Carrying SI boxes

[MrsB]

We've recently lost a couple of SI boxes when collecting in the controls at the end of an event. They were being carried by hand and were dropped but never found again despite an extensive search. How do other clubs carry the SI boxes when hanging and collecting? I think I've heard someone mention some sort of waistcoat with pockets.

[Gross]

Another reason for using Emit

[NeilC]

Out - in a rucksac with units strung together in the order to be put out
In - either trust the clips and carry entire assembly - or back into the rucksac sans string

[keever]

One good way is to use a rope and put it through the holes in the boxes and tie a knot at one end and hold the other end of the rope (or just put in a bag). Doing this is also very quick for getting the right box when putting controls out because you can put them in order on the rope before you set off.

Edit - what Neil said.

[madmike]

http://orienteer.com/si/vest.jpg

here is the vest Mrs B - I'd go for sac and string if I was you

[frog]

If putting out I stick them in a rucksac. We're using our new DP made lightweight control bars for most areas now as you can carry up to 20 at a go, the SI units do slip off them though so once the control is put out we usually bind it to the metal clip it hangs off with insulating tape so it won't fall off if the whole thing is collected and not dismantled as control collectors less likely to have rucksacs. We started this after a couple slid off and 1 was never found again.

[NFKleanne]

Never had problems with SI boxes falling of stakes, infact normally they are a pain to take of the stakes. Normally collect them in using the tent pole bags (for our frame tents - just the right size)! Never put controls out - so I'm not sure!!

[Barny of Blandford]

Quite a few clubs in the south-west area have the new type boxes strapped on with electric cable ties so that they cannot come off. Some of them never detach them at all but leave them attached to post all the time and then store them away

I use rucksac and rope on way out and rucksac on way in.

If it is a vulnerable area and we are cable tying them I do not cut them off until I have them back in - then use side cutters or large scissors

For urban where we use old type boxes and no stakes cut and put in rucksac

At least one of our sets which is used for school work never comes off green fencing posts - they are permanently strapped on

Hope this helps

[Red Adder]

I assemble bags of kites SI boxes number lables etc in carrier bags for each mini-loolp and then decant the contents in to a ruck-sack at the start of each loop. It means that you can get everything packed and checked in a nice warm house. Its not fool-proof though - I've got to a control, convinced myself I've left the box behind and then serval controls on found I didn't.

I've also nearly lost a SI box when collecting - somehow it fell off its "cane" and whilst I was happily driving home for a hot bath some other poor peeps where searching the forest in the gathering November gloom. They found it and I didn't get too much stick as I had been out most the previous day hanging controls and in the forest from 7 am on the Sunday.

[King Penguin]

Putting Out
Cane or dowell the right diameter to pass through the hole, with a stop on one end.
Load the units to this, one per put-out loop, in reverse order of putting out, and carry in small rucksack, carrier bag, MADO bag or similar.
If the dowell is "just right" in size the units will be slightly stiff on it and won't accidentally slide off.

Collecting
I dismantle at control site, kites threaded over arm and units in rucksack or similar.
Whilst I have never had one fall off if carrying whilst still assembled I know of others who have, so do not take the chance.

[MrsB]

Thanks to everyone who replied - some useful ideas so hopefully we won't lose any more.