuable than attending the next session.
  • Don’t be a slave to power!  Bring an extra battery or portable power source. Consider taking notes on paper.  You won’t want to fight for an outlet to recharge devices.  If you find yourself needing power, swing by the Atlassian Community or Certification lounges.
  • Be prepared to network!  Pack your business cards.  Don’t have work business cards?  See if your company has any “generic” ones you can write your info on.
  • Check the weather and the time zone in the conference city.  Bring a light jacket in case it’s chilly in the conference center.
  • Arrive the day before conference activities start.  Check in at the registration booth as soon as you arrive.  Avoid the long registration line on the first morning.
  • Walk the conference center, before it gets busy, to get a feel for where activities will take place.  If there’s a map, take a phone picture.

During Summit

  • Don’t try to work AND attend Summit at the same time. It is too hard to do both well.  Instead, turn on your “out of office” email autoresponder, set the expectation that you’ll be unavailable, and delegate your tasks to coworkers while you’re away.
  • Find the Atlassian User Group and Community lounge.  The user group leader from your city might be at Summit.  No user group in your area?  Find out how to start one!
  • Sessions fill up quick;  get there early.
  • At the event, login to a chat program so you can communicate in real time with your colleagues also at Summit.  Ex: “I’m going to the X session next.” or “Meet you at noon in the lobby!”
  • Write a quick note on the back of any business card you receive so you’ll remember how/if/why to follow-up later.
  • Pace yourself on day one and during Summit Bash!  It’s a long conference and you want to make it to the party.
  • Find Rachel and Her Summit Suspenders

    Atlassian feeds you a lot on conference days.  You won’t need to spend much money on food.

  • Meet Rachel Wright and win her Jira Strategy Admin Workbook or one of 5 new training courses!  See:  Find Rachel  She’ll be hard to miss with her custom-made Summit suspenders.

After Summit

  • Try to leave the day after Summit activities conclude.  It’s no fun leaving early to catch a flight.
  • After Summit, the major session recordings are available online.  Don’t worry if two sessions you want to attend happen at the same time.
  • Leave room in your luggage for the return trip.  You will acquire new goodies!  (At least a few new t-shirts.)  Some die hard collectors even bring an extra bag or plan to mail back items.
  • Share your notes and the most important information with team members who could not attend.
  • If eligible, submit your travel expense report.

Also see: How to Get your Boss to Send you to Atlassian Summit User Conference, Atlassian Summit Travel Guide, and Summit Through the Years.

Rachel Wright is an consultant and an Atlassian Certified Jira Administrator.  Rachel also uses Atlassian tools in her personal life for accomplishing goals and tracking tasks.  Her first book, the “Jira Strategy Admin Workbook“, was written in Confluence and progress was tracked in Jira!  Follow her on Twitter at @rlw_www.

Meet the Author: Atlassian Summit in Barcelona, Spain

Find Rachel with her Summit suspenders

Will you be at Atlassian Summit, in Barcelona, the week of September 3, 2018?  Meet Rachel Wright and win her Jira Strategy Admin Workbook or one of 5 new training courses!

Rachel will be hard to miss with her custom-made Summit suspenders.

Find her and win in the following locations:

Also spot Rachel walking the conference floor, attending sessions, and enjoying Summit!

Find Rachel Wright at Summit
Not at Summit?  Use coupon code SUMMIT for 15% off your order in the Strategy for Jira store!

The Jira Strategy Admin Workbook is different – it’s not documentation. It’s over 150 recommendations that stem from years of cleaning up horrible Jira configurations.  This book includes 32 real life examples of what NOT to do, over 50 worksheets to get you organized, and templates, code snippets, and wording samples to help you establish and streamline processes.

Summit is the grand Atlassian event of the year.  With the palpable enthusiasm of the employees, the knowledge of the presenters, and the immense networking opportunities, this is the place to experience all that is Atlassian.  Add the next annual event to your calendar now.  Visit summit.atlassian.com for details.

Retrospective: Boondocking with Jira and Confluence

Menu:  Intro | Day 1-2 | Day 3-4 | Day 5-7 | Retrospective

Retrospective in Confluence

In the software development world, each time you complete a project, you review what went well and what you could do better next time.  It’s called a “retrospective” or a “post-mortem.”

We did a retrospective on our boondocking adventure, using Confluence’s template.  These are the results.

What We Did Well

  • Excellent preparation, research, and pre-event testing
  • Used Jira and Confluence to plan and track the adventure
  • Didn’t ruin or damage any critical systems (except for the battery)
  • Bought the right equipment (generator, drill pump, water tank filler attachment)
  • Built a structure in truck bed to transport and store gas and water containers
  • First try was at a large event attended by experienced boondockers
  • Had fun and connected with new people
  • Stayed close to town in case other supplies were needed
  • Managed and conserved water well
  • Parked facing the best direction for temperature control
  • Planned for known cell reception issues
  • Have future plans for solar equipment

What We Should Have Done Better

  • Develop a use and charging schedule
    • Charge with generator more often
      • Took longer than expected
      • Requires us to remain onsite
      • Only possible during day hours
    • Recharge devices on AC (not inverter) power
    • Utilize existing USB and solar chargers
  • Understand the measurement for 50% battery draw (12.06 volts – see chart below)
    • Killed the battery
    • Battery may have already been weak from age (no good baseline stats)
    • Failed to maintain needed distilled water levels
  • Failed to realize cell booster requires constant electricity
    • Device is not generally reliable
    • If not attending an event, we would have switched locations
  • Neglected “day before” moving list
    • Was having fun and decided to do the “day before” tasks on the “day of”
    • Was rushing and made stupid mistakes
      • Closed slides out of order
      • Caused injuries:  Hit face with drill, cut leg on screen door (again!)
  • Remove hitch when driving on dirt roads (cleaning takes more time than removing)
  • Develop a better system for managing grey water levels
  • Spent more than normal on food and entertainment (due to social events)
    • Saved on camping costs however

Subsequent Mistake

Overall, we met our goals of living off the grid for one week.  By gaining boondocking skills and equipment we’ve enabled ourselves to camp in different types of locations.  City power, water, and sewer are no longer a limiting factor.  We also had fun networking with other full time campers.

We were so confident with our experience that we decided to try it again immediately.  We needed a one night stop between Pagosa Springs, CO and Santa Fe, NM.  We searched the online camping directories and decided on a free overnight spot, in a municipal park, near the half way point.  The location was excellent and we had the entire park to ourselves.   How could this go wrong?

We neglected to check the weather report.   RVs and travel trailers heat up very quickly, just like a vehicle does.   When it gets hot, you put our your awning, unfold your camping chair, and work outside until the sun goes down.  It’s not too bad if you also have a cold glass of iced tea to enjoy.

113° F (45° C) Temp

It’s Summer in the United States so we expected it to be hot – but not this hot!  The truck’s thermometer read 113° F (45° C) and the analog thermometer inside the RV read 106° F!  For the first time ever, the inside of the RV was just as hot as the outside.  There was no escape and no amount of iced tea provided a reprieve.  We had to sweat out the afternoon and night and learn a hard preparation lesson.  I always check the weather report for storms and high winds, but never for excessive heat.  The learning continues…

I hope you enjoyed following along on our adventure and alternate use of Jira and Confluence.  Atlassian tools can track anything!  I encourage you to experiment with alternate uses from both your work and personal life.  Happy Jira issue and Confluence page creating!

Rachel Wright named “Teacher to Watch”

Skillshare, an online learning community for design, business, and tech has named Rachel Wright a “Teacher to Watch“!  This distinction is for instructors who consistently create high-quality content, continuously grow and innovate, and find new ways to further engage with students.

Rachel has created three courses for Jira administrators on workflow building, custom fields, and admin mistakes to avoid.  The 30 minute courses also include a quiz and sample project to complete.

She’s also created an introduction course for Jira users and one for Confluence users.  The intro courses help new users become comfortable with the software so they can get started creating issues and pages immediately.

Additional classes are on the way!  Have a topic request?  Add it in the “Comments” section below.

Take Rachel’s courses on Skillshare or at training.jirastrategy.com.   Need training for your entire team?  Contact info@jirastrategy.com.

9 Ways to Learn Jira Administration

I’m asked the same question all the time:  How do I learn more about Jira administration so I can be a great admin?  There are a ton of resources available;  you just have to know where to look, to seek them out, and be willing to put in a little time and effort.  Like anything in life, the more you put in, the more you get back.

Here are some ways to increase your Jira admin knowledge:

1. Seek out new opportunities
You’re never finished learning.  I’ve used Jira since 2011 and there’s still plenty I don’t know and new things to learn.   Every time I think I know it all, I humble myself very quickly by reviewing the unanswered questions on the Atlassian Community website.  Look for opportunities to strengthen your knowledge, or learn something new, by trying something new.

Ideas:

  • Pick an unanswered question, research the answer, and document the solution
  • Identify a problem Jira can solve and create a proof of concept
    • Example:  Who’s tracking information in email or spreadsheets?  Show them how to do it better in Jira.
  • Do a side by side comparison of changes between two versions
  • Install an add-on and learn everything you can about how it works
  • Get read only access to the database and learn how information is stored
  • Help a team adopt Jira or improve their processes
  • Set up Jira for a non-profit
  • Try to break Jira (Not in production, of course!)
  • Hold info share sessions and teach others how to solve common problems
  • Thoroughly document a feature
  • Use Jira in different ways
  • Download the Atlassian Plugin SDK and experiment with a plugin tutorial
  • Learn a related skill, like agile principles or server administration

Opportunities are everywhere.  The goal is to stretch your exposure and do different things then you’re already doing.  I’m no DBA but I learned a lot by experimenting with the database!

2. Install your own test environment
Even if your company already has an official test environment, I recommend you have your own personal one.  You need a place to experiment, play, and make mistakes, without impacting others.  It doesn’t have to be expensive or complex.  A $10 instance installed on an old laptop is sufficient.  You’ll stretch your skills and learn a lot by installing, using, maintaining, and upgrading it.

3. Join your local Atlassian User Group
Atlassian Users Groups are where users meet, learn, network, and share best practices.  Members are newbies and veterans who like to “talk shop” about Atlassian software, about Agile development, and about related business topics.  You can network with your peers, share solutions, meet Expert Partners, get special content from Atlassian, and enjoy a beer.  Find a user group near you (or start one) at:  aug.atlassian.com.

I’m an introvert and was new to Jira, but I took a deep breath and started a group.  It helped me learn new things, meet people, and become a contributor in the Atlassian community.

4. Read a book
There are a number of Jira books written by fellow administrators.  My book, the Jira Strategy Admin Workbook helps you set up, clean up, and maintain Jira.  It’s about strategy – not documentation and it’s not version specific.  Check it out and all the companion Jira offerings on Amazon.

5. Take an online training course
I’ve developed quick, 30 minute, online training courses for:  cleaning up custom fields, building workflows for business teams, admin mistakes, and other topics.  Take the courses and earn a certificate to add to your portfolio or resume at:  training.jirastrategy.com.

Atlassian also provides live online training, recorded training, and hands-on team training through Atlassian University.

6. Join the Atlassian Community
The Atlassian online Community is where you find answers, support, and inspiration from other users.  Join with your Atlassian ID at: community.atlassian.com.  Post your question or start a discussion.

There are also a plethora of Jira-themed support and networking groups.  Check out the Strategy for Jira® group on LinkedIn or Facebook.

7. Attend the user conference
Summit is the grand Atlassian event of the year.  With the palpable enthusiasm of the employees, the knowledge of the presenters, and the immense networking opportunities, this is the place to experience all that is Atlassian.  Add the next annual event to your calendar now.  Visit summit.atlassian.com for details.

8. Get certified
Taking an exam or extending your Atlassian Certification is a great way to show your existing skills and learn more through the study process.  I learned things I simply didn’t know and explored parts of the application I hadn’t touched in a while.  The certification experience made me a better Jira Administrator.  I learned so much valuable information earning the “Email in Jira” Skills Badge.

9. Read the documentation
Official product documentation is available at:  jirastrategy.com/link/official-docs.  The documentation includes information for end users and a guide specifically for administrators.  The documentation is categorized up by application type (e.g. Server or Cloud) and also by version.  Make sure you’re reading the correct version!

BONUS!
Watch “The Users’ Community: Your Hidden Treasure and Best Ally” from Fabian Lopez.  Originally given at Summit, this presentation includes all the ways to get involved in the Atlassian community and even specific users to follow!  Lots of fellow users continually post helpful tips, answers, and discussions.

What are other ways to learn more about Jira?  Add your ideas to the “Comments” section below.

Day 5-7: Boondocking with Jira and Confluence

Menu:  Intro | Day 1-2 | Day 3-4 | Day 5-7 | Retrospective

We’re “Boondocking with Jira and Confluence“!
Enjoy $10 off your order at the Strategy for Jira Store
Code: BOONDOCKING Shop Now
Valid: July 8-15, 2018

Day 5

When boondocking it’s easy to run out of water.  How many times you wash your hands in a day?  Simple things like this deplete the supply quickly.  Our 46 gallon fresh water tank won’t last forever, no matter how much we conserve.  We got lucky though;  there was an on site water hose we could use sparingly.  We filled our 5 gallon portable container, used a pump that attaches to a drill, and slowly pumped the water through a hose and into the travel trailer.  A few rounds of filling the tank really made a difference.

I always research our location before we arrive and knew cell service would be a challenge.  The previous post took 2 hours to actually publish.  It was quick to write, but each time I’d save or upload a photo, the connection would die and I’d have to get it back and then recover the content from the cache.  Luckily I officially took off work this week for the experience and the Convergence.   Had this been a normal working week however, we would have needed to move to a different location.

Pagosa Springs, CO

With the morning chores done we took off with our boondocking buddies on a 60 mile, dirt road, scenic tour.  We also floated in a tube down the San Juan River.  Pagosa Springs didn’t get the normal level of snow melt so the river was low.  It was still fun though.

Day 6

We killed our battery.   I can’t be sure if the battery was already close to end of life, if we killed it during our tests, or if it happened during the Convergence.  We bought a hydrometer, which measures liquid density in the 6 battery cells.  They measured “dead”, “really dead”, and “give up now”.  The generator will recharge it, but will only hold a charge for a few hours before we need to charge it again.  I’ll be buying a new battery soon and will try to figure out where we went wrong.

Rising Water from Tropical Storm Colin (2006)

I’m starting to compile my list of items for the final post:  the Confluence retrospective.  After major events, we always review what we did well and what we need to work on for the future.  For example, when we evacuated for a surprise flash flood in Florida, we compiled a retro and reworked our emergency plan.  When we evacuated for a Tornado in Texas, we used our improved plan and made small adjustments then too.  Documenting our mistakes and making improvements makes us more prepared for next time.

This day we attended a pot luck brunch, played miniature golf, and watched “We’re the Millers” (an RV themed movie) together under the stars.  A Convergence attendee provided popcorn for the movie.  They must have figured out how to power their microwave.

Day 7

We survived!  We learned a lot about batteries, solar, and met lots of great fellow full-time travelers.  The Convenience was a lot like Atlassian Summit:  you have something in common with everyone and are instant friends.

Normally I complete the first half of my Confluence move day checklist the day before, but we were having so much fun, we saved it all for the travel day.  (Not smart.)  Everything was completed, but some tasks were done out of the preferred order, and I made two stupid mistakes.

  • I hit myself in the face with the drill and almost broke my prized Atlassian sunglasses!  I was raising the stabilizer jacks with the drill, like I’ve done 300 times before.  Only today, something looked odd and as I bent over to take a closer look the still moving drill smacked me in the face.
  • I also cut my leg (for the second time in two weeks) on the corner of the screen door.  I’ll need to file that down or cover it with foam.  Or, I could just be more careful and do the “day before” work on the actual day before.

We packed up, said our goodbyes, and hit the road for our next camping destination in New Mexico.  At the next location, we’ll have full hookups (power, water, and sewer) for a whole week before we move on to the next adventure.  I hope you’ve enjoyed following the journey we planned in Jira.  The Confluence retrospective will be available soon.

Day 3-4: Boondocking with Jira and Confluence

Menu:  Intro | Day 1-2 | Day 3-4 | Day 5-7 | Retrospective

We’re “Boondocking with Jira and Confluence“!
Enjoy $10 off your order at the Strategy for Jira Store
Code: BOONDOCKING Shop Now
Valid: July 8-15, 2018

Day 3

Lightning Strike Damage

In 2006, my stationary house was hit by lightning.  One strike sent electrical outlet face plates flying across the room and broke mirrored walls.  The fire department opened walls with their axes, checking for internal fire.  All the house’s appliances were fried.  No more fridge, no more hot water heater, etc.  The only electronics that survived were my computers, because they were connected to an APC battery backup and surge suppression system.  The APC took the lightning strike – not my devices.

From that experience, I don’t plug important devices directly into a wall outlet.  But how do you handle surge and voltage fluctuation when you live in a travel trailer?  The answer is you have to protect the entire dwelling.  Power pedestals at campgrounds are notoriously problematic.  They are wired incorrectly, deliver uneven current, shut off and on as they please, and frequently deliver too low voltage or too high voltage.  It’s really easy to ruin everything.  I will NEVER plug my travel trailer in without a Electrical Management System (EMS).  The best is made by Progressive Industries.  It is the one “must buy” thing for your RV!  It’s saved our travel trailer and the items inside it from disaster twice.  It’s worth every penny and more.

BUT you can’t use an EMS with a generator!  What???  We’re going to plug the trailer into something without my precious safety system?  Queue my anxiety.

Today was the big day where we’d use the new inverter generator for the first time.  On the previous day, we tried plugging in an old fan first, just to make sure everything was working as expected.  If the fan exploded, that would be alright but I wasn’t willing to take that chance with the entire travel trailer.  Luckily, there were no explosions.

In two days, our battery drained to 11.76 volts.  That’s probably lower than we should have let it go.  Time will tell if we’ve damaged it.  To recharge the battery to 12.45 volts (under 100%) we ran the generator for 1h 45m and used 0.5 gallons of gas.

After our morning generator fun, I joined the Convergence festivities.  There 32 people and 28 “rigs” attending this off grid get together.  “Rig” or “coach” is slang for your camping setup.  At the convergence, we have travel trailers (towed by a hitch on the bumper) like ours,  fifth wheels (towed by a hitch in the bed of a truck), and motorized RVs of all sizes and configurations.   The day’s activities started with a trip to the in hot springs which included a shower.  I was excited to use someone else’s shower and not waste our water!  Back at camp, we ate a “Taco Tuesday” pot luck dinner.

Day 4

It’s time to charge again.  Our travel trailer is wired for 30 amp, which is a different plug than a regular house outlet.  We have to use an adapter to connect to the generator.  The adapter cuts our amp possibilities down by half.  When connected to a normal power pedestal, we can run multiple things at a time as long as we don’t exceed 30 amps.  We can use the microwave with the lights on.  We can use the hot water with the radio on, etc.  But with the generator and only half our amperage capacity (15 amps), we have to limit what we use.  We did some tests and learned we can run the air conditioning, as long as we start the fan before the compressor and NOTHING else is running.  We cannot run the microwave using the generator however.

As shown in the picture, the generator has standard US wall outlets.  There are two – the left one is empty and the right is used by our yellow trailer plug and yellow adapter.  If you look closely, you can see we had to file down the adapter in two places to make it fit.  The outlet on the left has a red button that’s in the way and the one on the right has a grounding screw in the way.  Also pictured is where we had to file off the handle on the yellow trailer plug.  The plug is a replacement and was too big to store with the original handle.  This is typical of the RV lifestyle.  You buy something perfectly nice and intentionally ruin it to make it work.

I’m used to having my laptops plugged in all the time, so it’s pretty annoying to run out of power and have to wait until our next generator charge to be productive again.  Today I got a bit of work done but was up against the laptop battery deadline.  I stood up a new Jira instance but I was rushing and messed up the database part.  I created the database with the wrong table collation.  Jira requires “utf8_bin.”  When Jira started up, it notified me of the problem.  There are two options:  recreate the database or change all the tables and columns.  I opted for the latter.  The needed queries are documented and it didn’t take long to fix.  Some of the queries make the change and others generate a new set of queries to run.