Scrambler C

[Cheese_Muffin_Man]

My falling mass is a cylindrical lead mass.The lead is exposed, obviously, but I am concerned if a judge would consider this hazardous. Chalker, what is your opinion on this?

You probably have to make the final decision on how dangerous it is. What do you mean by "it's exposed"? Basically, if it can harm someone very easily, then it's a big deal. If by exposed you mean just that as long as people aren't under or next to the thing during launch...I mean, lots of people use falling masses, so...in either case, what's the exact concern? Usually the rule of thumb is if you're not sure it's legal spend time making it legal.

Edit: Also, didn't think you meant the lead itself was the problem. If that's the issue, just get another mass (there's tons of things you can use).

Well, the lead is just exposed, meaning i can touch it. It's not dangerous in that in can hurt someone, but it may be considered hazardous since someone may be able to touch it and be at risk. Would it work if i simply covered the cylinder in like plastic or aluminum foil? Do you think that would take away the "hazardous" aspect of it?

[syo_astro]

Various responses:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/inde ... 506AAe5mEv
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishin ... d-weights/
http://fishingline.info/lead-fishing-sinkers-dangerous/
http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric-ro ... erous.html

People seem to say inhaling and swallowing lead is the worst case. So don't do that . I feel like using lead for soldering is probably more dangerous. If you're that worried, I honestly don't see why you can't just use some alternate weight (and I guess in this case since you think there is a worry just get one)? If you're low on time, then I guess wrapping it is the best you can do to see, no?

[Cheese_Muffin_Man]

Various responses:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/inde ... 506AAe5mEv
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishin ... d-weights/
http://fishingline.info/lead-fishing-sinkers-dangerous/
http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric-ro ... erous.html

People seem to say inhaling and swallowing lead is the worst case. So don't do that . I feel like using lead for soldering is probably more dangerous. If you're that worried, I honestly don't see why you can't just use some alternate weight (and I guess in this case since you think there is a worry just get one)? If you're that low on time, then I guess wrapping it is the best you can do to see, no?

Yes, I do see your point. I'm just concerned that an event proctor will tier or DQ us for it, since it is explained in the rules that it's ruled out, since lead can be hazardous. But, don't you think that covering it would take away the hazardous aspect of it?

[syo_astro]

I would say just don't risk it, different people will have different opinions. If it's something that depends on an opinion, then you may as well eliminate it, especially when it's something simple like replacing the mass. There are literally TONS of things you can use.

[nxtscholar]

Various responses:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/inde ... 506AAe5mEv
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishin ... d-weights/
http://fishingline.info/lead-fishing-sinkers-dangerous/
http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric-ro ... erous.html

People seem to say inhaling and swallowing lead is the worst case. So don't do that . I feel like using lead for soldering is probably more dangerous. If you're that worried, I honestly don't see why you can't just use some alternate weight (and I guess in this case since you think there is a worry just get one)? If you're that low on time, then I guess wrapping it is the best you can do to see, no?

Yes, I do see your point. I'm just concerned that an event proctor will tier or DQ us for it, since it is explained in the rules that it's ruled out, since lead can be hazardous. But, don't you think that covering it would take away the hazardous aspect of it?

Jumping in:

Sorry, but covering something doesn't really make something not hazardous, in my opinion. By that logic, mercury thermometers would still be used in every classroom today.

Clearly, people have different opinions. So it depends on the E/C, which means you really have two choices. One, check with the E/C before hand to see if the lead weight is allowed covered, and risk an outright "no". Two, don't tell the E/C, and risk a "tier" or DQ if they find out.

Is it that difficult to use an alternate weight? I don't see why bother taking the risk of a DQ. There are other materials that have similar properties to lead in terms of density and weight.

EDIT: syo_astro happened to post a response before I posted this. But, at least here's a second opinion.

[Cheese_Muffin_Man]

Various responses:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/inde ... 506AAe5mEv
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishin ... d-weights/
http://fishingline.info/lead-fishing-sinkers-dangerous/
http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric-ro ... erous.html

People seem to say inhaling and swallowing lead is the worst case. So don't do that . I feel like using lead for soldering is probably more dangerous. If you're that worried, I honestly don't see why you can't just use some alternate weight (and I guess in this case since you think there is a worry just get one)? If you're that low on time, then I guess wrapping it is the best you can do to see, no?

Yes, I do see your point. I'm just concerned that an event proctor will tier or DQ us for it, since it is explained in the rules that it's ruled out, since lead can be hazardous. But, don't you think that covering it would take away the hazardous aspect of it?

Jumping in:

Sorry, but covering something doesn't really make something not hazardous, in my opinion. By that logic, mercury thermometers would still be used in every classroom today.

Clearly, people have different opinions. So it depends on the E/C, which means you really have two choices. One, check with the E/C before hand to see if the lead weight is allowed covered, and risk an outright "no". Two, don't tell the E/C, and risk a "tier" or DQ if they find out.

Is it that difficult to use an alternate weight? I don't see why bother taking the risk of a DQ. There are other materials that have similar properties to lead in terms of density and weight.

EDIT: syo_astro happened to post a response before I posted this. But, at least here's a second opinion.

What other materials were you thinking of?

[syo_astro]

There's lots of things...are you really having that much trouble with it? You could use something as one solid mass or a bunch of smaller masses put together. As long as it can attach to whatever system you're using it's fine, and there's lots of things to use depending on your system. Pulley systems make choice of what to use for a mass really easy. Pushrod systems I would guess you maybe have to think a bit more, but not really since you just have to make sure to mass your rod and then just attach a bunch of mass at the end I assume? Then I guess there's always other systems...but yeah.

[nxtscholar]

I mean in general, you could just use a plastic bag and fill it with coins. The relative lack of a rigid shape makes it great to use for a variety of launcher systems, but as syo_astro noted, it helps us help you by knowing what launcher system you're using.

Because technically speaking, you can use ANYTHING that weighs under 2 kg as a falling mass

[AH98]

Is the launcher considered part of the 1m Length by .75m width rule, and how high can the launcher be?

[Smithy0013]

Is the launcher considered part of the 1m Length by .75m width rule, and how high can the launcher be?

I would reccomend you do a close read of the rules. They are fairly explicit with respect to the questions your asking. But yes the entire scrambler (energy propulsion included) is part of the dimensions. And (as stated in the rules) the laucher is allowed to be one meter high