We can help!

Dear Editor,

The AN/TPQ-36 and -37 Firefinder radars are sophisticated systems that require intensive care to work right. At the Ft Sill Ordnance Training Detachment, we've developed a few publications that can help Firefinder crews everywhere keep their radar systems spotting enemy fire:

* Handout 11-5840-355-30-1, which contains all the schematics For the -37, plus troubleshooting tips

* CECOM Firefinder job aid, which includes all the Firefinder alignments and troubleshooting for the repairman in both book and CD Form

* a DVD of all the -37 alignments for versions 5, 6, and 8

* all of the exercise booklets for the Firefinder course here at the Ordnance School

To get any of these aids, just contact me at DSN 639-2655/[phone] or email:

[e-mail]

In addition, we would like to hear any suggestions For other Firefinder products we might provide.

CW3 Kenneth Evans

Ordnance Training Detachment

Ft Sill, OK

Editor's note: The next step is up to you, Firefinder crews. Take Chief Evans up on his offer to help.

Walk the Hose

Easy does it when you walk the tool's hydraulic hoses away from or back to the excavator.

Do not yank on the hoses or let them snap back into the spool. Sooner or later this yo-yo treatment breaks the recoil spring inside the spool. Then you can't rewind the hoses.

To make the hoses, recoil spring and hose spool last longer, always walk the hoses back.

Lube Fittings

Make sure the hose reel bearings get lubed. You'll find the grease fittings on each end of the hose reel. A few shots of grease every month work best. That way the spool rolls back and forth smoothly.

Put the hose reefs cover back in place after the lube job. That way the cover will protect the rubber hydraulic hoses from the elements.