[ARTS] Trust diagnostics, beware of battery polarity

[Bruce E. Harris]

I just got back from our Red Glare launch and learned a valuble lesson.
Trust diagnostics, double check polarity of BOTH batteries.

Fortunately I did not have to learn by accident--disaster averted, but
an important lesson learned none the less.

When I first turned on my ARTS II it gave me an odd sound. I had live
charges in place for a continuity test, then wire short, then open. The
sound was the same all three time. I at first thought, "Oh, its just
acting stupid" and almost flew anyway. Then I wised up and started
checking everything. To my surprise one battery's polarity was
backwards. When I put it right, the beeps were correct.

I know, I know. Beware of polarity, and warning all over the manual. But
I was in a rush. Trusting the continuity test saved my bacon, er rocket,
well sort of. The recovery system worked properly, but my rocket got
treed. I know where it is, even saw it, and pointed it out to our
resident "Rocket Recovery Expert". I should get it back soon.

Best Regards,

Bruce


-- 

Bruce E. Harris, MSgt, USAF, ret.
TRA #10564 L2
MDRA flying member
"If it ain't broke, your not trying" Red Green

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