IndyRockets - Forum

Subject: School Launch - by: John Kelley

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:08:29 -0400

Went to Sarah's school today to launch a few rockets for the kids to see. They no longer do their Young Astronauts program, but the teacher who used to run it seems to think the kids will enjoy seeing some rockets launched and I have a fun time so it's a good fit.

Kept the motors small and the altitudes low to stay on the school grounds and out of the trees and off the roof, etc.

Sarah and a few of her friends helped launch and chase (which was a big plus even though nothing drifted very far.

We launched
Flikit Green Crayon an a micromax motor
Fliskit Tumbleweed on a 1/4A3
Art Applewhite 18mm Flourescent orange Hourglass on a C6-0 (this went higher than I expected, but came down not too far away from the pad)
Art Applewhite 24mm Flourescent Yellow Delta on a C11-0, which was pretty impressive
Fliskit Fric and Frac on a C6-0/B6-0 combo. This turned into the wind right before staging, but still was a neat flight.
Estes Ricochet on an A8-3.The only casualty of the day, arriving home with a broken fin. May have broke it in the car.
Fliskit Thing a ma Jig on an A8-3
Dynastar Grappler on a D12-3. Stayed low and put out a lot of smoke and noise. Though it didn't go
high enough for the 3rd graders. But it stayed close to the pad, which was what I was looking for.
Estes mean Machine on a C11-3
and finally, the altitude champ of the day;Sarah's friend Joey's Quest Skyhawk on an A8-3.

Everything went smoothly, with only one misfire, which I think was caused by the clips being shorted together.

All in all, I think everyone enjoyed it. I know I did.

And I put in a plug for the club's launches.

John

Subject: Re: ROCI Meeting Tuesday May 15th... - by: Tom Laird

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:49:50 -0400

I will be there.

Tom

Subject: ROCI Meeting Tuesday May 15th... - by: Gary Degler

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:32:33 -0400

The meeting tonight is an important one, we need to figure out what else needs to be replaced with our launch equipment. And we also need to make final plans for the CIRFF HPR Launch on the 26-27th. See you there!...

-GaryD

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 14 May 2012 21:23:43 -0400

I plan to be there.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Gary Degler

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:54:44 -0400

I'll be at the meeting...

-GaryD

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Dennis

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:08:35 -0400

I plan to be at the meeting tomorrow, though I may be a little late so listen for my knock.

Dennis

Subject: Re: Launch Sites? - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:34:48 -0400

Aaron Head wrote:

AMOREA launches at Ft.Ben at 56th and Post Rd. area. Historically the launches have been hit/miss but when they do happen, its a good time. I think the schedule and site location is in the club area on this site.

-Aaron

Nope, not here. I've given various people in AMOREA the required access to keep things updated but they created their own site and have left things blank here.

MP

Subject: Re: Launch Sites? - by: Aaron Head

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:06 -0400

Subject: Re: CIRFF Vendors - by: Mario Perdue

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:55:56 -0400

Red Arrow Hobbies is planning to attend. I don't know the status of any of the other vendors at this point. I'm certain that there will be enough certified NAR members to do an L2 cert flight.

Subject: Re: CIRFF Vendors - by: Joseph Mattingly

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:56:51 -0400

Are there typically many vendors for this event, particularly for HPR motors? On a similar topic, are there also people that could sign off on a NAR cert flight (L2)?

Subject: Launch Sites? - by: Zac

Wed, 09 May 2012 23:14:33 -0400

Hello all,

I'm a new BAR at it again after 25 years, and looking for a good low power launch area in Northern Indianapolis, Fishers/Noblesville. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Zac

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: ed hartle

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:37:17 -0400

On the subject of scorching......

If you could dig up a piece of downspout (about a foot ans a half long) and a 90 degree elbow, they would make a dandy blast deflector for that tower.

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: ed hartle

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:44:45 -0400

I'll have it there both days. No Problem.

Evil Ed

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Gary Degler

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:50:40 -0400

Sorry folks that I haven't been responding here, but we had two kids graduating college last weekend and things have been crazy. Thanks Mario, Tom and everyone for your help on this. The treasury can cover whatever else ends up being needed for the two batteries. After having expensive batteries stolen twice, I was more inclined to go with cheaper batteries. But assuming that our trailer will be much safer now, it does make sense to get good ones. As far as the little pad thumbscrews there should be a bag of those in the tool kit, as well as some of the other stuff like the steel wool. We have a meeting in a week, that will be a good time to get the rest of these details finalized. Thanks...

-GaryD

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:40:45 -0400

That's a very generous offer. I'm sure that Gary Degler will be in touch soon since he is handling that aspect of the equipment replacement.

On the cable front, I'm currently building replacement igniter leads, breakout boxes and control cables. We should have everything we need to do a setup of up to four low power racks and up to 4 away pad sets. That will give us a max of 24 pads for our full setup. I suspect that we will normally setup fewer pads than that at an average launch.

MP

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Mon, 07 May 2012 21:06:47 -0400

Well, here it is with its launch tower. I almost forgot one very important thing...might some nice vendor have some kevlar for sale at CIRFF? I need a shock cord and looking at the Sputnik with the parachute outside the body tube, there was still a fair amount of scorching and I'd rather not just use elastic or nylon string for the recovery system.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Dennis

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:58:23 -0400

Wow...$200. I'll pick up the stakes.

Do straight steel or aluminum tent stakes work? I don't remember the size of the originals. What size are the little thumb screws that hold the small pad rods in place? With all the stuff stolen, the ones on the pads might be all we have and I know we seem to need to replace those fairly regularly. I'll also grab a few other small things not on our list, like clothes pins for standoffs and steel wool or abrasive pads for sanding the launch rods and other stuff like that which comes to mind.

I notice that, in general, all our 1/8" and 3/16" rods are the ~3 footers. I'm guessing that it's no accident since they all fit nicely in the PVC attached to the pads. But could we use maybe one of each diameter at 4' length for the occasional long rocket or heavy rocket that needs a little extra guidance to get up to speed? I know we couldn't store them with the pads, but I'd be happy to pick a couple up and some PVC with screw caps to store them in. If you think it's a good idea to have a couple longer ones that is.

Seriously though, on the batteries, that's out of my personal price range to donate, but I can maybe do the leg work on the second. How much was shipping at Amazon? I have Amazon Prime, which gets free 2-day shipping.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Tom Laird

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:24:05 -0400

All,

Optima Yellow Top group 34 is $215 from batteries plus (Amazon price plus shipping is about the same). Red top is automotive, Blue top deep cycle Marine/RV. Yellow Top seems like the right choice to me. Looks like from the Optima web site that they can sit for long periods (8-12 months) and still function properly. Batteries plus guy said keep them on a trickle charger if you can. I will purchase the first one if the the club and or others can come up with the money for the second. Let me know what everyone thinks or we can discuss at next weeks mtg.

Tom

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:21:56 -0400

Of course, the club would entertain any donations toward replacing the equipment that anyone wishes to make.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: John Kelley

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 -0400

I would agree with getting the better batteries, if we can afford them.
John

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:53:43 -0400

FWIW, I spent some time making igniter leads today. I ran out of 16 gauge twin-lead (personal stock) before I made all that we need so I need to run to the store for another spool. I hope to get a low power rack from Gary in the next day or so to let me see how I wired the breakout boxes. Once I have that I can build the replacements that we need. I also have the connectors and 4 conductor cable required for the main control cables.

I should hav e everything assembled and tested before the next launch.

MP

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:49:16 -0400

Tom,

Much appreciated. I liked the original lock so that would be welcome especially if you know how to set the combination to a specific number sequence.

Personally, I think the club should bite the bullet and go with the Optima battery (batteries?) again. They have a superior duty cycle, they're sealed, maintenance free and, more importantly, spill proof. I'll go along with whatever the club decides to do but I think serious consideration needs to be given to battery selection.

MP

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:45:36 -0400

Dennis,

That sums things up pretty well. I'm going to leave the batteries and stuff up to the rest of you guys to take care of as I have my hands full rebuilding cables, igniter leads and breakout boxes.

MP

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Tom Laird

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:23:11 -0400

Mario,

I have a Master Lock 4 digit combo that is the same as the old trailer lock.
You are more than welcome to it. Let me know what type of batteries you are considering
and I can help out with the money. I think we had Optima ($$$$$$$) in the past. Expensive
but would hold up to the weird duty cycle we would impose on them. Call me at 317.847.3655
to discuss.

Tom

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:03:25 -0400

The coat of primer has some cracks on the plastifoam ring. I'll try to throw on another coat bit still am not sure how I'll paint it. I spent maybe $20 on some parts and used scraps from other projects and have what I hope will be a functioning tower for launching the thing. I'll post pictures later.

But between this and building a raised garden bed this weekend, my workbench is a cluttered mess. I probably won't be doing much more building, for a bit. And my next project will be building a roof for my daughters' playground assuming the wood I have on hand is enough. That's not likely to result in a cleaner workbench.

Dennis

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Dennis

Sun, 06 May 2012 22:12:36 -0400

Mario,

So if I'm following correctly, you have the cables, connectors, including micro clips, and break out boxes covered. You've also located the small pad blast deflectors. We're not going to necessarily worry about a PA and mic just yet (though I do have an old audio receiver just collecting dust on the shelf that some of you electrically inclined folks might make work well as a PA).

So the main items left are batteries, stakes for the away pads, and a good lock? I was at Menard's yesterday and they had some, what I think were, small (riding lawn mower sized) 12 volt batteries on sale. I almost picked two up, but I wasn't sure how well they'd do and I was worried about how much all the landscaping stuff on the cart was going to cost, so I held off. I know we want 12 volt, but is there a minimum amps or any other things we need to look for on the batteries? Any reason not to get the battery booster/jump starter things like what I have? I'll try to get some prices the next few times I'm out at stores.

Dennis

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Sun, 06 May 2012 07:04:33 -0400

I think I can safely say that we're always interested in free stuff.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: ed hartle

Fri, 04 May 2012 23:31:24 -0400

If interested, I would be willing to put together ten bags o' goodies as raffle prizes for CIRFF. If interested, just lemme know.

Evil Ed

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:40:22 -0400

I do, in fact, have the original steel blast deflectors. They're pretty rusty and funky but they are usable.

I've located two of the breakout box housings that were unused so I only need to pick up two of them to have the three we need plus a spare.

I've located some of the 16 gauge twin lead that we use for the igniter leads so I won't need quite as much of it but will still need to buy a spool or two.

I'll probably buy a pin removal tool for the connectors we use so I can reuse some old connectors. the tool is $20.00 or so and each connector is 15.95 so I won't need to salvage many connectors to pay for the tool.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:44:44 -0400

I'm pretty sure I still have the original steel blast deflectors that we made. I'll check this weekend.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Dennis

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:40:01 -0400

I thought I'd try to handle the low power blast plates, but I don't think my tools will work well cutting thick enough steel. I do have some ceramic floor tile that I can cut into squares and drill holes in for blast plates. They would be in the ball park of 5x5 or 6x6.

They couldn't be tossed around like the steel ones, but should work well and wouldn't cost anything if you think it would be ok. How many do we need?

Dennis

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:22:21 -0400

Rick, I'm not too concerned about the PA yet, we did fine before we bought one. I am concerned about the lock - we need to have a decent on that we can set the como on.

As far as cables go, I have the three old cables that I will check out and repair and I have 250' of new cable that should get here today to make new ones with. I'll be heading to Fry's to pick up the connectors that are needed for the main cables and the igniter leads. I've also ordered a bag of copper micro-clips for the igniter leads.

I need to get ahold of a low power rack so I can verify the wiring of a breakout box. The I can pick up a couple of boxes and build new ones for the away pads.

Mario

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Rick Randol

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:53:57 -0400

I will help do whatever I can to get things back in shape but, not sure what to do. Mario, I think you might be the best suited to put a list of what tasks need done. I can make more igniter clips (sucks that I had just replaced a bunch of them) if you can remind me of what to use for cords, as I can't recall how they plugged in. Basically, we need everything fixed and/or re-made. Can Terry's place make new small blast plates? Anyone have old P.A. equipment? Where did the ground stakes come from?

Come on everyone, let's get things going so we don't have to hope that Lee will be there everytime to save or hind ends.

Rick

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Rick Randol

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:44:03 -0400

There was also no lock on the trailer. Gary went and got a cheap one but, we will need a better one that we can change the combination on.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:23:57 -0400

Thanks for the list, Rick. I guess there aren't a lot of members interested in the fact that we have no launch equipment at the moment.

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: John Kelley

Thu, 03 May 2012 18:39:14 -0400

Dennis,
Another cool looking rocket. Hopefully I'll get to see it fly next time I'm at a launch.
John

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:32:48 -0400

I lied...I didn't do those last things one night at a time. The pod is connected to the ring and the landing gear is in place. It needs some fillets where the spokes connect to the ring and it's structurally complete. I think I can make it work on a 3/16 rod, but not a 1/4 rod. I may have to make a trip to Lowes and see what I can find to
build a tower.

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Wed, 02 May 2012 21:09:40 -0400

No new pictures yet but the fillets on the sixth spoke are now drying and the landing gear are fully assembled (also drying). That just leaves fitting and gluing the pod/spokes into the ring. Attaching the wood bases for the landing gear in place, and then gluing the gear in place. I think I'll hit those one at a time on separate nights, just to make sure things dry fully before moving on.

I might then cover the ring and wood with lightweight spackle to smooth it out for a nice finish. This thing is screaming for little windows with LEDs glowing and flashing, but that's something for a later/bigger version, if I decide to. I might paint some windows, or cut thin sections of spent motors to make portholes like on the Harbinger. But I might just put some primer on it and leave it at that until I see if it will survive a launch.

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:42:50 -0400

Tonight's progress before bed. The pod is completely assembled. I just need to connect the cone to the bottom part with kevlar or elastic shock cord. I have four of the six spokes in place, three of them with fillets, and the retainer is in place with JB Weld (the first picture, taken before the fourth spoke).

I have the three landing gear pieces about 80% done and drying. The second picture shows the parts as they are now. The rods, which I hope will pass the launch safety officer's inspection, are aluminum tubes. The other parts, oddly enough, came from the plumbing section of Lowe's. The kind of cone shaped hard rubber washers the springs (and a small piece that holds the springs on the ends) are for repairing faucets. There are also small sections of solid aluminum rods that will slide inside the hollow tubes loosely so they can compress, but still stay straight. Because I'm dealing with metal, I thought maybe JB Weld would be better than epoxy to connect all the parts. The three hard rubber washers off by themselves will be the foot pads, eventually connected to the open ends of the springs. Hopefully the JB Weld will hold everything together.

I have small squares of plywood with holes drilled in the middles. These will be epoxied in place on the underneath (and slightly to the side) part of the plastifoam ring. The upper part of each landing gear unit (opposite end from the spring) will be inserted through the hole and into the plastifoam to the upper washer and epoxied (or JB Welded) in place. If I measured correctly, and depending on the angle I end up using, the landing gear should be long enough so that the motor (depending on nozzle length) will not be touching ground when the rocket is sitting on the gear.

I am pondering a tower for launching. The more I think about the launch lug (or holes in the cups like I sometimes do), the more I think I'll have to come up with something else. If I'm using 29mm motors, I should probably use the 1/4" rods, which I don't think I can do through the cup and maintain structural integrity as it would have to at go through the side at least part way. Setting it away from the cup, either on a standoff or one of the spokes, would likely have it too far off center to come off the rod smoothly. I thought about using two parallel launch rods, with lugs on opposite spokes, but the rods would have to be parallel which could be tricky, and if I go that route I'd have to build some kind of launch stand for it, and I may as well just build a tower in that case. So who here has experience building/using a tower launcher?

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: ed hartle

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:47:38 -0400

How about using a "tower", like they use in competition?
No launch lug. Lengths of pipe set in a can of concrete.
The "fins" drop down between the pipes and the rocket is kept straight until it reaches the end o' the pipes.

Just an idea........

Evil Ed

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Rick Randol

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:32:12 -0400

Looks like you will have to do some sort of lug stand off so it will be outside of the thread on motor retainer but, still thru the lids? I guess I don't know.

Rick

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:02:55 -0400

And here is where I stopped tonight, which was mostly a lot of measurements. I actually used drawings to determine proper lengths and angles for the spoke cuts. I didn't trust myself so I erred a little on the long side figuring I could sand down to fine tune it and have all six cut. The inside centering ring of the cup is in place, both the lid (cone) and cup have thin cable looped for attaching a shock cord between them which should make for easy replacement. The cup needs the bottom centering ring (outside) in place and I'll be ready to attach the spokes. The 29mm tube won't sit properly on my estes fin jig. I have to find my 29mm to 24 mm adapter and see if I can make it work on the jig. Otherwise I may have to do them one at a time.

The picture shows the outer ring and what I guess I'll call the pod together with a spoke leaning in place. I haven't done more work on the landing gear as I'm saving those for when the spokes are drying. I'm also struggling right now with where and how to put the launch lug. For most of these, I've simply drilled holes through the bottom and top of the cups near the center tube. But the bottom of this cup is small and with the retainer that I plan on using (one of the new Estes ones), I'm not sure there will be room. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Rick Randol

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:53:59 -0400

Dennis,

Keep the cool stuff coming.

Rick

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Rick Randol

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:51:26 -0400

Along with all the stuff mentioned, this other stuff is also gone. The 2 PA systems. The microphone. The 2 silver cases that contained all the junction boxes, all the microclips, all the large stakes to stake the away pads.

Rick

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:14:50 -0400

ed hartle wrote:

SWEET!

ready by CIRFF?????

Evil Ed

That's the plan. I'm really excited about the landing gear. As I mentioned, I have one dry fit together, and I know how I plan to attach them. It should not only add to the retro look, but they will hopefully be functional too. Not that it would make a difference on a landing.

Subject: Re: Big Brother - by: ed hartle

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:45:52 -0400

SWEET!

ready by CIRFF?????

Evil Ed

Subject: Big Brother - by: Dennis

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:47:58 -0400

For those interested, MSB-3K (AKA the Satellite of Love) will be getting a big brother. It's about 1/3 complete with a slightly larger diameter ring. I am trying to include many of the suggestions I received at the last launch. It will have six spokes instead of four (hopefully), it will have parachute recovery, and it will have landing gear including spring shocks (I have one dry fitted...need to assemble it and make two more). Oh, and did I mention, it will use a 29mm motor.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: Mario Perdue

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:11:23 -0400

I've pick up the money that I'll need to get the cables and connectors. I'll be placing orders for the parts shortly and will assemble them when the parts get here.

Mario

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: admin

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:40:47 -0400

OK, here's how it sits at this point. If we reuse the cables that I found (and I think that's a given) we need the following stuff:

Description	Cost
250' of cable for the remaining pads	$75.00
10 connectors for the cables	$150.00
100' Twinlead for ignitor cables	$45.00
6 pkgs molex connectors	$20.00
1 pkg microclips	$70.00

Total $360.00

This doesn't include the cost of the battery or the blast deflectors. It also doesn't include the breakout boxes if they are missing - we won't know about them until we do an inventory.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: rbrtpierce64

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:16:03 -0400

I would agree with mario and gary as well, seems reasonable.

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: garydzeb

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:47:10 -0400

I've talked to Mario a couple of times, and all of his recommendations sound good. We need to replace these things so we can conduct a launch without having to rely on using equipment from our buddy from Merlin Missiles (thanks Lee!). We talked about keeping things on the conservative side instead of going overboard, and we should be able to equip our standard CIRFF launch setup. The ROCI Treasury is capable of supporting these needs. I think we need to do this now so we are ready for the May CIRFF launch...

-GaryD

Subject: Re: April 21, 2012 launch photos - by: MrGneissGuy

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:56:35 -0400

Nice pictures. I've never been able to get nice shots like that, but then I've just been using my phone.

I saw a few cameras out at the launch, anyone else want to post some pictures too??

Dennis

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: MrGneissGuy

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:55:11 -0400

I also think your recommendations sound about right, Mario.

Dennis

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: hardcore24

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:24:30 -0400

I would go with atleast 2 low power racks, 2 midpower pad groups and one high power pad groups and 2 batteries, if our budget allows.
John

Subject: Re: Replacing stolen equipment - by: admin

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:05:13 -0400

Some minor good news. I've found a couple of cables at my house. One had the end cut off for some reason that now escapes me. Another was labeled "bad" so it probably has a bad connector on it. The last one was wired to the old controller spec and never updated. That means we have some of the wire that we need and won't need to buy as much.

Subject: Re: April 21, 2012 launch photos - by: hardcore24

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:30:46 -0400

Those are some great pictures. wish i could have made it to the launch, but Sarah's volleyball came first. We will probably not be able to make the next couple of launchs either, sad to say.
John

Subject: Replacing stolen equipment - by: admin

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:56:57 -0400

As most of you know our trailer was broken into again while it was parked behind Trilithic. I've made arrangements with the AMA to allow us to park the trailer up there between launches so it will be a bit more secure than it is here. Understand that the AMA assumes no responsibility for any losses should someone steal anything from us there.

Anyway, we are currently without batteries, low power blast deflectors and cables. I'm sure some rotten SOB in the neighborhood was able to get maybe $50 for what was stolen but it's going to cost us a lot more to replace it. We need to have at least one battery and enough cables and blast deflectors to setup our range. So before we start buying stuff we need to answer a few questions:

1) How many batteries do we want to get? The launch controller can work at either 12v or 24v with 24v working best for the HPR pads due to their distance from the controller. I would recommend two sealed marine batteries for the long term but we can get by with only one for the short term if need be.

2) How many low power racks do we want to setup for our larger launches? I recommend 4 but we could get by with 2.

3) How many mid-power pad groups do we want to have setup for our larger launches? I recommend 2 which would give us up to 6 pads.

4) How many HPR pad groups do we want for our larger launches? I recommend 1 which is up to 3 pads.

What do the rest of you think?

Since we have a single K motor limit we only need to have 200' of separation for the HPR pads (250' of cable would be good.) We could do half that length for the MPR pads and 25' for the near pads. That would require about 600' of cable. We would also need to terminate each of the cables with connectors so we'd need about 16 connectors.

Mario

Subject: April 21, 2012 launch photos - by: rbrtpierce64

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:14:37 -0400

Some pics of various rockets

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: MrGneissGuy

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:12:44 -0400

By the way, considering the temperature and lack of sun, it was a good day for launching. As windy as it was, nothing seemed to drift too terribly far away.

I have a few repairs to make after yesterday, and need to decide whether or not to retire one or two. I learned a few things, not the least of which is that if I'm going to listen to the Lee brothers' motor recommendations, I had better make some changes to my future scratch builds, particularly in the shock cord department. Composite motor ejection charges in a really short body tube can do some damage.

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: MrGneissGuy

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:54:44 -0400

Here you go Rick. I still say you cheated.

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: rbrtpierce64

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:57:59 -0400

Both IND and MIE towers have been notified of the launch. Mario wont make it but I am leaving shortly. Hope it warms up!

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: garydzeb

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:34:35 -0400

I have one too.

-GaryD

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: MrGneissGuy

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:14:56 -0400

admin wrote:

I wasn't able to get by Sam's Club to pick up a battery so hopefully someone will have one with them.

I've got mine in the van. I do have a soccer game to go to, which should be over in plenty of time for me to get there before noon. But if I'm late it shouldn't be by too much.

Dennis

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: admin

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:43:22 -0400

I wasn't able to get by Sam's Club to pick up a battery so hopefully someone will have one with them.

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: klnjberry

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:56:50 -0400

Yes, I have them in stock and on sale.........

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: evil ed

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:58:30 -0400

klnjberry wrote:

Lee Berry and Merlin Missiles will be at the launch. What time are you going to start. I have Aerotech motors and kits on sale. See you at the field.......

Greetin's Lee!

Do you guys happen to have A8-0 and A8-5 in stock?, I'll need a couple packs of each if you do!

Thanx,
Evil Ed

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: garydzeb

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:03:43 -0400

I plan to be up there around 10:30. The hot dog man will be ready to start at Noon. The winds look to be around 15 all day, but it will be away from the power lines! See you there...

-GaryD

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: evil ed

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:41:49 -0400

Also, if anyone is interested, I'm bringing a box full of BT-60s with me. I'm running a special on them at $1.00 each or ten or more at $0.80 each. Please don't be the SECOND guy to insist "I said, I only want nine!"

Evil Ed

Hartle Engineering, Inc.
"Still Chasing the Demon"

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: MrGneissGuy

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:13:44 -0400

Great. I actually started and finished #2 last night...well, technically I still have to attach the shock cord and paint it...but it'll be ready for tomorrow (though naked). I have a cone on it right now but would prefer a different shape so I'll make sure to dig into that box to see what you have.

I have very little experience with two stage rockets. I will likely have one of you more seasoned folks take a look at it before putting it on a pad to make sure it has a chance of working the way I want it to.

Dennis

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: evil ed

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:03:08 -0400

I know I've got the cones used in the old BT-50 Midget. I'll be sure to bring 'em along, as well as anything else that might work.

Small "orders" are no problem. In fact they are more fun.
It's great when I can say "I just happen to have one right here, down in the bottom o' the box.....

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: rbrtpierce64

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:14:59 -0400

WEATHER FORECAST IS VERY FAVORABLE. The national weather service briefing at 0700 friday reports that the frontal passage and associated rain will leave the indianapolis/muncie area by about 2200 tonight (friday) and that the winds should not be sustained or gusting above 20 knots for saturday. Although the fields might be pretty wet from the rain, few clouds and no rain is the forecast. Things are looking good so far....

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: rbrtpierce64

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:54:08 -0400

Flight Service was notified this morning at 0550 hours to activate the NOTAM and waiver for the launch saturday, 21APRIL, from 1000 to 1700 local, as per our waiver request. I don't know if the launch starts at 1000 or 1200, but the waiver and NOTAM are activated regardless. I will call the MIE tower and the IND tower as well, if I can get verification of the start time. Otherwise, I'll plan for it to start at 1000 hours.

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: rbrtpierce64

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:33:44 -0400

I see that the hot dog vendor is planning to be there at 100, but the calendar says the launch won't start until 1200. Is the launch scheduled to start earlier? If it does start at 1200, some one needs to call the hot dog guy so he doesn't waste his time.

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: klnjberry

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:09:31 -0400

Lee Berry and Merlin Missiles will be at the launch. What time are you going to start. I have Aerotech motors and kits on sale. See you at the field.......

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: MrGneissGuy

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:18:25 -0400

evil ed wrote:

Hartle Engineering, Inc. will be there as well. Will have a bunch o' stuff, but not the whole shebang. If anybody is in need of specific LPR body tubes, nose cones, couplers, centering rings, etc, etc...... . drop me a line or let me know here, and I'll bring it if I have it.

Evil Ed

Hartle Engineering, Inc.

"Still Chasing the Demon"

Well, now that you mention it, I do need a nose cone for 24 mm (BT50) tube, the more rounded, the better. Balsa if you have it so I can shape it more if I need to. Such a small order, I know. But I have plans to build the sequel to the Plumber's Helper. It will be a two stage version of it...Plumber's Helper Number 2, if you will.

BTW, I still have two E30s and will be sending the Pequod up on one again. I've repaired the shock cord on the Harbinger, and it may have to go up on the second E30. Beyond that, I'm open to suggestions.

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: evil ed

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:19:22 -0400

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: garydzeb

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:16:21 -0400

Mark the hot dog man will be there around 11:00 as well...

-GaryD

Subject: Re: April 21 launch - by: garydzeb

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:52:19 -0400

Mario says that Aaron will be bringing our trailer up to the AMA for the launch. And, arrangements have been made for us to keep the trailer up there so our equipment will always be there for us. Hopefully one of our rocket vendors from Ohio will be at the launch with their goodies...

-GaryD