A trip report

[belfert]

I just got back from a 3,800 mile trip from Minneapolis to Reno and back.  The bus itself really had zero problems mechanically.  There does appear to be an issue with the DDEC temperature sensor, but it didn't cause any issues.

The generator broke down twice as the spade terminal on the brush holder kept coming loose.  It was a two hour operation to fix the generator each time.  The second time we replaced the spade terminal for a second time and wired it to the brush holder. 

It was 110 degrees out in the desert and the air conditioners just couldn't keep up and by about 4 pm they were shutting down on high head.  An 8,000 watt generator doesn't have enough power at 110 degrees to keep three A/C units running because the generator is producing less power and the A/C units are pulling more power.

Al in all, it was a good trip.  The event had about half the expected attendance due to the remote location and the heat.  We likely would have skipped the trip had we not committed to helping with the event.

[LowTide]

Good to hear you made it home safe with just some minor issues AND you enjoyed your trip. I don't think anything runs well in this heat out here........

Mike

[belfert]

I forgot to mention we are making this exact same trip in about 8 weeks for another rocket launch at the same location.  It should be at least 20 degrees cooler.  I need to get the heat working before then, but other than that the bus is ready to go again.

[gus]

Brian,

We crossed the desert in mid-May from Tuscon to San Diego on I10. The forecast for Phoenix the next day was 110F so we crossed at night, even then it was in the 90's! We close off the rear and make do with one AC. Only had to use it a couple of hours that night since the mts and SD are cooler.

We don't travel the desert in summer unless unavoidable. Best bet is to hole up in an RV park with AC power during the day and drive at night.

[Seangie]

Brian,

3800 miles is quite a haul!

Awesome that the generator was your only worry!

We just did about 2k from NC to FL (no air, genny issues) and then from FL to Chicago.  Genny is down again!  Guess its Genny season!

-Sean


www.herdofturtles.org
1984 Eagle Model 10S