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

  • From: "Ron McGough" <rrmagoo7@xxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:33:42 -0700

Matt,

At one time most all of the launch rods had on one end a flat notch ground into 
them so that the locking screw would actually be locked into the base when rod 
was inserted and tightened up correctly.The club did this because we had a 
problem with rods not getting tightened into the base properly and had several 
launch rods leave with the rocket. A very scary situation trying to track the 
launch rod coming in ballistic if it did finally fall out during the flight.

Ron McGough, one of the original launch rod notch grinders.



              ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lakestake Rocketry 
  To: roc-chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Monday, August 13, 2012 11:43 AM
  Subject: [roc-chat] Re: Equipment Protocol, Important - Please Read


  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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