All,
I wanted to share a safety concern that I have encountered.
I have a rocket that utilizes these PCB mount screw switches. Twice now, I have had the rocket arm itself during transit. I keep my Av Bays prepared and in the house until it's time to transport as I don't want to expose my batteries to colder temperatures if I can avoid it.
During transit, it would appear that these switches have vibrated enough to allow themselves to close. I have heard of rocketeers replacing the switches with longer screws and deforming the threads on the backside of the switch so they can back out fully. I haven't done this and am concerned because I do not want to introduce undue force to the PCB mounted nut - I've had this nut break loose in the past as the screw somehow would not release.
In the first instance, I immediately pulled over and opened all the windows to help equalize air pressure, then carefully opened/closed the doors that I utilized to remove the av bay from the cabin. The second instance, it was in my front seat. I kept a screwdriver with me in my cupholder in the event that it armed itself, and it did. Thankfully I caught it during the startup sequence so I was able to disarm it.
I'm not sure what I'll do in the future to eliminate this safety risk. This av bay is due for a rebuild anyway so I have opportunities for kaizen. One thought I have is to introduce a shunt for all of my charges so that if the altimeter does arm itself and fire itself due to doors opening/closing, it won't fire the charges. Other options are to explore other manufacturers.
I am not throwing Featherweight out the window as an option, but also don't want anyone else to have a nasty surprise, either.
YMMV. Feedback and/or constructive criticism is appreciated.
I wanted to share a safety concern that I have encountered.
I have a rocket that utilizes these PCB mount screw switches. Twice now, I have had the rocket arm itself during transit. I keep my Av Bays prepared and in the house until it's time to transport as I don't want to expose my batteries to colder temperatures if I can avoid it.
During transit, it would appear that these switches have vibrated enough to allow themselves to close. I have heard of rocketeers replacing the switches with longer screws and deforming the threads on the backside of the switch so they can back out fully. I haven't done this and am concerned because I do not want to introduce undue force to the PCB mounted nut - I've had this nut break loose in the past as the screw somehow would not release.
In the first instance, I immediately pulled over and opened all the windows to help equalize air pressure, then carefully opened/closed the doors that I utilized to remove the av bay from the cabin. The second instance, it was in my front seat. I kept a screwdriver with me in my cupholder in the event that it armed itself, and it did. Thankfully I caught it during the startup sequence so I was able to disarm it.
I'm not sure what I'll do in the future to eliminate this safety risk. This av bay is due for a rebuild anyway so I have opportunities for kaizen. One thought I have is to introduce a shunt for all of my charges so that if the altimeter does arm itself and fire itself due to doors opening/closing, it won't fire the charges. Other options are to explore other manufacturers.
I am not throwing Featherweight out the window as an option, but also don't want anyone else to have a nasty surprise, either.
YMMV. Feedback and/or constructive criticism is appreciated.