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

  • From: Richard Dierking <richard.dierking@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:51:25 -0700

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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