When installing a launch rod; verify the notched end goes in the launch pad. Not at the top. On Aug 12, 2012 2:52 PM, "Richard Dierking" <richard.dierking@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: > We greatly appreciate when people volunteer at launches. However, there > are some guidelines we all need to follow to keep our launch equipment in > good shape and assure that everything is safe before starting to launch > rockets. The following are some suggestions and please feel free to > discuss or add to them. Additionally, sometimes we have visitors that help > at launches; if you see something that needs attention, please let them > know or let a Board member know. For the following, important stuff is * > bold*, and really important stuff is in *red*. > > *Be careful when making connections to the launch boxes.* The many-pin > launch control cable connections can be tricky. These have relatively > delicate pins that can be damaged if not inserted correctly. I admit that > occasionally I've become frustrated when making the connections to the > launch control boxes and had to walk away and let someone (like Rick Magee) > make the connection. * If you are hooking up a connector to a launch box > and have any difficulty, ask a Board member to make the connection.* > > *Don't drag the connectors on the ends of the launch control cables.* > When cables are set or reeled-in someone should walk the connectors. The > plastic shields have been damaged by dragging on the ground and can be > difficult to repair. > > *Don't drag the launch cables*. When it's hot (like when the cables have > been in the Sun all day), the cables can be damaged if they are dragged. > Taking both ends and dragging the middle of the cable can really mess it > up. If conductors in the cable get damaged, it could make the cable > useless. *These cables are very expensive to replace.* > > *Don't drive over any cables (for obvious reasons).* If you do > this witnessed by some people who's names I will not mention here, god help > you. > > *Some 12 volt connections use plugs commonly used for 115 VAC outlets. > Make sure you know what you are doing before plugging in anything.* > > *If you install a launch rod or rail on a pad, tighten the thumb screw or > bolt but don't over-tighten.* Once you install a rod or rail, give it a > tug to assure it's not going to go with the rocket. This has happened and > it's very dangerous. Again, we're looking for snug, not stripped. If > you're not sure how tight to make something, ask one of the people > directing the set-up. > > *There's a blue bucket with some cleaning supplies at the middle row of > pads to clean rods and rails.* If you have a moment before loading your > rocket, give the rod or rail a quick cleaning. The objective here is to > keep the rods and rails in good shape at every launch, not just two times a > year. > > *Attend a Trailer Cleaning Meeting at least one time during the year.* > The next one is Saturday, October 6th. > > *If you use a walkie-talkie, turn the power off before leaving in the > charging station.* > > *If you notice that something is broken or needs attention, please let a > Board member know.* We have tags to place on equipment that needs > maintenance. > > Again, thank you for helping. > > Richard Dierking > Equipment Manager >