Block Zones & Technical Features Discussion Thread

[Dan?]

Okay, we all know what a block zone is, but a lot of the time the actual arrangement of rides isn't something that's immediately obvious. This thread is for those who want to know more about the mechanisms and electronics - or those who have the answers! - behind our favourite scream machines! I'll start:

What on Earth is going on with Orion? Looks like there's a block at the top of the brake run, one on the bottom of the slope and a third one before the transfer, but I have no idea if that's just a trim or not. How is that thing set up?

EDIT: Please move to Q&A!

 

[Hyde]

Okay, we all know what a block zone is, but a lot of the time the actual arrangement of rides isn't something that's immediately obvious. This thread is for those who want to know more about the mechanisms and electronics - or those who have the answers! - behind our favourite scream machines! I'll start:

What on Earth is going on with Orion? Looks like there's a block at the top of the brake run, one on the bottom of the slope and a third one before the transfer, but I have no idea if that's just a trim or not. How is that thing set up?

EDIT: Please move to Q&A!

Answer: Witchcraft.

While I'm not qualified to give real engineering answers (Mechanics I broke my engineering dreams in college), I am qualified enough to recommend checking out Irvine Ondrey Engineering's social media feed (https://www.irvineondrey.com/). They specialize in ride systems, and are active on social media to bring folks into the process of designing ride blocking/braking systems. I especially love their coverage on improving ride systems, such as the new job they just booked in updating Flight Deck at CGA to have quicker dispatch times.