Near Space:Gantry

From BarnTek

The Gantry was constructed from 1x4 Spruce. The 1x4's were ripped to produce pieces about 1 3/4 inches wide which made for light weight construction. The diminsions are: 5 feet high and 12in x 13.5". The Arm for the shroud ring is adjustable. But, for us, stands about 12 to 14 inches above the Gantry.

All wood joints were nailed with small finishing nails and glued with wood glue. The shelves are made from 1/4" plywood and framed with spruce. They are attached to the main gantry tower with bolts to allow adjustment up and down the gantry depending on the size of the package(s) and clearance needed to work with them. The wheels are lawnmower wheels purchased at the local hardware store. The axle is a piece of 3/8" all-thread rod and self locking nuts hold it all together.

The completed Gantry is shown here without the laptop PC shelf, which was added later. At the top, the arm holds the shroud ring while the stack is being assembled.

This is the wheel assembly. Notice that when the Gantry is in the Vertical Operating position, the wheels are off the ground. When the Gantry is tipped over on to the wheels it can be moved around easily.

This is the Gantry as we readied the 2009 flight. One of the latest modifications can be seen here on the arm at the top of the gantry. The small piece of wood attached to the end of the arm keeps the shroud ring from slipping off when you're attaching the parachute.

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