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FireBottle Halon now done, advice/comments wtd.

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by enjoythemusic, Apr 3, 2006.

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  1. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #1 enjoythemusic, Apr 3, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    ... and want advice as i was not sure where to point the nozzle. Of course at/near the gas tanks, but also the engine needs love too.

    The nozzle has a pair of angled holes that then hit a coned (horn-loaded for speaker guys) surface, i guess they improved the nozzle design to produce a broader spray pattern. Anywho it is from

    http://www.firebottleracing.com

    Pics are below as to how i have it now. Thanks as ALL help is always appreciated.
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  2. JoTeC

    JoTeC Formula Junior

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    #2 JoTeC, Apr 3, 2006
    Nicely done! I want to add one myself. I am going to try to mount my bottle up front though with a cable actuator...
     
  3. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #3 enjoythemusic, Apr 3, 2006
    A most humble thanks. Thought long and hard about going cable, but in the end felt electrical as i could easily wire up as many triggers as desired (plus am an electronic DIY'er so soldering and running wire is simple).

    FYI: i used hard plastic hole bushings when the tube passed through ANY metal wall and secured the tube to the chassis at certain intervals using soft plastic cushioned metal cable clamps.
     
  4. cwwhk

    cwwhk Formula 3

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    #4 cwwhk, Apr 3, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    On 360 Challenge liquid type fire extinguisher system, it has 3 nozzles inside the cockpit along the roll cage near the head area, 1 nozzle pointing at the rear exhaust silencer, and 2 near the LH & RH gas tanks. So the factory design has 50% of the nozzles inside the cockpit!

    I don't know the suitablility of a Halon gas system going off inside the cockpit, but for me I'd think putting out the fire inside the cockpit first is more important than putting out an engine compartment fire. Engine fire is painful to the wallet, but growing new skin probably hurts a lot more :).

    BTW, I just saw your other thread about the master cut-off switch. Very nicely done. A little too late now, but you could have done it another way as per the 360 Challenge with the switch at center console then run a pull cable from the switch to base of windshield just next to the wiper blades. No holes on hood necessary, and the switch is not exposed to rain.
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  5. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #5 enjoythemusic, Apr 3, 2006
    MANY thanks for the pic/info. MUCH appreciated! Also saw what they did to another, earlier model (348 Challenge at http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95673&highlight=halon ). Yes, there is usually at least one in the cockpit and i plan to plumb one in when the parts arrive. As for electrical cut off, that too was a debate but decided to go with it on the hood. Many vintage Ferrari cars seem to use the under hood pull cable as you photo'ed.

    In hindsight, i'd probably do exactly as i have already done as running the power cables through the cabin versus what i did which is basically right by the battery.... But still, it is good that there are alternatives.
     
  6. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

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    #6 pma1010, Apr 3, 2006
    Steve:
    You grounded the alternator with the kill switch and the resistor to absorb the power after ignition cut, before engine stops turning, right?

    On the halon, looks good. Don't let it discharge onto the crown jewels. I am told it can freeze (kill) skin...

    When's the first outing?
    Philip
     
  7. Shark49

    Shark49 Formula Junior

    Mar 31, 2005
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    #7 Shark49, Apr 3, 2006
    Very cool! Which kit did you buy and what did it cost you?
    Thanks,
    Nate
     
  8. Impactco

    Impactco Formula 3

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    #8 Impactco, Apr 3, 2006
    Be aware that Halon is an asphyxiant. When discharged in an enclosed space it displaces the oxygen which puts out the fire. If the fire doesn't kill you, the Halon might. See the following:

    http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:7WZHK2BrqnYJ:ehs.ucdavis.edu/ftpd/sftynet/sn_55.pdf+halon+asphyxiant.&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2

    http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:kxhtc6bCU8IJ:www2.kiddeaerospace.com/Documentation/Agent%2520MSDS/Recycled%2520Halon%25201211%2520-%2520European%2520Version%2520-%2520KA004EU.pdf+halon+asphyxiant.&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=12
     
  9. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #9 GrigioGuy, Apr 3, 2006
    Just one question, and it may be a stupid one because I don't know these systems. If the battery gets knocked out somehow (kill switch, failure, front of car missing), how is this system activated? Is there a mechanical backup?
     
  10. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

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    #10 pma1010, Apr 3, 2006
    Tillman:
    The electrical system used runs froma 9v battery. It merely opens the release valve. Bottle is under pressure, halon is released when the valve opens. Doesn't need car power source to run.
    Philip
     
  11. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #11 enjoythemusic, Apr 4, 2006
    Yes, kill switch with resistor, etc. KTR European installed it and they also ran the wire from the alt to the kill switch, etc. So it is per SCCA/safety rules. Will make sure Halon does not blow my nads (no pun intended). First outing is in, hmmm... 46 hours :) ...then all day Saturday and Sunday.


    It is the FireBottle SFi-approved system, 5 lbs Halon electrical for $449 i got at http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecId=3158



    Impacto, thanks for thr info that that is one of the resons why i have delayed, and might not put a nozzle in the compartment. i ALWAYS wear Nomex which should give me a few seconds of protection, and of course corner workers but as many people know you must try to be as self contained as you can as completely relying on others...
     
  12. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

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    #12 enjoythemusic, Apr 4, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Of course Philip is correct, but note the new FireBottle system does not come with the 9V battery box (i called them and asked why...).

    Basically, just make your own 9V battery power box and you can easily wire in a Master System ON/OFF switch mounted on the outside of the (generic term) project box. Just wanted to give a heads up for those who may get the same system that they will need to make their own 9V battery box. Call it $10 at Radio Shack/Tandy and a few minutes of soldering + heat shrinking.

    So yes, the system is completely independant of the car, though note i use the Enersys PC680 battery for the car and added their aluminum housing that is bolted down to the car for added safety/protection. Frankly, i don't trust the car's stock hold down bolt/lip on its own.
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