John Szimanski Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 PDA began seasoning and calibrating the SOS grippers this weekend and will continue at the rate of 10-20 per day until the full stock is completed. Preordered targets will be shipped in the order they were received as we come across them. All orders that can be filled from current stock will be shipped by Monday 10/15/01 unless other arrangements have been made. As you may be aware, the referenced Class III SOS grippers (using 0.280” diameter piano) wire specifications were selected to get us in the rather broad Model3 range (292-504IP) to help you build up to and beyond the Model3. And they did get us in that range. However, that known range is very broad, and our specifications and quality control produce much more uniform grippers. As a result, the 290 grippers are hitting a much narrower band. Current Class III stock runs 318-357IP. The PDA specifications were determined based on collected data. However, we missed some relevant facts that impacted our intended effectiveness. We knew changing wire diameters had changed the grippers over the years. But, we neglected to consider the changes in other spring characteristics. For instance, the current Model4 uses 310 wire whereas Mr. Sorin’s top-rated record Phantom 4 was built with 290 wire (as confirmed by the fabricator). Smaller wire yet higher rating. So, steel with different characteristics was used for the Phantoms. As soon as we started getting SOS results we realized the implications. As a result, we immediately cut work orders for some 296 and 290 grippers. We expect these will allow us to reach into the higher IP ranges. As soon as the numbers start coming in we will evaluate where we are at and order more of the same or different springs as appropriate. We will not speculate on what the ratings will be for upcoming wire sizes. There is much work to do and, what we actually get is what we actually get. In the near future reference classes will be dropped and only IP ratings will be used. Likewise, references to wire sizes will also be dropped. We are, after all, aiming to produce consistently configured grippers with accurate and valid calibrations. As demonstrated by the Phantom 4, the closing torque overshadows the component substances. The 296 grippers were started Saturday 10/6/01 and are expected to start shipping by the week of 10/29/01. The 290 grippers will follow. As noted above, all orders that can be filled from current stock will be shipped by Monday 10/15/01. We hope this plan of action meets with your approval and are open to comments as usual. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AP Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 Is there any way that you can make some of the the high 400 ip with a chrome or polished spring like the elite? the chrome spring of the elite might be the only reason that i might buy it over a pda calibrated... just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kINGPIN Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 Sounds a good idea to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kINGPIN Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 Sounds a good idea to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kINGPIN Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 Sorry about the double post, don't know how that happened. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Luke Reimer Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 AP, before you go off and buy some BB-Elites strictly for their chrome springs, I should mention that neither of the two BB-Elites I received have chrome springs (they are dark just like IM springs). I don't know why this is. Maybe the chrome springs have been discontinued? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersqueeze Posted October 8, 2001 Share Posted October 8, 2001 John - Will you notify us when our order has been filled and is being shipped? -Mike M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Piche Posted October 9, 2001 Share Posted October 9, 2001 With PDA, notification is a given. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Szimanski Posted October 9, 2001 Author Share Posted October 9, 2001 PDA examined the fabrication possibilities before going into production. We have considered the cost-benefit of using chrome springs and stainless steel handles. Neither offers a functional advantage for the expense. The chrome provides a stiffer spring with no better corrosion protection; we get the same results with varying spring diameter without added inventory, yada, yada. Chrome looks prettier; PDA never invests in appearance - things turn out the way they turn out as a matter of function. There are no architects here. Stainless Handles doubles the gripper weight and shipping expense with no advantage whatsoever. We would not produce either speculatively. But, as with all of our equipment, custom orders are filled daily for those prepared to bare the expense. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersqueeze Posted October 17, 2001 Share Posted October 17, 2001 Any update on the SOS gripper timeline? Shipping was to begin 10/15 ... have any grippers been shipped? Mike M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Szimanski Posted October 18, 2001 Author Share Posted October 18, 2001 Yes, Mike. We have been shipping as the requesting IPs surfaced. Yours will be packaged today and shipped tomorrow. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersqueeze Posted October 18, 2001 Share Posted October 18, 2001 YES!!!! Sorry about the lack of patience ... I feel like a kid just before Christmas! Mike M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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