How many times have you missed the button that opens up the panel to the RA hole, and paid for it with your life? From my experience, I can tell you that this is the most annoying button to activate in the game. Sometimes rockets hit the area directly next to the button, that seems like it should, but doesn't, open the panel.
 
Tip on how to open it: Use a rocket's radius blast to activate the button rather than the rocket itself.
 
Right now, you must be thinking, "Hmmm, that's strange. Then why doesn't it open sometimes when my rocket lands directly next to the button? Shouldn't the radius blast activate it anyway?" The answer is yes and no. It should, because it makes common sense, but no, because that is not how Quake works. In order to activate the button with the blast, the button must be in the direct line of sight of the point of impact . Isn't the button in the line of sight of a blast that hits the face of the wall, you ask? Well, no. The actual switch that tells Quake that the button was activated is actually behind the wall. While the button is aligned with the wall, the switch is not. Thus, when you shoot at the face of the wall, the blast only sees the top of the button, but not what's behind it. That is why it is easier to shoot a wall perpendicular or adjacent to the face of the wall. That way, the switch (behind the button) is in the line of sight, and thus is easily activated.
 
Additional Tip: When facing the button, never shoot at the actual wall the button is on. Instead, shoot at the walls next to it, whether it is to the side, above, etc. I've found the easiest way to open the button when facing it is to either shoot it with a shotgun or shoot a rocket at the top right corner.
 


Shoot a bit off center.

Not only will it be easier for you to activate the button; you can also activate the button before you get there. Here's how:
 
As you're underneath the button and running towards the lift, shoot up at the wall to the left or right of the button. If done correctly, the panel to the RA hole will be open even before you start going up the lift. See demo.
 


Open Sesame!

Next: Making Less Noise