Unloading matrices; they may be loaded upright -- wear steel toed shoes!
What size tubes are there in these picture? Are there any devices which may change the shells accepted from what first appears from the outside of the tubes?
Notice pre-wired e-match Simple twist to strain relief Zip-ties to hold down conduit
Here we are installation technicians; this is not the fun rocket science but think how you are using tools to avoid injury
Not recommended
Electron Butter (aka Contact Cleaner)
Spray -- and inspect -- ports
Spray -- and inspect -- cables; here's a damaged one -- and what happens to such cables
All junction boxes, conduits and sequencers plugged in
Continuity Check
High (open-circuit) resistance on the left; right shows normal (~2-15 ohms) resistance
Unloading the Truck
Remember: Do not slide boxes; friction and comp are energetic friends you don't want to encourage. Beware if any damaged or leaking boxes and get advice before handling.
Dunnage bags and bars hold the load in transit; support boxes when removing them Hand off boxes instead of sliding Now is the time to ensure water extinguishers are available
Loading the Mortars
First place all special shells, then place all assorted shells; do not reach or lean over a loaded mortar/tube/gun!
A buddy helps when loading pre-matched strings; these are usually finale strings. Load from the middle out to avoid working over loaded tubes. Load from the middle to the outside to avoid leaning over loaded tubes when dropping single shells too.
Matching Shells
Usually shells are bought with an e-match port. Should the shells only have fuses, we need to attach an e-match/squib.
First, place tape on each shell to be matched. (Note: Tape is a good static electricity generator.)
Second, cut the fuse
Main shell fuses/leaders consist of quickmatch which is paper wrapped blackmatch. Blackmatch is spark sensitive. You should use a razor blade to cut match. Never scissors which may spark.
Third, insert the e-match - keeping the shroud covering the e-match composition to avoid creating static or friction with the blackmatch when inserting. Note: Sometimes slicing along the paper cover can provide easier insertion, make sure the e-match is firing against the blackmatch and not merely the leader paper.
Fourth, make a loop for strain relief
Try to avoid choking the fuse as this will introduce a small but potentially noticeable delay in the propagation of the flame (hang fire) along the fuse
Fifth, tape the match wire down
Fire-person's Helper
Low-breaks are often due to a shell not being full loaded in the tube. To ensure shells are set to the full depth of the tube, use the fire-person's helper tool to push shells down. Note: Do this before loading the next row of shells so you are not working over loaded tubes.
(E-)Matching Shells
E-Match ports sometimes have fuses in them which can be thrown away
One loop of the e-match wire is sufficient strain relief
Remember: Manufacturers can make odd choices; always be aware and attentive to what you are loading
Tractor Pull!
The light weight division and super trucks were not what I was expecting
