Minutes of ERPS General Meeting #255
06 March 2003
The President called the meeting to order at 8:48 PM. Members present
were Kevin Bollinger, Rick Eversole, David Masten, Pierce Nichols,
Gerald Nordley, Dan Solvin, Adrian Tymes, Michael Wallis, David
Weinshenker, and Chris Winter. Niles Grant, a visitor, also attended.
Reports and discussion on agenda items were as follows:
CMT
---
Kevin Bollinger
Kevin reported that there is some evidence that the sparger is
leaking slightly. This will be checked out.
DOCUMENTATION
-------------
Chris Winter
The list of contents on the 2002 CD-ROM should be cross-
checked against the candidates for this year's disc. Some commonality
is OK, for core documents, but duplication should be minimized. Chris is
putting the new list together, so he will handle this.
Space Access '03 is fast approaching. We will need brochures
for that. Michael says he has some made up.
INFOTECH
--------
Sean Lynch
Nothing to report
LIAISONS
--------
Michael Wallis
Nothing to report
LOGISTICS
---------
Sean Lynch
Nothing to report
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
--------------
Michael Wallis
The first draft of the paper we will be presenting at ISDC is
complete and being polished.
TREASURER
---------
Michael Wallis
The treasurer reported that we have money.
Actually, if I recall correctly, his exact words were, "We have
MONEY like AOL has MAIL!" Or maybe not. ;-)
CHIEF SCIENTIST
---------------
Kevin Bollinger
Kevin will soon have a small-thermal-mass test engine with a
"micropintle" for testing biprop fuel-oxidizer mixtures.
He recommended that we publish a list of our preferred suppliers
on our Web page for the benefit of other experimenters.
*** NOTE -- LATE CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS MINUTES: The
property-owners association for the Ranch is the Adobe Valley
Association, not Antelope Valley Association as previously published. I'll
also post this correction separately.
FLIGHT CONTROLS
---------------
Bill Clawson
Nothing to report
PROPELLANTS/SPARGER/FF
----------------------
Pierce Nichols
Pierce reported success in treating his sparger with HNO3. He
also acknowledged the leaks mentioned by Kevin, adding that they
should be easy to find because they leave shiny patches on the outside
of the apparatus.
A more economical source of deionized water is being pursued.
Dave W has taken the test for EPA Refrigerant Specialist. He
should know the results in two weeks.
REGULATORY
AFFAIRS
-------
Randall Clague
John Wickman (frequent poster on ARocket) has a campaign
going to get the Senate to amend the Homeland Security Act. The URL
for this effort will be posted on the list. John's objective is to exempt
rocketry propellants from restrictions in the proposed Act *IF* they are
used for rocketry.
In a related item, NPRM #968, concerning the 62.5-gram limit on
amateur solid-rocket grains, is now in a public comment period.
SAFETY
------
Dave Masten
Safety is AOK.
TESTING
-------
Dave Masten
A static firing of the modified KISS-3 engine will be scheduled
when everything is ready.
Development of software for the new data acquisition system has
been on the back burner due to higher-priority activities. Dave expects to
complete it and integrate the DAS withing the next two weeks.
**** PROJECTS
Composites
----------
Kevin Bollinger
Kevin has found a source for raw materials approximately 1/4 as
costly as others. It is Advanced Composite Traders, located in the Los
Angeles area.
His tank winding jig is coming along.
Gizmocopter
-----------
Bill Clawson
See entry for Flight Controls.
KISS
----
Dan Solvin
Dan has posted a task list. Several items still need to be added.
Pierce has completed a Turbocad drawing of his proposed box
tower, and is lining up parts suppliers. He estimates a total cost of under
$200. He is still awaiting the quote on the trailer from his cousin.
POGO
----
Dave Masten
Nothing to report
SMARTFLIGHT
-----------
Dave Weinshenker
There is a launch opportunity at Fresno next Sunday (16 March).
Dave W can assemble a PC-bird for that if desired.
Progress on the A/D electronics is slow but continuing.
Spike
-----
Sean Lynch
The next Spike meeting is scheduled for 7 March.
SPARGER/FF
----------
Pierce Nichols
See the entry for propellants.
OLD BUSINESS
------------
The Coco's Bakery Restaurant at 1305 South Mary in Sunnyvale
proves acceptable in all respects. Rick will work with the manager to get
us booked for the next two months at least. The problem with the other
Coco's, at 1206 Oakmead, is that their location is TOO good -- many
other groups are vying for their Thursday night slots.
Meeting #255 adjourned at 9:36 PM. The next meeting will take place on
20 March 2003. The location is the *OTHER* Coco's in Sunnyvale. The
address is 1305 South Mary Avenue. The cross street is Fremont; the
restaurant is in the southwest corner, about half a block south of
Fremont.
AFTERMATH
=========
Some money was collected. I don't have the figures on this.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Winter
Secretary, ERPS
+++ PLEASE ADVISE THE SECRETARY OF ANY ADDITIONS OR
CORRECTIONS TO THESE MINUTES +++
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