non-grounded epee

[pammie003]

Okay, yet another technical question!

We have an epee at the club that was put together by different people in various stages, so we have no way of knowing exactly how things were done. It works fine in the tester, but when someone brought it on to the strip, the bell was registering as a valid hit. (It wasn't dirty or rusty, nor was the opponent's tip). I've been told about this before, but I can't remember where I should check...

Can I get a rundown of potential causes (and solutions if it's something complicated) for this? Obvious ones as well please, they get overlooked too! I'll check 'em all at practice on Monday.

[Talyn]

Check if it actually IS grounded... theres always a chancce that something was covering the guard at the time the opponent hit it.

You can also check the wiring in the epee to make sure none of the wires are loose.

[DangerMouse]

Loose wires won't affect the grounding of the guard. The most likely 2 causes are:

#1 Bad body cord. Check to make sure it doesn't have any broken wires and that the little flanges on the pins are ok (you can bend them out with a little screwdriver if necessary).

#2 The plug on the socket that doesn't have a wire is loose or not connected to the metal part of the socket. check both of those things.

You also should check the reel and the floor cord to make sure they work.

-DM

[Artisan]

It wouldn't be the wiring in the epee - if on target works.
- rule out body cord first, try another.
- check that the grip is tight, and that the socket bracket has good contact with the bell guard. Some Guards have clear lacquer inside that could act as an insulator.
- check that socket is clean inside (c-line - the one thats farther apart). A little spit on the C-pin of the body cord may help.
- Check that the screws that hold the socket bracket to the plastic socket is tight. There's a tab of metal under one of the screw heads that grounds the socket to the weapon.
- the bell guard make look clean, but have a film of insulating oxidation, and or oil on it, scrub it with a wire brush, steel wool or other suitable mild abrasive.

- lastly if one of the wires is pinched by the grip, and the insulation has failed but the wire has not broken, there may be just enough conduction. Check that too... but that usually causes a white light.

[sallearmourer]

Two things a loose barrel or the c lead plug in the socket is not grounded and most have a little clip that goes between the socket and the mental holder or the barrel is not making contact with the blade, that the only three place that cause that problem

Tim Loomis

Down and out but making a come back

[pammie003]

Thanks guys, I checked most of that, but forgot a few. The body wire, reel, cables and bell guard were all checked.

On Monday I will check out the little metal tab... I have a feeling this may be what's wrong.