PR Intimidator 5

[lmt56]

Anyone with flight experience with a PR Intimidator 5?
I was the L2 mentor for a SLI team this year.
We flew a PR Maddog on a CTI K570.
We may be able to return next year as a second year team and fly on an L motor.
Thinking the Intimidator may be a good rocket of choice.
To get ahead of the game I ordered one for myself.
Plan now to use it as my L3 build.
Thoughts anyone?

[GaryT]

The Intimidator 5 is a great flying kit, Here's mine on an AT M650W and an AMW M1480RR, LDRS28 its going up on an AMW M1850GG.
590659075908
5909

[ben_ullman]

WOOOO! Mach Diamonds!! :D :D :D

Ben

[sandmantoy]

I have one to build, looks like a nice rocket.

[lmt56]

The Intimidator 5 is a great flying kit, Here's mine on an AT M650W and an AMW M1480RR, LDRS28 its going up on an AMW M1850GG.
590659075908
5909Can you give me some build details?
Finish weight?
What size chutes are you using?
Would it be ill advised to fly one off a 8' 10/10 rail?
Thanks much

[troj]

Would it be ill advised to fly one off a 8' 10/10 rail?

I'd be a lot more comfortable with 1515 or 1530, due to both rocket size and motor thrust.

-Kevin

[GaryT]

Can you give me some build details?
Finish weight?
What size chutes are you using?
Would it be ill advised to fly one off a 8' 10/10 rail?
Thanks much

My finished weight all ready to fly (No Motor) is 25.5lbs, I'm using a Skyangle CERT3 Large for the main and a 36" Drogue, I would Definitely! go with the Extreme rail buttons on the I5 though, Like Kevin said it be MUCH! more comfortable and Safer!. Now the standard rail buttons would probably work if properly mounted bla bla etc etc but why?? On a 10' 2" Bird weighing over 30lbs on the pad they'd most likely need replacing after a few flights anyway cause they'll wear down. Also keep an eye on your CP CG ratio as this kit tends to be a bit over stable on smaller (lighter) Motors L's and the like.

[lmt56]

My finished weight all ready to fly (No Motor) is 25.5lbs, I'm using a Skyangle CERT3 Large for the main and a 36" Drogue, I would Definitely! go with the Extreme rail buttons on the I5 though, Like Kevin said it be MUCH! more comfortable and Safer!. Now the standard rail buttons would probably work if properly mounted bla bla etc etc but why?? On a 10' 2" Bird weighing over 30lbs on the pad they'd most likely need replacing after a few flights anyway cause they'll wear down. Also keep an eye on your CP CG ratio as this kit tends to be a bit over stable on smaller (lighter) Motors L's and the like.

I hear what you are saying.
I was expecting built weight to be about 20 lbs so I was thinking about installing both small and large buttons.
The parts list for the I5 off the web, list the weight at 12 lbs.
How did you install your lower button so it can be replaced?
I have had trouble in the past to get a nut to stay in place using epoxy.
I did order some 3/8" plywood centering rings to use instead of the G-10.
On the over stable I had the same issue on my 3" WildMan.
Does better on larger motors.
It's best flight was on a CTI L730.
Hit 11600'.
I have 5 flights on it now so figured it was time to give it a paint job.
Did that today.

[GaryT]

I'll only use Extreme or Unistrut buttons on mine, I epoxied blocks of wood to the CR's I then drilled and tapped them to accomodate a 1/4-20 bolt, Both the extreme and unistrut buttons use the 1/4-20 bolt so its easy to swap them out. Oh I also had mine made with a 75mm MM, I didn't want the 98mm MM.

[lmt56]

I'll only use Extreme or Unistrut buttons on mine, I epoxied blocks of wood to the CR's I then drilled and tapped them to accomodate a 1/4-20 bolt, Both the extreme and unistrut buttons use the 1/4-20 bolt so its easy to swap them out. Oh I also had mine made with a 75mm MM, I didn't want the 98mm MM.

How well do the machine threads hold up in the wood?
I would think they would strip out to easy.
I was going to go with a 75mm MM but did not for two reasons.
1. The $25 extra cost.
2. I already have an 98mm Aeropac motor retainer.
Door prize from LDRS.
What did you you do for attaching the fins?
Epoxy only?

[GaryT]

The screw goes in like an inch, I tap the hole, soak it with CA then tap it again, Its rock solid.

[JDcluster]

I didn't even go that far!
All I did was drill & tap the fiberglass air frame & add a lock nut on the back side of it.



Some day it will be finished....



JD

[lmt56]

Hey Gary
What did you use for shear pins and what size bp charges?

[GaryT]

On the I5 I use (2) 4-40 Nylon Shear Pins, As for BP I use 3g for the drogue/apogee and 5.75g for the Main and only! 4F, I also use (2) 40' 1/2" Tubular Kevlar shock cords.

[GaryT]

Hey if you Like the PR Mad Dog , I had one custom made in a 6" version, stands 9.5' tall and weighs 30lbs (no motor) Its probably my favorite bird, flys awesome! too.

6406

On an AMW M1900BB
6407

On an AT M1315W
6408

[lmt56]

On the I5 I use (2) 4-40 Nylon Shear Pins, As for BP I use 3g for the drogue/apogee and 5.75g for the Main and only! 4F, I also use (2) 40' 1/2" Tubular Kevlar shock cords.
Thanks for the info Gary.
I was planning on using (2) 20' 1/2" Tubular Kevlar shock cords.
Would you consider that ill advised?
Also at what alt. do you kick out the main?
lt

[madmax]

Imt56,

It would be very ill advised to use such short lengths of harness. The I5 is a 10 foot long bird so those lengths will be just around 2x that. Much to short, especially for Kevlar. Kevlar doesn't stretch so when it goes taut too fast sometimes it snaps. The rule of thumb is 3-5 times the rocket length. Personally I go with 5x on the drogue and 3x on the main. Has worked so far. I like the drogue section to have a lot so the two pieces don't bang into each other on the way down.

[GaryT]

Agreed 20' is too short (IMO) for a 10' 2" bird, The 3-5 X's the rockets length rule of thumb would be much more advisable, Some even like the 10' of SC for every inch of body diameter rule so in your case 50', I'm a big! fan of long shock cords, I always keep both SC the same length as well.

When I pop my main is determined on wind,weight, SC length and Chute, The Bigger the chute and longer the SC the Higher up I'll pop the main as they will naturally take longer to fully deploy, Heavier winds I'll pop it a little lower, For my I5 I use a Skyangle CERT3 Large for the main so with average weather and say 5-10 mph winds I do Main @ 800' back up @ 700'.

[blackjack2564]

Big large rockets like big long shock cords!

Due to the weight and size, a late deployment, which usually means on the going down part of the flight, can cause the shock cord [if not ample enough] to fully extend. And this happens a lot on big rockets. Especially when breezy and you get some weather cocking.

This will not show up during ground testing, you are level.

When this does happen the mass of the payload and nc will want to continue moving when they reach the end of shock cord. Thus payload jerks when at end of harness....nosecone pops shearpins and pulls main out at the top.

Your in for a long walk!
It's happened to most of us who fly big rockets on big motors, especially early on in our learning curve.
You can never have enough.... prevents bad things from happening, doesn't cost much to do, and will generally save you repairs and long retrievals If you got room.....put it in. I usually use 4-5 times rocket length in the drogue side. Not as much needed on the main. You are moving at a slower descent rate and closer to the ground when main pops. [if using Dual Deploy]

Nice build... good luck on your flights.

[lmt56]

2-40 foots and 1- 25 foot on the way.
I am abit surprised in the differances from flying the 4" Maddog versus the 5" I5.
The jump from flying a 3" WildMan to the 4" Maddog was no big deal.
This looks to be abit differant.
Thanks for all the imput it is a big help.

[lmt56]

Hey Gary
Also what size static port holes did you use?

[GaryT]

Hey Gary
Also what size static port holes did you use?


I use the Rule of thumb of (1) 1/4" hole for every 100 Cubic inches of volume inside your Ave-Bay, My I5's Altimeter bay is 5" x 12" giving me 235.71 Cubic inches of Volume, So for this kit I used (3) 1/4" Holes evenly spaced around the kit.

[sandmantoy]

I have finally started my I5 build this week, I have been procrastinating enough lol. I don't see any pictures in here for such a long post ;)

Hi, Gary
I got the camera charged up but I have only been cleaning up and fitting the parts together. I haven't decided if I am going to make the booster section zipperless or not. I did start to make a few bulk heads, one for the NC in case I want to put tracking in it. I should have some pictures up in a few day's.

[sandmantoy]

I started to assemble the motor mount, 4 inch dia. :D JB Weld for this part of the assembly, I also added a 1/4" plywood CR aft to beef it up a little and installed the threaded inserts in it as well along with some access holes to later inject some epoxy in there after it is in the airframe. I put two 1/2" plywood lugs on the MMT for putting in 1/4" inserts for the rail guides once it is installed, two more places to strengthen the assembly once it is together.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1017.jpg 4" MMT :cool:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1018.jpg Aft plywood CR with inserts capped on the inside to keep epoxy out.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1019.jpg Aft G10 CR seals off the back end when done.

[lmt56]

Thanks for the build pictures. Keep them coming.
My build is a bit on hold.
Kit came with a 3" MT not a 4".
Fins and CR's are for a 4".
I had all three CR's made fron 1/2 plywood.

[sandmantoy]

Got the threaded inserts in and cut the fin slots all the way to the end of the air frame. I installed 2 1/4" bolts and washers in the rail button positions and tacked the fins in place. I should have waited a little longer to remove the MMT with the fins as the last one I tacked on slid down over the course of a few minutes, you can see it in the pictures. I got lucky, I turned it over and put a little pressure on it and in a few minutes it went back into position. I checked it it did not move out of position and I put some tape on it to make sure it does not move over night. I don't usually rush the process but I was itching to get a picture of it once it was removed lol. I used 30 min. epoxy to tack the fins, on smaller rockets I use 5 minute epoxy. Tomorrow I will put JB Weld fillets on the fins.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1020.jpg I was careful with the epoxy and it slid right out.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1021.jpg You can see the fin on the left sneaking down lol. Good view of the threaded insert installed with JB.

[lmt56]

I plan on building mine in the same manner.
That being slot the air frame all the way to the end.
I did this on my 3" WildMan build and it worked out well.
On that build I drilled a series of holes in the fins and air frame to give the epoxy something to key into.
Thoughts on that build technique?
Keep the pics. coming.

[sandmantoy]

I drilled holes in the G10 fins on my horizon and laced some Kevlar through the holes, rock solid and tested too lol. I have not decided if I am going to tip to tip these fins or just make the strength inside the airframe. The fins look nice and strong, they measure .200 thick a little better than 3/16". They did a nice job putting the slots in the air frame tubing, I got the fins within 1/16" all the way around. I am starting to get excited after seeing the fin section coming together lol. I put some nice JB fillets on today just waiting for them to cure.

There is more than 1/2" bonding area for the fins inside the airframe including the outer fin to airframe fillets. I think if they come loose it will be from a ballistic event lol. My horizon was G10 fins to cardboard MMT so I laced them I think I also put some fiberglass on them also. This kit looks like nice clean even bonding is going to go a long way. I wipe down where I am going to bond with Goof off and then sand with 80 grit with a nice cross hatch pattern before the epoxy goes on.

[sandmantoy]

I cut some strips of fiberglass, don't remember what the weight of it was. I put the strips along the fin roots on the MMT. I thinned it with some MEK after mixing it to make it easier to apply with out making it stringy. It evaporates off pretty fast anyway. I also used Devcon epoxy, it is pretty thick but flows nice. A small hobby brush will help to ease it into place. After about an hour I mixed another batch of epoxy and put some micro fibers in it and finished off with a nice fillet.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1025.jpg roughly 3/4" strips
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1026.jpgTape off where you don't want epoxy
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1027.jpg When it's dry I will do the rest the same way

[sandmantoy]

I dry fit the MMT fin assembly into the airframe, It fits very nice so I marked where it comes to rest and put more Devcon epoxy in the airframe and installed it. I put 1/4" screws in the rail button holes and tightened them up. Put a clamp on the aft section and started the fillets on the fins. Again I used Devcon 30 min. epoxy but I added micro glass to it to the consistency of pudding. It still flows but does not seep through any open spaces very well. It would not have been a problem on this rocket any way every thing fits so nice. I don't have pictures of the next part. I used West System epoxy to do the inside fillets on the fins and to beef up the center rings I also added some chopped carbon fiber but not a lot since I wanted it to flow well. I used a drop light to make sure it was going where I wanted it to go. You have to get creative for propping the assembly so it will settle where you want it. Once it has set enough you can move on to the next spot where you want it to settle. It took all day just to do the inside of the fins. tomorrow I will do the CR's.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1031.jpg Taping up getting ready to put the fillets on
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1032.jpg 1/4" fillets

[lmt56]

Hey Gary T.
Whom did you have make your decal?
Letters are what about 3" tall?
Did you use one or two?
I was thinking about going with two.

[GaryT]

Hey Gary T.
Whom did you have make your decal?
Letters are what about 3" tall?
Did you use one or two?
I was thinking about going with two.

I used https://www.custom-vinyl-lettering.net/vinyllettering.asp I think I did like 4.5" letters and only on the one side. I changed up the flight plan for my Intimidator 5 for LDRS as well, Its now going up on a KBA M1450W, Should put it to about 12,100'.

[lmt56]

I used https://www.custom-vinyl-lettering.net/vinyllettering.asp I think I did like 4.5" letters and only on the one side. I changed up the flight plan for my Intimidator 5 for LDRS as well, Its now going up on a KBA M1450W, Should put it to about 12,100'.

Thanks for the info.
Taking a road trip this weekend to have one of my TAP's look over what I have done so far.
Planning on doing the L3 attempt at Sweaty Ball in Argonia.
AeroTech M1297W.
Should hit about 8500'
Built weight should be about 27 lbs.
1.5 lbs of that will be an Ozark Aerospace GPS unit I am placing in the nose cone.
If that extra weight seems to make it to over stable I will fly without it.
Thoughts?

[sandmantoy]

How much of yours do you have built? Any pictures? I am getting more parts lined up to go at mine again pretty soon.

[lmt56]

How much of yours do you have built? Any pictures? I am getting more parts lined up to go at mine again pretty soon.
I just poured my last internal fillet. Fin to BT.
So all I have left to do.
1. install aft cr
2. pour exterior fin fillits
3. do bp ground test for lower bt
Test for payload section is done & 5.7 grams did the job well!
4. prime
5. paint
Maybe a few other little odds and ends.
Picture if and when I get it painted.

[sandmantoy]

I have the booster section all done and installed the aft center ring. I don't think I am going to make it zipperless. I cut the center ring for the NC and roughed in an aluminum bulk head for it. I still have to get the inserts and drill the holes for mounting it and epoxy the CR in place. I have just started to work on the payload section as well.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1032.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1034.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/ncparts.jpg

[lmt56]

Before and after photos of my bp ground test.
Looks like 5.7 grams did the job well.

[sandmantoy]

Hmm looks like 7 grams you could put a target on your fence ;) Well I got my nose cone done. I epoxied a few Popsicle sticks in the nose to make a firm stopping point for the CR and I also used a brush and spread some epoxy over the inside surface about 3- 4 inches back from it to strengthen it up some more in that area. The nose cone is very light for it's size and easy to deform with a little squeeze so beefing it up a little I thought was a good idea. I guess I am going to start the electronics bay in the next day or so, once I plan out how I want to do it. Here are some pictures of the NC. Bench is a mess lol.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1038.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1041.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1040.jpg

[GaryT]

Tim:
You need the strength pulling out! not pushing in? I'd try to get a bead/fillet of epoxy on the outer edge of the wood bulk plate, You'll pull a truck with those screws and U-bolt lol but the whole assembly may yank right out.

[sandmantoy]

The CR is set back about a 1/4" and there is a fillet up to the edge but it does not show very well in the picture. I used Devcon 30 min. epoxy with micro glass in it also. It is supposed to have a 2 ton tinsel strength for the bond. I have had good luck with it in the past. The fillet extends from the edge of the aluminum to the outer edge, I was trying to keep it thick in that area. I was going to put a piece of coupler in there but the CR fits pretty snug and the fillet actually rolls over the edge now.

I should have said how I started to install it better. I epoxied the outer part first so when I put the West systems epoxy on the inside it would not seep through or move the CR while I was applying it to the inside. I wanted the inside done to help make that area more ridged.

Do you think it is to close to the end? It is the first time I have put a bulk head that close to the end.

[GaryT]

Naaa I think it will be fine where it is, Personally I like mine about 1" from the top of the NC Shoulder, 1 it adds more strength to the entire shoulder and 2 when your shear pins shear off you don't have them rattling around on the Inside of the NC lol (I Hate That)

[lmt56]

Hey Gary T.
I did a bp ground test for the lower body tube section today.
On the first test I used 3g's bp and on the second 3.5 grams.
I liked the results of the 3.5g's better.
For the test I used 3 .080" styrene rods for shear pins and had a 75/3840 motor case in place.
I would call this getting ready for Sweaty Balls.
My weather station showed a temp. of 100 and humidty of 92 percent.
Before the test I did let the thing heat soak.
It is not painted yet but if the humidity comes down before Sweaty Balls it will be a Teal color, if not it will be primer gray.
My question is what would be the max. bp charge you would use on the lower section?
Any advice for flying in hot humid weather?

[GaryT]

For my 5" kits I base my BP charge on 15psi, So for the I5 that calculation nets me 3g for the aft section, With a long enough shock cord you could put whatever amount you wanted in, 3g has working perfect for me, Your mileage may vary depending on what size motor case you use, How tight you have the 2 sections connected, What size vent holes you used and how many, Also don't forget that while "free falling" BOTH section blow apart from each other, You don't have one side held down by a rocket stand.

As for temperature I've never had any problems except once when launching 18 degree cold, Everybody's altimeter batters were way to cold to work, even kits with redundant set ups, For Humidity I'd say just keep your BP in a cool dry place and keep an eye on your connection points, Sometimes if you use tape to snug up a NC or other sections it may start to gum up holding thing together that you want! to come apart.

[sandmantoy]

Today was a good day I got a lot done, I got the inside of the e bay roughed in and it is pretty sturdy. It is only temporary put together for fitting but it is starting to look like my sketch. I made the mounting hole for the switch. I am going to use one switch to turn on the altimeters. The switch is like the ones Aerocon sells but it is a DPDT switch from the same manufacturer. I put the center bulk head in to keep the threaded rod ridged with out having to tighten down the end caps so hard since I am going to attach the shock cords to center points on the e bay. I have the aluminum strap cut out for the switch mounting, I will put a 90 deg. bend in it and make it into a bracket once I am sure where I want it. I have decided to mount the switch inside the e bay and make an access hole to get to it. I have done this before on rockets and it works nice, it will also make good use of the center bulk head in the e bay. I am also going to put a USB data port on the other side. Here are some pictures of what I have done to this point.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/ebayi5.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1044.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1045.jpg

[dixontj93060]

Just a beautiful build; craftsmanship is superb!

[lmt56]

Is was able to get my I5 in the vertical positon yesterday.
Finish weight is 27 lbs. 6 ozs. Less motor and case.
Looks like it should hit about 9k on a M1297W.

[DAllen]

Very kewl build but I was wondering...What is the purpose of the center bulkhead in the ebay? Added rigidity?

-Dave

[sandmantoy]

Very kewl build but I was wondering...What is the purpose of the center bulkhead in the ebay? Added rigidity?

-Dave

The center bulkhead will make it a little more ridged since the bay is 12" long but it is more for mounting my switches. I am sure the threaded rod being so long will flex some during the deployment stage. This is the first rocket I have done this way, it is not that necessary but for mounting my switches inside and keeping them close to the out side for easy access. I just mounted the arming switch for the altimeters which I do not have yet. It was a good idea at the time as I only had short pieces of sled material also lol. I always over build, for me I have more fun building the rockets than flying them. My rockets tend to be heavy but sometimes you can never get enough fire and smoke :D

When I get the altimeters and the USB board I will put more pictures in here as the build progresses. Here is some pictures of the switch I put in tonight, I mounted the battery holders also.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1047.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1046.jpg

[lmt56]

Hey Gary T.
Just thought I would let you know my L3 flight on the I5 went well.
Came up a little short of the alt I was expecting.
Expecting about 9k and it hit only about 8k.
Winds were low and it did not weather cock.
Man it is hot in Kansas in July!!!

[GaryT]

Hey Gary T.
Just thought I would let you know my L3 flight on the I5 went well.
Came up a little short of the alt I was expecting.
Expecting about 9k and it hit only about 8k.
Winds were low and it did not weather cock.
Man it is hot in Kansas in July!!!


Hey! Congrats! on your L3! Post some Pic's if you can, Due to the weather I never ended up launching mine at LDRS28, I did fly my 6" Mad Dog on a KBA M3500R to 10,351' very nice flight, Also flew my 7.5" Bullpup on an M1500G to almost 8000' and some other stuff, Despite the Mud and rain we still had a Great! time.

[hognutz63]

It was a great flight on a great looking rocket. Congratulations on your L3 flight and surviving the heat.

Eric

[stickershock23]

Hey Gary T.
Whom did you have make your decal?
Letters are what about 3" tall?
Did you use one or two?
I was thinking about going with two.

Guys,
I can do custom lettering.
If you have a font you like, I can use it. or I can work up something custom if you like!

My prices are 20% lower than onyone I can find, and are made of 5 year rate vinyl!

Check out custom lettering here (http://stickershock23.com/CUSTOM_LETTERING.html)

thanks... And BEAUTIFUL rocket.. thanks for the build pics... :headbang:

[lmt56]

Hey! Congrats! on your L3! Post some Pic's if you can, Due to the weather I never ended up launching mine at LDRS28, I did fly my 6" Mad Dog on a KBA M3500R to 10,351' very nice flight, Also flew my 7.5" Bullpup on an M1500G to almost 8000' and some other stuff, Despite the Mud and rain we still had a Great! time.
Hello Gary
Sorry no pictures that I know of.
I think I was the second flight of the day on Sat.
I wanted to beat the winds incase they picked up.
They stayed calm for most of the day except for one dust devil that did do some damage to our tent encampment.

[lmt56]

It was a great flight on a great looking rocket. Congratulations on your L3 flight and surviving the heat.

Eric
Hello Eric
Thanks for the comment.
Did we happen to meet and talk?
If so fill me in on the details.
I was a bit focused on my L3 flight.
My hat is off to the KloudBuster for another great launch.
What a great place to fly.
The hospitality is great.

[hognutz63]

Yes, I was there. I was the big guy with the white minivan that offered you guys the lawnmower when you pulled in. I flew the min diameter rocket on the L1400 that I never found on Saturday and the new I59 on Sunday. You are spot on about KLOUDBusters. I have only been flying with them a year now, and I don't think that there is any club that does things better than they do. Come to think of it, I think my wife and I sat at the same table as you at the banquet at LDRS 27. Didn't you win that 4" AeroPack in the raffle?

Eric

[MartyAMC]

Hi Larry,

Hope your trip back to Illinois was uneventful. I got home Sunday night about 6, a 3 1/2 hour drive that seemed like 5. Even the drive home was hot. You're right, another great time with Kloudbusters. I really enjoy flying with those folks. I did get a couple pictures of your rocket on the pad and a video of the launch from a distance. I'll post them on photobucket and send you a link.

Congrats again on the Level III.

[lmt56]

Yes, I was there. I was the big guy with the white minivan that offered you guys the lawnmower when you pulled in. I flew the min diameter rocket on the L1400 that I never found on Saturday and the new I59 on Sunday. You are spot on about KLOUDBusters. I have only been flying with them a year now, and I don't think that there is any club that does things better than they do. Come to think of it, I think my wife and I sat at the same table as you at the banquet at LDRS 27. Didn't you win that 4" AeroPack in the raffle?

Eric

Hey Eric
Thanks for filling me in and thanks for use of the lawnmower. Thats is Kloudbuster hospitality.
And you are right about the banquet. I remember when I won the 98mm AeroPack I thought I would never use it.
Well its got at least one flight on it now.
Say hello to the wife.
Hope you find the min dia. rocket

[lmt56]

Hi Larry,

Hope your trip back to Illinois was uneventful. I got home Sunday night about 6, a 3 1/2 hour drive that seemed like 5. Even the drive home was hot. You're right, another great time with Kloudbusters. I really enjoy flying with those folks. I did get a couple pictures of your rocket on the pad and a video of the launch from a distance. I'll post them on photobucket and send you a link.

Congrats again on the Level III.
Hey Marty
3 1/2 thats nothing. I made it home in just over 8 1/2.
This is for Lori.
Lori I can attest to the fact that Marty did have the weights on the legs of the pop up and it still went flying up and over the trailer and landed about 50 feet or more away.
And I did see him put on sun screen.

[sandmantoy]

Congrats on your L3 Larry, sounds like it was a great flight to see.

I am still working on mine. I have the electronics bay all most complete. I did not order my altimeters until just recently so they are just getting here. I went with the missileworks mini and a Perfectflite MAWD. I have been tinkering with it while I waited for them to get here and put a on board voltage meter on it for testing the batteries. I sill have to mount the USB board on it and it will be done. Look's heavy but it is coming out pretty good. I am going to weigh it with the batteries when it is complete to see what it is. I still have to finish the coupler section that goes over it as well.

I got an altimeter with one of the hook ups on backwards so I am just waiting for a replacement to get here. Jim at Missileworks has been great at getting it straightened out. Great place to deal with. Here are some pictures of how it is going.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1061.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1063.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1065.jpg

[lmt56]

Thanks
Your alt. bay is looking great.
Mine was rather simple.
I use a PerfectFlite MAWD & an ARTS2.
I went with twist and tuck for arming.
Starting to make plans to attend AirFest.

[sandmantoy]

I have had nothing but time to work on this thing as I am stuck at home healing from back surgery . I guess it will be ready to fly when I can carry it lol. It's got me out of a lot of honey do's but that will end :eek:

[lmt56]

I know some of the question I asked on this thread were basic beginner questions.
I do not always trust theory and prefer to get real world data.
Then make my own decisions.
Success is in the details.
When you thing you know it all and stop asking questions is when you can get into trouble.
The only stupid question is the one you do not ask!!!
This L3 build was my 6th dual deploy build.
The flight was my 30th HP launch,23 of those being dual deploy flights.
5-H's
15 -I's
13- J's
7- K's
1-L
No failures so far.
Maybe it pays to keep asking beginner questions.

[sandmantoy]

Larry,
Same here, it's better to ask as some of us remember better than others and we all have different strengths. If I don't write it down I will most likely forget it lol. Takes the edge off when you have someone come up with a similar solution also.

Well the sun finally cam out here and the humidity was low enough to put some paint on the rocket Saturday so the build is moving again lol. I have not come up with a design yet but I got a base coat of white on it, next day it rained again too.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1070.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1068.jpg
Tested the electronics and got the USB connector mounted so the ebay is all done now also.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1077.jpg

[tbrogan]

Tim,

Bird is coming out awesome!!!! The ebay is one of the neatest I have ever seen. Hope you make it to NERRF with it, if the back allows it, get there and the CATO crew will carry it for ya! Hey the puppy looking good too.

Tom

[sandmantoy]

Tim,

Bird is coming out awesome!!!! The ebay is one of the neatest I have ever seen. Hope you make it to NERRF with it, if the back allows it, get there and the CATO crew will carry it for ya! Hey the puppy looking good too.

Tom

Thanks, Tom
I am going to try :D

[sandmantoy]

Well I decided on a design and started getting the rocket ready for the next color. I used Rubbermaid shelving paper a heavy mil vinyl, its peel and stick and great for large areas. It also comes off easy when you are done. Easy to draw on if you have a china marker or grease pencil, which I could not find in town :mad: so I used a crayon and a sharpie lol. Drawing the design took a few hours but the more effort you put in the better the results. I put tribal flames on it my first time, it was pretty hard to end up mating to the design as you work your way around. I put a few lines around the rocket to keep a little symmetry to the randomness or balance to it lol. I cut it out with an exacto knife just following the drawing as a guide and trying to keep steady as you go. It's going to be a few days before I can paint it as we are having hot and humid weather for a few more days. Here are some pictures, I think it came out good so far.

Here it is taped up and the drawing on it.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/draw.jpg
Here it took about 45 minutes to cut out.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/cutout1.jpg

[lmt56]

One great looking build.
You have to love a shop that is full of rockets.
The toboggan does look abit out of place.
Does it have fins on it? LOL

[sandmantoy]

One great looking build.
You have to love a shop that is full of rockets.
The toboggan does look abit out of place.
Does it have fins on it? LOL

It belongs to one of my friends, I had to repair it. He just has not picked it up yet lol. I figured you would not mind me putting my build in here in this post since it was about the I 5.

Well the weather did not look that bad this morning so I put my second color on the rocket and peeled the tape off. I can not wait to get a picture of it together :D It came out better than I expected. I took the tape off while it was still tacky so the paint would keep settling and eliminate some of the edges where the tape was, very tedious but came out nice. Closed up the garage until tomorrow to see how it dried. I put a lot of hardener in the paint so it will keep settling for about 6 to 8 hours. Not recomended unles you have a paint booth as every thing air born and flying will stick to it but it should be very shiny. If bugs land in your paint resist trying to get them out. Once the paint is good and dry 3 or 4 days you can just brush them off with a soft towel. The paint will soak through the bug and when it is hard you can knock off what is above the surface very easily, no more bug. Here is a picture of how the paint came out with the tape removed :clap:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1084.jpg

[sandmantoy]

As luck has it the sun came out today and the humidity was down enough to put the rocket together and take a look at it. Ah it is coming out nice :D I still have to get a main chute for it and weigh it all together. Here is a few shots.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1085.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/DSCF1091.jpg

[PeterC]

Tim, Thanks for the great build pictures and good luck with your 1st flight. Could you please tell us where you bought that nifty digital voltmeter and how is it installed?

[sandmantoy]

I got the volt meter and the regulator off ebay the seller is coldfusion electronics. The meter was about 13 bucks and maybe 5 or 6 bucks for the regulator. The meter is advertised mini 100 volt meter and comes in green red or blue. He has a bunch of gadgets lol. Once you buy it from him, he will send you a link that has instructions how to hook it up to various regulators and such. It is the smallest meter I have seen. Here is my wiring diagram for the I5.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/sandmantoy/I5wiring.jpg