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

  • From: Richard Dierking <richard.dierking@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:11:26 -0700

Yes, and we had to discard a few rods at the last trailer cleaning.
Hopefully, the one end getting bent will decrease because the angle of the
rod is a bit easier to adjust on the new raised pads.  The new pads have a
swing arm arrangement.  Previously, I think that many rods were being bent
when the rod was 'adjusted' on the pad.

Again, another good tip.  Thanks Matt.

Richard
On Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 11:43 AM, Lakestake Rocketry <lakestake@xxxxxxxxx>wrote:

> Also when you install a rod they usually only go in one direction.
>
> How is that you say?  Aren't the ends symmetrical?
>
> That is how they start, but after their first use one end gets flattened
> or dinged by the screw or the end gets a bit of a dog-leg from rod whip.
> Check each rod before you install it and discard if both ends are bent.
>
> Matt
>  On Aug 12, 2012 5:25 PM, "Richard Dierking" <richard.dierking@xxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
>> 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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