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Helter Shelter
Selecting a
Canopy for your Flightline Operation.
In most parts of the U.S., rocketeers active in club
launches will appreciate having protection from the sun
and the occasional rain shower. For that purpose, a
portable canopy is a useful addition to your launch day
gear. Since we Vatsaas boys burn under the sun like Magnesium in pure
Oxygen, we think it's essential gear.
(Brad's note: If you're groping for reasons to justify the purchase of a canopy,
tell your wife you need it to host a family reunion for all of her relatives.
Like that'll ever happen....)
Remember that with all canopies, they protect you from
rain sun and the occasional plague of frogs. Your canopy
will not protect your from rockets on ballistic
trajectories. When under your canopy, keep your ear tuned
to the LCO announcements, and wear a
helmet... because you never know what might fall on your head!
The canopies available fall into five varieties:
EZ-Up and similar Models:
Ranging in Price from $90 to $250, these canopies are
deluxe accommodations. On these models, the fabric canopy
and frame are integrated, and fold up in a manner similar
to the now popular camp chair. These are the most
convenient to set up and the most attractive to look at,
but are the most bulky and heavy to transport and store.
Bradley has one of these, but living in Phoenix, every
moment in the sun is akin to being an ant under a
magnifying glass, so his expense is as justifiable as my
collection of designer snow shovels.
(Brad's note: Actually, I got my EZ-Up as a gift from my in-laws.
Now I'm expected to host a family reunion!)
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Free Standing Manual Canopies (Not
so EZ-Ups):
You won't find one on the Internet searching on that term, but it is
the best way to describe this type of canopy. Costing between $30
and $50, they are lighter and more compact to transport
than the EZ-Ups, but they are also more complex to set-up. HOWEVER:
This is Rick's low-cost recommendation.
He bought one of these, and with the addition of a do-it-yourself component
marking system, it is actually very quick to assemble.
For details, click
here.
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Shown on the left is a Kmart version
of Rick's canopy |
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The Dining Fly:
This style not recommended for any rocketry activity,
this consists of a tarp, 5 poles and lots of guy lines,
and is as easy to assemble as a bicycle at 2AM Christmas
morning. It requires at least two people to get it up,
and once up, will get knocked over whenever some one
trips over the guy lines. Not only that, but in a steady
rain, gallons of water will pool on the top. Save this
contraption for your next African safari. |
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| Umbrella Type Canopies: These
sit in cost between the EZ-Ups and the Manual Canopies.
They are made of superior materials, but their hexagonal/octagonal
design make them less effective for flight-line
operations.
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Flat Canopy:
Rocketry outfitter Defy Gravity is advertising a flat
canopy, and similar types can be found from other
suppliers. You could likely make one yourself, after a
trip to Menards or Home Depot. This shelter consists of a
large tarp suspended parallel to the ground on a large
frame, looking like a Paul Bunyan sized cot that you can
walk under. We have no experience with this type, but
Defy Gravity's claim of superior wind resistance seems
plausible, but we wouldn't use it for rain protection |
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| Car Canopy: Here is
an interesting idea; a canopy half supported by your
truck or van. This model sells for $95 bucks at Kmart,
but I bet an enterprising RTV affiliate can devise a
working copy for less than $20. If you do, send a picture and
we'll add your contribution to this page.
This design would have the same pros and cons of the
Flat Canopy, You also can't move your vehicle till you
remove the canopy, but I can think of worse things, and I
bet it sets up in a jiffy! Inspired? Get to Tarps Online, and
get to work!
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