GeoCracker™ — Help

by Jeremy Reeder, CMS.

  • The functions of the safecracking geometer are as follows:
    • It converts coordinates between polar and Cartesian systems.
      • The polar coordinate system used here is the safecrackers' standard, where angles are measured clockwise from top dead center.
    • It converts length units between 'in' & 'mm'
    • It converts angular units between dials of different graduations.
    • It accomodates crackers of indirect-drive safe locks by adding vectors: p1 + p2 = p3,
      • where p1 is the wheelpack center relative to the dial center,
      • p2 is a drill point relative to the wheelpack center,
      • & p3 is the same point but measured relative to the dial center.
    • It displays all data graphically, in actual size, in a style based partly on the HUD of a fighter jet. For printing, the HUD background is automatically converted to white.
      • The dial position is represented by green crosshairs.
      • The wheelpack position is represented by gray crosshairs.
      • The drill point is represented by a gray dot.
        • A green target square is positioned at the drill point based on p2.
        • A green aim diamond is positioned at the drill point based on p3 & should be aligned with the target.
  • One application of the geometer is as follows, for an indirect drive lock:
    1. Enter Cartesian coordinates (x, y) for wheelpack center (p1) in inches.
    2. Switch to millimeters, automatically converting previously entered data.
    3. Enter polar coordinates (angle x radius) for drill point (p2) in millimeters
      • (because this measurement happens to come from overseas).
    4. Switch back to inches, if that's what you prefer to use.
    5. You now have your drill point, from dial center, in both polar & Cartesian coordinates. Take your pick.
      • The StrongArm Uni-Temp uses Cartesian coordinates.
      • For manual positioning, use polar coordinates if preferred.
      • The web page can also be printed and used as a template.
  • For a direct drive lock, simply leave the default coordinates for p1, as p2 is all that applies.