The new newsletter came out from MDRA and include the safety rule for DD charges.
https://ldrs36.org/?wysija-page=1&controller=email&action=view&email_id=4&wysijap=subscriptions&user_id=111
I thought those "rules" were the way everyone handled ejection charges....
So looking forward to this..
"Finally and most importantly a note on Safety.* We're implementing a procedure that must be followed for checking continuity of deployment electronics for everyone's safety.
Power on checks for deployment electronics...
Under no circumstances will power-on or continuity checks be accomplished on live deployment charges, in or around individual or group preparation areas,. (
A live charge is defined as a recovery charge canister, containing both an e-match and black powder connected to electronics or not).*
All power-on or continuity checks with live charges will be conducted at the assigned launch pad prior to launch or in a safe area forward of the spectator line, designated by the RSO.
To insure the safety of all flyers and spectators, power-on operational checks of recovery electronics, to include continuity checks, will follow the procedures below, (1 through 4).
1.* E-match continuity may be checked prior to installing the e-match into its canister or after installing the e-match in its canister, either by electronic test equipment or power on check, using the rockets deployment electronics.
2.* Once satisfied with the results of the power-on check and or continuity check, power down all recovery electronics associated with deployment charge activation.*
From this point on do not power-up your recovery electronics, until you are at the launch pad or a designated area assigned by the RSO.
3.*
Secure and prep your charge canisters with black powder.* Once again, do not power-up your recovery electronics for any reason until you are at the launch pad or a designated area assigned by the RSO.
4.* After final rocket preparation, RSO review, and arrival at your assigned launch pad, turn on the rockets recovery electronics.* Once continuity is confirmed, install igniter(s) and have a safe launch."
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Yep...I got used to doing my continuity checks w/o a BP charge when I read that some Alt. Units will fire if you get the polarity reversed, - including one of my older units.
I've been cautious about live charges anywhere around my car, and those around me. I don't even pre-prepare BP charges in advance ...I wait until I'm at the field.
I'll connect only ematches or a flashbulb test unit to the Alt. unit - turn it on, listen for continuity, then turn it off.
I'll connect the BP charge but only with the unit off...and it stays off....until I turn it back on out on the rail, and listen again to confirm continuity.
We've all heard of - or seen the videos of premature deployment on the pad.
Imagine that occurring in the prep area in the parking area next to your neighbor.
Not a pretty sight.
I take it you can have a BP charge installed in your assembled rocket
as long as you do not power up again until you are at the pad, .....this does not say you cannot install your BP charge until you are at the pad.