I guess it has become part of the myth of the machine - better not dig too much, as it is a much better story if there's some mystery attached. For starters, a

I guess it has become part of the myth of the machine - better not dig too much, as it is a much better story if there's some mystery attached. For starters, assuming it is not powered off batteries/solar, someone provides power to it; they are unlikely to do so for free; a little bit of asking around would probably solve the 'mystery' right there.