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

  • From: Richard Dierking <richard.dierking@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:23:36 -0700

Thanks for adding this important note Steven.

Richard

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 14, 2012, at 4:52 PM, "skyward4me @dslextreme.com" 
<skyward4me@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> 
> 
> 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
>

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