[Elecraft] This information could save your life.

Sat Nov 9 16:22:01 2002

I don't know that I would want to use a center punch on a PCB but, some
folks may.  

Now, on to the actual meat of the message.  If you do not already own one
of these devices, you should purchase one to put on your keychain(s).  
Why?  They will allow rapid escape from your vehicle if you ever find
yourself in the unenviable position of being in said vehicle while it is
submerged in water.  You may say, "That will never happen to me."  Well,
so did I.  The fact of the matter is that the ability to think calmly
under pressure, and adapt, improvise and overcome (things that the Marine
Corps taught me) led me to use the center punch to escape the vehicle.  
The windows (power) would not roll down and the doors would (for obvious
reasons) not open.  The center punch took out the drivers side window in
one quick "pop".  Note: If you have to do this, take a deep breath, face
AWAY from the window, reach behind yourself and use the punch.  Wait until
the vehicle is FILLED with water (which will now enter rapidly through the
window) before you attempt to exit.  I don't care how strong of a swimmer
you are, you aren't stronger than the water that will be rushing in the
window.

Simply hold the spring loaded punch against the center of the window,
push, wait a few seconds, unbelt and swim to safety.

For the price, it is very inexpensive insurance that if you find yourself
in that position, you can exit your vehicle.  It is also goo for entering
vehicles that are locked should you be a first responder.  You probably
already know the value of a center punch if you are though.

73 de John - KC4KGU

On Sat, 9 Nov 2002, Jeremiah J McCarthy wrote:

> General Hardware Manufacturing sells a very handy device they call an
> automatic center punch...It is a spring loaded self impacting center
> punch with adjustable impact from heavy to light...One simply places the
> point of the punch at the spot where the mark is desired and push down on
> the barrel...The tool will "snap", unloading the internal spring loaded
> hammer, leaving a dimple...No hammer is needed and the dimple will be
> exactly where you want it...
> 
> Jerry, wa2dkg
> K2 #2549
> 
> 
> K2VCO asked:
>  
> >OK, I'll bite.  HOW do you cut a trace in the middle of an eight-layer
> PCB in
> >any province ("very carefully" is not an acceptable answer)?
>  
> Dremel tool & (sorry, must use the word) careful measurement when marking
> the point to be drilled & how far to let the bit to go in.
>  
> 73, VR2BrettGraham
>  
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