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

  • From: "skyward4me @dslextreme.com" <skyward4me@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:52:10 -0700

On Sun, Aug 12, 2012 at 2:51 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.*
>

   *There are two different pin sizes, you can't mix the plug and sockets.*
*
*
*Steve*


> 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
>

Other related posts:

  1. Home
  2. roc-chat
  3. Archive
  4. 08-2012