Model rocketry

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

Video of the LOC/Precision Graduator's flight via YouTube.

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

Launched some rockets at Windward Community College on Saturday August 21, 2021. Did four flights. One of the flights I did was a LOC/Precision Graduator rocket carrying a Jolly Logic Altimeter One using a Quest E26-4W motor which lofted the rocket to 243 feet and then it was recovered by 21 inch nylon parachute.

[speedtek]

Re: Model rocketry

Thanks Helen. My point of reference is 1970's technology.

Hey Speed, remember the launch console used at Honorocs events? It could control 7+ launch points on that converted saw horse like launch pad and had a vehicle-like safety key Mike Okuda or Mike Lim would always carry the key around their necks.

Yes I remember that Launch pad and how they controlled THE KEY! Got back into building again. Also bought some parts to build a control box.

I just talked to Mike Okuda. I asked him to find the old logo and some pics. He dont remember where he put them. I know someone here had the old logo. Post it up if you have it.

Re: Model rocketry

When I was a Cubmaster in the 1980's and early 1990's, we built and launched model rockets. I made my own remote ignition device, and I let each cub actuate the ignition. Some of them went as high as 1000 feet. They are a lot of fun.

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

Picked up a small camera from the Brookstone store at Ward Centre around a month ago. It is small and light enough to fit inside a model rocket so yesterday I launched it a few times.

This video is from the ground while this one is from inside the rocket.

[helen]

Re: ATTN: HELEN, Re: Model rocketry contest

How do you determine height?

Some rockets can carry an altimeter. It is a battery powered device that measures the air pressure. It needs to measure the air pressure on the ground first, then it's placed in the rocket, as it goes up the air pressure decreases. After it stops decreasing the altimeter will then compare the air pressure levels between the ground and the lowest air pressure to get the height.

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

For the concept of using reloadable motors itself no, but there is an issue of being certified to fly rockets powered by H motors or higher.

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Model rocketry

More than likey you are referring to reloadable motors. Even in that case you don't mix any chemicals, you just use the pre-made propellant chucks (otherwise known as grains) that you buy from motor manufacter into the reloadable motor.

While it can be argued that the reloadable motors has a cheaper cost per flight than a single use motor, you will need to up front the cost of the motor casing and time needed to prepare the motor for flight and to clean the motor after the flight.

Do you need a permit or a license to operate rockets equipped with reloadable motors? Sounds like these buggahs can go pretty high.

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

More than likey you are referring to reloadable motors. Even in that case you don't mix any chemicals, you just use the pre-made propellant chucks (otherwise known as grains) that you buy from motor manufacter into the reloadable motor.

While it can be argued that the reloadable motors has a cheaper cost per flight than a single use motor, you will need to up front the cost of the motor casing and time needed to prepare the motor for flight and to clean the motor after the flight.

[Da Rolling Eye]

Re: Model rocketry

Aiya! Sorry we missed it, again. Didn't check back till this morning.

Okay then, I guess you don't make your own.
Actually, I was thinking more of the expensive ones that can be reused, but I'm guessing that the components for the fuel is hard to come by locally. Oh well. I'll be checking around the places you mentioned. I already picked up a pack from Hobbietat, but I know I'm going to need more.

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

Photos from the August 15 launch (via Flickr).

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

There is a launch this Saturday at Windward Community College from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. As far as getting the engines locally you can try Hobbietat, Wellers and Hobby Company. Depending on the rockets you have get A or B engines, the field at Windward CC is not that big.

Also model rocketry is not about making your own engines.

[Da Rolling Eye]

Re: Model rocketry

Kewl, Helen. I have yet to take my daughter out for a rocketry outing. We finally picked up a few inexpensive rocket kits and finally found a launcher on Craigs. Now I'm shocked at how the prices of the motors have gone up.

Can you recommend a place that has good prices for the motors? Do you make your own?

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

Launched a LOC/Precision Caliber ISP rocket this past Sunday.

[helen]

Re: Model rocketry

Was going thru the Estes web site today and I noticed an option called Classic Series. It is a 9 page PDF document that describes 17 model rockets kits to be released during Spring 2009. These kits were originally desgined during the 1970's and 1980's and were originally sold by Estes and Centuri.

It also list an additional 25 rocket kits that are planned to be released in the Summer of 2009.