LAUNCH EQUIPMENT

Tripoli Pittsburgh is a self contained High Power Rocketry organization. That is to say that our launches both local and remote need no outside requirements or equipment for us to conduct our activities..

LAUNCH CONTROLLER
Tripoli Pittsburgh owns its own Class A Launch Controller. The multi-pad system is contained in three separate units mounted in custom wooden boxes thanks to member Dave Rose. Basically custom built to our specification by John Fleischer of Transolve in Ohio, the controller is so well designed Transolve is now offering the unit in its product line as the Transolve NF-20 unit. (minus our classic boxes of course!)

The controller will give us the ability to handle up to 20 pads at one time and makes our operation self defendant. We will still have a back unit but with the new Controller as part of our equipment there may never be a need for backup in the future

Two ten channel firing boxes are connected to the central LCO (Launch Controller Officer) box by 12 conductor cables with DB15 connectors. Firing outputs are relay switched, and are rated at 12VDC, 15A continuous, 25A surge (1 sec.). Continuity LEDs are provided. A master SAFE/ARM switch on each relay box allows local disarming. On the LCO box, each channel has a toggle select switch, and continuity LED. Any number of channels can be fired simultaneously. A keyswitch and voltmeter complete the LCO box features..

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Visit TRANSOLVE's WebSite by clicking www.transolve.com.

LAUNCH PADS
We currently have six custom built High Power Launch Pads primarily through the work of members Dave Rose, Eric Haberman and Mark Mazzon. In addition to smaller Model Rocket Pads these six large pads can handle rockets up through an L Class motor. Numerous launch rod sizes are available as well as Launch Rail configurations.

2009 saw our Launch Tower go into operation thanks to Dave Rose. It first saw duty at Black Rock, Nevada and is a part of all of our 2010 Dragon's Fire Launches. It is capable of handling ANY size or Class rocket you can bring on. To see a better image just click HERE

HYBRID GROUND SUPPORT
We are able to accommodate HyperTek Hybrid Motors with our complete Nitros Oxide system. It has a history as being the first Alpha System developed by Korey Kline of HyperTek to test and approve Hybrid feasibility when they were first developed. Acquired by one of our member's it is now a piece of our Prefecture's Equipment.

With our Nitros system we are also able to accommodate both AeroTech and RattWorks Hybrids as well.

OPERATIONS TENT
A large 10' X 20' heavy duty canopy forms the base for our range operations. This solid shade has not only served well as our local launch tent but has traveled with our group around the rocket communities like Virginia, New York, Texas, Nevada and Canada. Formed up with several 10' X 10' tents of various members it forms a great nucleus for prepping and social activities where ever we go. It forms our center at Black Rock, Nevada each year along with friends. Check it out HERE. And always everyone is welcome.

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PREFECTURE BANNER
A great looking marquee to present us to everyone. Our Prefecture Banner used at all functions our Members attend.

EQUIPMENT TRAILER
And last of course is our Equipment Trailer which serves double duty as our Storage facility and equipment carrier to get all of our club and personal gear from launch to launch whether near of far.