Sorry for the long gap between post. But I find myself working on several different projects at the same time, and not finishing anything that I can report.
I would like to ask a question of my readers (Yes, Both of you ;-} )
Would there be any interest if I could supply a reproduction Apollo Bubble helmet, professionally cast from a mold of my real helmet bubble?
The only source I know of that sells a reproduction, gets $3800.00 for one.
I was thinking of pricing somewhere around $1500 if I get enough interest. Of course I would have to sell several to cover my cost at this price.
Popularity: unranked [?]
The worst thing about putting on one of my suits is: by the time you get everything zipped, Velcroed and snapped. The helmet and gloves on, you are so hot the helmet steams up and the perspiration is pouring off of your forehead into your eyes. The padding and foam I use to create the pressurized look is so insulating you could die of heatstroke in the arctic.
My answer is the same one the guys at Hamilton-Standard came up with years ago. Cold water running through small tubes next to the skin.
I purchased some “net” fabric with holes just slightly smaller than the tubing I had. I the “threded” the tubing in and out of the shirt I had sewn. I divided the shirt into 4 “zones” . Each arm is one, and then the front and back. A small pump pushes ice water from a 1/2 liter bottel to a “header” that sends it to all 4 zones then back to another header and back to the bottel.
This should help me “keep my cool”. I’ll let you know the next time I put the suit on.
Popularity: unranked [?]
I moved the thigh pocket. I believe it looks better now. Now I just need to make the name tag, and the UDC injection site, fix a few small things….
Popularity: unranked [?]
Well it had to happen, I just spent an hour removing gas connectors, glove disconnects and other assorted attachments between the ITMG and the inner suit. Then I removed the ITMG for the first time in weeks.
All this is necessary so I can move a pocket and add some details, including the name tag, and the injection port under the UDC flap.
I managed to acquire some thick black rubber to use as the glove disconnects restraint bands. I had black zip ties there, but was not happy with the look. So when I re-assemble the suit it will look better.
I will be checking and re-checking the details while I have everything apart. And adding some small details I have put off. (such as the velcro for the Lunar Overshoes) And just generally tidying up.
Update: The aluminum template worked fine for the pressure gage, I now have a good fit between the lens and the body for a realistic look.
Popularity: unranked [?]
The suit is nearing completion now, I assembled the whole thing in IV configuration and checked airflow to the helmet and the cooling shirt I made. Using a thermal underwear shirt and about 10 meters of 3/16 inch plastic tubing. And some very careful stitching. It looks like a plumbers nightmare, but it really helps. I have a small pump used to cool a computer from my Mac modding days, a 750ml water container filled with cold H20. The water is pumped around the torso and down each arm then back to the container in a closed loop.
The air flow is provided by a blower pushing through a can filter then into the suit. The duct runs down under the left arm then up the back to the neckring where it meets the headrest/air duct on the helmet. There is a secondary duct in the front of the neckring that leads down and out the blue gas connector on the right side.
The suit is so insulating, in the past every time I would put the helmet on it would quickly fogg up. The cooling has really helped.
Popularity: unranked [?]
I’ve been doing some assembly. Finished attaching the LS connectors. Added some additional material in the shoulders to round them out a bit. Added the upper PLSS bracket and cinch strap. And decided it was time to test the fit of everything again. So the photos show the end result.
Popularity: unranked [?]
I have felt better these last few days and have been working off and on on the suit. As the pictures show, I have the aluminum neckring painted and installed. And the helmet visor on the LEVA is done.
I have also started installing the LS gas connectors, and have the glove disconnects in place.
And I have the UDC valve in place:
Popularity: unranked [?]
Sorry there has been little progress this week. It seems I picked up a rather nasty bug at work that has kept me under the weather this week.
I am starting to feel a little better, and actualy did a little work on a new ITMG cover for my LEVA. I was not happy with the fit of the first one I made. If I make any real progress I’ll put up some pictures.
So in the mean time, here is a photo of my last suit:
Update:
The promised pictures of the LEVA in its current state:
And for Johan, my Hasselbladski:
Until next time, remember if the caution light will not clear; just tap around it with your flashlight. Its probably just a ball of solder.
Popularity: unranked [?]
You will probably notice there are no progress pictures on todays post. Well, if you read yesterdays column you might guess that I had to got into work. You would be correct. Eight hours of driving a snow plow. Then I got stuck going up the hill in my driveway in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Me, stuck in the Jeep… I didn’t think it could happen!
I spent most of today shoveling and clearing with my tractor, my 650 foot (198.12 meters) long driveway. The official snow total for my aera was 20 inches or 50.8 centimeters of wet packed snow.
Perhaps after a little rest and dinner I’ll work a little bit… If so I’ll post pictures of whatever I do.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Here in Ohio we are in the beginnings of what promises to be the worst winter storm this year. So I am looking forward to having lots of time to work on the suit this weekend. Only one small problem could arise; I work for a small city near Columbus. And after 18 or so hours they run out of street department employees to drive the snow plows and start looking to other departments.
Now I am far enough up the food chain that this is not usually a problem. But if the need for snowplowing last for more than say 36 hours, I may have to go to work.
So today I have sewn the zipper flap to the suit and added the abrasion patch. And attached the velcro and snaps. I would hate to have to get out of one of these in a hurry. Two zippers, snaps and all that velcro… no wonder they wear diapers.
After the flap and patch, I moved on to the last part of the ITMG sleeve. The short tapered piece at the glove disconnects. This tapers from around 21 to 14 inches.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Recent Comments