[roc-chat] Re: Equipment Protocol, Important - Please Read

  • From: Richard Dierking <richard.dierking@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 17:22:36 -0700

Yes!  Thank you Wedge!

Some rods have notches for securing the rod to the pad.  Tighten the thumb
screw against the notch.

I had to pull a launch rail a couple months ago where a bolt was missing
from the attachment to the 1/2" rod that secures the rail to the pad.  The
rail was in danger of pivoting on the remaining bolt.

We had a 1/2" rod that was bent. Don't ask me how it happened, but the rod
could not be used.

When you install a rod or rail, take a good look at the installation before
you walk away.  Is something missing or broken on the pad?  Is the rail
damaged?  Is the rod bent?

Richard
On Sun, Aug 12, 2012 at 4:45 PM, Wedge Oldham <wedgeoldham@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> *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
>>
>

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