NARCON 2009

[AKPilot]

Okay, outside of myself, who else is going?

[BobH48]

I plan on going at least a couple of days. Since it will only be a little over a 1 hour drive for me, I'm not going to bother to stay over.

[Bazookadale]

Okay, outside of myself, who else is going?

As discussed on YORF they need to get registration info out soon if they expect anyone to come!

[jflis]

Al Gloer of CATO has been having a heck of a time with regard to the web site. He has posted a lot of good info on Rocketry Planet and I have reproduced it on the FlisKits web site. You can view it by clicking this link. (http://www.fliskits.com/adverts/narcon09.htm)

Kathy and I will be there Friday afternoon for the whole event. Hoping to have a few new releases there as well :)

[Carl]

Semroc will be there! We are looking forward to it and will have several surprises as well.

Jim, save us a place and leave the cold weather back in New Hampshire!

[billspad]

I'll be there.

[MysticalRockets]

Okay, outside of myself, who else is going?

I'm on staff there. You'll probably meet me at like the registration desk or something like that.

[Bazookadale]

Al Gloer of CATO has been having a heck of a time with regard to the web site. He has posted a lot of good info on Rocketry Planet and I have reproduced it on the FlisKits web site. You can view it by clicking this link. (http://www.fliskits.com/adverts/narcon09.htm)

Kathy and I will be there Friday afternoon for the whole event. Hoping to have a few new releases there as well :)

Thanks for that link Jim it's a big help - By doing a yahoo search I found this link for the hotel
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/RHLCTHX-NAR-20090320/index.jhtml

[Gym_Class_Hero]

I might go, I'll play it by ear.

[Pat_B]

I had thought about going but it's quite a distance to travel and I was wondering what the seminar topics would be.

At this point, it appears that they are still pulling those details together. Hmm, not looking good.

[Garoq]

I'm planning to attend. We also hope to make a significant product announcement at NARCON.

[j.a.duke]

Okay, outside of myself, who else is going?

I live about 2 hours away, so I plan on being there, work willing.

I'm debating bringing the youngsters-almost 6 & 9. Don't know if the sessions will be appropriate for them.

Cheers,
Jon

[Adam Selene]

I'm tentatively planning on going. It's a long expensive trip and I just realized that it starts the same day as the Battlestar Galactica finale! Must find a hotel that has the sci fi channel.

[billspad]

I had thought about going but it's quite a distance to travel and I was wondering what the seminar topics would be.

At this point, it appears that they are still pulling those details together. Hmm, not looking good.


Don't let that discourage you. I've seen many events where planning was still going on right until the last minute. Some people seem to work better under pressure.

[EMRR]

I'm planning on being there (and potentially presenting... oy!).

[AKPilot]

Am there with two presentations and freebies for my classes.

1) Aerospace Careers: How to make your passion a reality, using hobbies

2) Convincing Local Authorities to Let You Fly: Securing Fields (based on my experiences in going before the Mayor, City Council, Parks Superintendent, & Police Department in a special session).

[jflis]

I'm tentatively planning on going. It's a long expensive trip and I just realized that it starts the same day as the Battlestar Galactica finale! Must find a hotel that has the sci fi channel.

DOH! Oh man....

[jflis]

I had thought about going but it's quite a distance to travel and I was wondering what the seminar topics would be.

At this point, it appears that they are still pulling those details together. Hmm, not looking good.

This was sent out by Al Gloer earlier today (you can get seminar topic details here):


While the actual site is being loaded you can share this. I've not exercised everything and am not sure everything works as planned. Online registration, link fixes, and some content updates are forthcoming.

http://www.catorockets.org/NARCON2009/index.htm

The actual site is www.narcon2009.org

Thanx

Al

[MysticalRockets]

You definately want to go to the Sunday Dumpster Diving seminar. Brian is a great guy, and is certifiable.

Genius or lunatic, the jury is still out on that one.

:D

Bob

[bobkrech]

I'll be there presenting an overview of Sugar Shot to Space http://www.sugarshot.org , conducting a NEMROC 2009 planning meeting http://www.nemroc.org , and participating in the NAR S&T presentation with Bill Spadafora and other members of S&T http://nar.org/NARsandt.html .

Bob

[Adam Selene]

Don't let that discourage you. I've seen many events where planning was still going on right until the last minute. Some people seem to work better under pressure.

as a vendor, so have I. most often they end badly.

but I've got faith in Al and company!

the website is up and running as of this afternoon. schedule seams light in the mornings. and there's like 3 things i want to go to at 3 on saturday :rolleyes:

[billspad]

as a vendor, so have I. most often they end badly.
Fortunately I've had the opposite experience.


but I've got faith in Al and company!Me too. I have no doubt it's going to be a great event.


the website is up and running as of this afternoon. schedule seams light in the mornings. and there's like 3 things i want to go to at 3 on saturday :rolleyes:There's one Saturday morning that I really want to attend that's running at exactly the same time as a presentation that I'm part of. I wonder if they'll notice if I sneak out.

[AKPilot]

Anyone up for a TRF dinner on Friday or Saturday night, if not both?

[Garoq]

Anyone up for a TRF dinner on Friday or Saturday night, if not both?

I'm game. Where's Bob Cox BTW?

[H_Rocket]

Hey

Thanks for all the support guys

Yes the official web site is up

WWW.NARCON2009.ORG

I'll have online registration in gear just as soon as I figure out how. If there is an expert here with web pages and Paypal shopping carts I could use the help.


Make sure you read the FAQ and the history of the lighthouse. I'm reasonably proud of this one.

[AKPilot]

I'm game. Where's Bob Cox BTW?

Lost in the land of Frozen Bananas.

[Johnly]

I'll be there and looking foward to seeing everyone. There will be a L3CC gathering for a meal, don't know which quite yet. If you thinking about making a L3 certification flight a goal for yourself in 2009 you're welcome to join us to discuss your project.

John Lyngdal
NAR Trustee

[FatBoy]

I'm debating bringing the youngsters-almost 6 & 9. Don't know if the sessions will be appropriate for them.

Jon...
I can't speak for the NARCON 2009 planners at to what they may or may not be planning, but here's a few things that we did to keep the younger attendees busy at NARCONs 2007 and 2008:

Make-it/Take-it: They each got to build a free Quest kit (graciously donated by Quest) at their own pace, and some even flew theirs later in the day at our sport launch.
Kid's Pack Activity Book: We put together a booklet that contained coloring pages, word searches, hangman and other puzzles and games.
Kids Only Grand Prize Door Prize: We had a special door prize (graciously donated by Hub Hobby) that was only available for kids. It included a huge host of kits and building supplies.

For the older kids, one of our sessions was "Junior High Power Certification" that was even put on by one of our club's junior rocketeers that has a Junior Level 1 Certification. However, besides that one, the rest of the sessions were admittadly pretty much geared towards adults, so I totally understand the debate you are going through.

Additionally, we were fortunate that the host hotel where most people stayed and where we held the convention also had an indoor pool.

[MysticalRockets]

Jon...
I can't speak for the NARCON 2009 planners at to what they may or may not be planning, but here's a few things that we did to keep the younger attendees busy at NARCONs 2007 and 2008:

Make-it/Take-it: They each got to build a free Quest kit (graciously donated by Quest) at their own pace, and some even flew theirs later in the day at our sport launch.
Kid's Pack Activity Book: We put together a booklet that contained coloring pages, word searches, hangman and other puzzles and games.
Kids Only Grand Prize Door Prize: We had a special door prize (graciously donated by Hub Hobby) that was only available for kids. It included a huge host of kits and building supplies.

For the older kids, one of our sessions was "Junior High Power Certification" that was even put on by one of our club's junior rocketeers that has a Junior Level 1 Certification. However, besides that one, the rest of the sessions were admittadly pretty much geared towards adults, so I totally understand the debate you are going through.

Additionally, we were fortunate that the host hotel where most people stayed and where we held the convention also had an indoor pool.


Make it/Take it is already planned, I believe. Have to look at the schedule.

Bob

[jflis]

Well, since the information has made it to the NARCON web site, I figure I would post it here as well :)

Get ready for the NARCON 2009 commemorative kit from FlisKits, the Nantucket Sound :D

24mm, 12.7" tall, about 5.2" wide at the base.

NARCON versions (planned anyway) will come with pre-colored body wraps to make finishing a breeze. The production version will include a link to downloads.

Have fun and be sure to register early!

jim

[Pat_B]

That's really sharp Jim. It's probably the first time that a NARCON logo has the correct CG/CG relationship. You'll probably be 'swamped' with orders :)

[billspad]

How about a flashing LED for night launches?

[MysticalRockets]

Well, since the information has made it to the NARCON web site, I figure I would post it here as well :)

Get ready for the NARCON 2009 commemorative kit from FlisKits, the Nantucket Sound :D

24mm, 12.7" tall, about 5.2" wide at the base.

NARCON versions (planned anyway) will come with pre-colored body wraps to make finishing a breeze. The production version will include a link to downloads.

Have fun and be sure to register early!

jim



Ok, SOMEONE in CATO owes me money now.

I said Jim would make a lighthouse rocket as a kit. Now someone needs to pay up.

I just can't remember who. Ah, I'll just blame Al.

[FatBoy]

Jim that lighthouse rocket is amazing!!! If it is ever available for people that can't make it to NARCON, I will definitely be buying one!!

[jflis]

Oh, it'll go into our regular production and I will have a slew of them at the event for sale, so not to worry :)

It *is* a kewl little rocket. I hope to have the working proto done early next week with (hopefully) the first flight the following week.

(yeah, blame Al for whatever someone needs to be blamed for... :) )

[H_Rocket]

And in record time...

The 7.5" upscale is under construction.

A

[AKPilot]

Jim, that's most excellent!!!

For NARCON quantities, remember what happened to Carl and the Golden Scout at the last NARCON - sold out in 20 minutes.

[AKPilot]

Hey, before I forget, two things about NARCON; one for 2009 and one for 2008.

1) Can we have a raffle strictly for 42 year old shorter, portugese, men from Missouri? :D At least then I just might have a chance to finally win something. Of course, knowing my luck, there's going to be another five guys who fit that category that'll show up.

&

2) What ever happened to the student-teacher who won Sheri's kit at NARCON 2008 up in Rochester? Did he ever build and fly it with MASA? I still am envious of that guy. Shows up to his first rocket event and walks away with a $400 kit.

[AmmoGirl]

Hey, before I forget, two things about NARCON; one for 2009 and one for 2008.

2) What ever happened to the student-teacher who won Sheri's kit at NARCON 2008 up in Rochester? Did he ever build and fly it with MASA? I still am envious of that guy. Shows up to his first rocket event and walks away with a $400 kit.

He's still incredibly thrilled that he won the grand prize!! :D

He chose Sheri's Saturn 1B kit for his prize, but he hasn't started it yet. I got to see the kit a few months ago, when I showed him the Semroc Saturn 1B that I built (was building, at the time) for the Apollo 7 40th Anniversary Celebration. It's an amazing kit and he's excited about building it, but he's been really busy.

He's not an inexperienced rocketeer, but it's not his main hobby. He develops and manages STEM programs for teachers and inner-city youth in Mpls and St. Paul. His programs include everything from rocketry to electricity to robotics and more.

His rocketry program has probably reached nearly 1000 kids over the last few years. He and his wife run the Coalwood to the Cape program (C2C), and they've brought about 70 teachers to the October Sky Festival and Cape Canaveral/KSC over the last 5 years as part of the C2C program. They presented a C2C overview at NARCON 2008, and I wrote an article about the program for the July/August 2008 issue of Sport Rocketry.

Now back to this year's NARCON... :)

Carol

[CharlaineC]

love the lighthouse. a strobe would look great on it. whats the cost gonna be.

[jflis]

Trying to keep the cost under $20. Right now I am looking at $19.95 but hope to be able to knock a couple bucks off of that. I will know once I get the pricing on the various custom parts (shroud, rings (large), wood ball, dowels, etc)

jim

[Ted Cochran]

That's really sharp Jim. It's probably the first time that a NARCON logo has the correct CG/CG relationship.

Ahem.... :)

http://narcon2007.mn-rocketry.net/images/mainpagelogo.png


You'll probably be 'swamped' with orders :)

True that!

[chanstevens]

I'm game. Where's Bob Cox BTW?

Living in Rochester, practically walking distance from NARCON 2007/8, so I'd bet he doesn't make this one. TSA tends to frown on a security cadre of flying monkeys.

Besides, with the new FAA waiver process about to go into effect, he's probably busy working on the Saturn he won in 2007. Not having to file an LMR has eliminated his last excuse for procrastinating.

--Chan Stevens

[MysticalRockets]

While we're discussing NARCON 2009, I need some info.

I'm doing the program for the event. What I would like is for the seminar presenters to send me a 3-4 sentence blurb on your topic, and one on yourself, please.

Either via PM or to attackgypsy@gmail.com

Thanks!

Bob

[jflis]

Well, two flights of the proto type and we have us a new kit coming :)

Our first flight, on a C11-3, resulted in an unstable flight. This was pretty much expected for the first flight. I had changed the design from a balsa nose cone (very tip of the rocket) to a paper cone. I did this for 2 reasons:

Reduce cost
Have a place for nose weight, if needed


Well, nose weight was needed (more than the weight of a balsa cone). So, with minimum damage, I popped the nose cone apart and stuck in an ounce of clay, repaired what little damage there was from the first flight (broken fin) and preped her again.

Perfect boost to about 400 feet on the C11-3. The delay was a bit long, but not much can be done with that. I am hoping to attend the Feb launch at CATO to fly a new proto with an E9-4. Right now I am planning on allowing only short 24mm motors unless I can get an E flight in

I will have to build another proto as this one only has a short motor tube and I don't want to fly this with the E motor sticking out the back an inch...

All and all, a good day of flight testing (we got a perfect boost and recovery on our new Tiddlywink too :D )

jim

[Peartree]

I bet a couple beta testers could get some extra test flights in... (wink, wink, nudge, nudge):)

[jflis]

I may just take you up on that, once the instructions are done :)

[Peartree]

The way our winter is going, you might have to target folks in warmer climates. NSL will be long over before the glaciers melt...:D

[H_Rocket]

Right now I am planning on allowing only short 24mm motors unless I can get an E flight in
jim

I'm planning on strapping one to a 54-2550 case and see what happens.

BTW, the 54mm version is coming along. All I need is some info from Jim on fin geometry to finish it. Wonder if he reads his e-mail ever...

[Adam Selene]

The way our winter is going, you might have to target folks in warmer climates. NSL will be long over before the glaciers melt...:D

I'm in warmer climates! :D

[MysticalRockets]

Jim, you bring that thing down and I'll give you the Aerotech reloads for it, as well as using my case. How about a D24-4 or an E11-3? I bet that thing would look awesome flying with a Black Jack.


Bob

[GuyNoir]

Well, two flights of the proto type

Naughty boy, Jim.

No blast deflector!

[billspad]

Naughty boy, Jim.

No blast deflector!


A foot of snow doesn't count?

[H_Rocket]

Depends - Can I launch a Skid and you consider the snow pack good enough to protect the ground underneath?

:p

[Peartree]

A foot of wet snow and ice should be as good as Nomex...

...ain't nothin' catching fire on the launch ranges around here.

[jflis]

Naughty boy, Jim.

No blast deflector!

3 feet of air, 2 feet of snow/ice and 18 inches of what looks like permafrost at this point... :D

Yeah, I think that about does it :)

jim

[billspad]

Depends - Can I launch a Skid and you consider the snow pack good enough to protect the ground underneath?

:p

That's probably the only time I wouldn't have any worries about firing one of those. You might be able to set dirt on fire with one but there's no way snow is going to burn.

[JRThro]

How about a flashing LED for night launches?
Or a motorized rotating one!

[billspad]

Or a motorized rotating one!

That's obviously why Jim went with the paper nosecone. It looks like there might be enough room for a small motor in there.

[jflis]

That's obviously why Jim went with the paper nosecone. It looks like there might be enough room for a small motor in there.

Oh, there's no question that someone is going to wire this thing up for lights and motors on the top. :) I won't do the kit that way (would add too much cost and complexity), but it would be a great modification fer sure!

jim

[H_Rocket]

Well after much wailing and gnashing of teeth online registration for NARCON 2009 is now available.

Please sign up as we would really like to se you there!

Online Registration for NARCON 2009 (http://www.catorockets.org/NARCON2009/online__Registration.htm)

Attendee Registration Info for NARCON 2009 (http://www.catorockets.org/NARCON2009/Registration.htm)

Vendor Registration Info for NARCON 2009 (http://www.catorockets.org/NARCON2009/vendors.htm)

[H_Rocket]

Another Update:

OK Folks...Get your NARCON2009 Bling here!


http://www.catorockets.org/NARCON2009/Webstore.htm


All the cool kids will have it!

[AKPilot]

So what's the latest folks? A little over a month away and am beginning to wondered whose registered / attending or not?

Made my flight reservations last week for a whopping $139 ($59 each way) rountrip. Yeaahaw! That's pretty darn cheap!

1) Still would like to set up a dinner both on Friday or Saturday night and,

2) How long would it take me to drive through all N.E. states (e.g. CT, RI, MA, VT, NY, ME)? I've never been up in that region and need to add some states to my list of traveling ventures.

3) Is there a list of must-do hobby shops in the area (rocketry, r/c airplanes, plastic models, etc.)?

[jflis]

So what's the latest folks? A little over a month away and am beginning to wondered whose registered / attending or not?

Made my flight reservations last week for a whopping $139 ($59 each way) rountrip. Yeaahaw! That's pretty darn cheap!

1) Still would like to set up a dinner both on Friday or Saturday night and,

2) How long would it take me to drive through all N.E. states (e.g. CT, RI, MA, VT, NY, ME)? I've never been up in that region and need to add some states to my list of traveling ventures.

3) Is there a list of must-do hobby shops in the area (rocketry, r/c airplanes, plastic models, etc.)?

um, 'bout yer list of states... No NY in New England and you missed NH... :D

An update from this end of the convention:

Instructions, package art and fin patterns for the Nantucket Sound are complete and in proof reading
Will be flying with CATO this weekend to see if I can add the E motor to the list of recommended motors
Range Box sticker design is complete
Material orders for Nantucket Sound will begin this week
Tiddlywink (1/8A HD bird) instructions are done first pass.
Tiddlywink docs will go out for proofing after 2 pass re-write


There are a couple of other kits that we are hoping to have out for NARCON, so keep watch.

I will be coordinating with Al how we are going to be giving out the free Nantucket Sound kits. Watch for an announcement shortly.

We're up for a TRF dinner. Keep us posted on plans :)

jim

[H_Rocket]

um, 'bout yer list of states... No NY in New England and you missed NH... :D

An update from this end of the convention:

Will be flying with CATO this weekend to see if I can add the E motor to the list of recommended motors




I'm bringing a can of nose weight and an Ellis G38....

[AKPilot]

You're right Jim about NH (please accept my apologies) and I've been to NY. Just haven't done the rest.

[billspad]

2) How long would it take me to drive through all N.E. states (e.g. CT, RI, MA, VT, NY, ME)? I've never been up in that region and need to add some states to my list of traveling ventures.

Boston is about two hours from where NARCON is being held. You can hit NH and the southern most part of Maine driving a couple of hours north from Boston. I'm sure you could drive through a portion of all six states in a long day if you didn't bother to stop. If you want to see the sights you could easily spend a day in all of the states.

[jderimig]

um, 'bout yer list of states... No NY in New England and you missed NH... :D=

But if you're in the area, NYC would be a more interesting visit than NH, (not that there is anything wrong with NH....) .

[MysticalRockets]

So what's the latest folks? A little over a month away and am beginning to wondered whose registered / attending or not?

Made my flight reservations last week for a whopping $139 ($59 each way) rountrip. Yeaahaw! That's pretty darn cheap!

1) Still would like to set up a dinner both on Friday or Saturday night and,

2) How long would it take me to drive through all N.E. states (e.g. CT, RI, MA, VT, NY, ME)? I've never been up in that region and need to add some states to my list of traveling ventures.

3) Is there a list of must-do hobby shops in the area (rocketry, r/c airplanes, plastic models, etc.)?


Having lived here almost all of my life, I can help you out here.

1. That sounds good. I'm sure we can take over a restaurant somewhere.

2. Well, you can "technically" do it in 1 day. From where the con is, you can get across Mass in 2 hours, cut across the corners of Vermont and New Hampshire, clip the corner of Maine, and come back down through Boston and down to Rhode Island. Of course, you're going to miss a whole ton of stuff. It would be better to take several days. If you get a chance, I definitely recommend Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT. They have a number of tall ships, including the Charles W. Morgan, which is currently being renovated.

3. The only one I know of is Time Machine in Manchester, CT. Their site is http://www.timemachinehobby.com/. Rocketry wise, not the greatest, but as a general hobby store, its pretty good.

Hope this helps.

[AKPilot]

Thanks for the responses.

Now, the question is, is this going to be a smaller NARCON attendance wise?

[GuyNoir]

But if you're in the area, NYC would be a more interesting visit

Things I liked about NYC.

Great food!

Great theater.

Amazing architecture.

Things I didn't like about NYC.

Rude people (everywhere).

Prices (best $8 bagel on the planet, no cream cheese at that price BTW).

Un-Godly traffic.

[H_Rocket]

Thanks for the responses.

Now, the question is, is this going to be a smaller NARCON attendance wise?

At this moment, we are around 40folks and gaining 1-2 a day.

I am fondly hoping for 60-80. I originally hoped for more, however I'm getting the feeling that the economy is hurting things.



So come on folks register for NARCON. There is a bunch of great sessions and you will get to hang with some of the NE folks that don't get far away.

[jflis]

But if you're in the area, NYC would be a more interesting visit than NH, (not that there is anything wrong with NH....) .

.....hhhmmmm perhaps...

I've been to NYC many times. Never really enjoyed it all that much (big cities are not my thing...) My best visit was to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall.

The last time I went there was to visit with a nephew who was there on a school trip. We spent a few hours in the city. We saw NOTHING. we did NOTHING and it cost over $250....

Last spring I went on a picnic with Kathy DEEP into the forests of NH. Spent the day hiking, playing games and fishing. Cost $1.49 for the worms and about $10 for lunch...

To give you an idea of what *I* enjoy, my favorite song lyric is from the Dixie Chicks "I want to look out at the horizon and not see a building standing tall"... :)

jim

[AKPilot]

At last count only 40 people registered for NARCON, I guess the economy is hitting everyone real hard.

Anyone else showing up, or on the fence?

[MysticalRockets]

I'm sure they are. I'm kinda figuring a whole bunch of last minute registrations. Probably some at the door too.

[AKPilot]

Is Semroc still planning on attending? I don't see them on the list of vendors and haven't seen them post in a while.

[billspad]

I'm sure they are. I'm kinda figuring a whole bunch of last minute registrations. Probably some at the door too.


I should have taken a count at our club meeting last night but of the 7 people there 2 of them specifically said they were going but hadn't gotten around to registering. Some of the others have registered (I did) but I didn't think to ask if any of them weren't going. I'm sure you're right about expecting a surge at the last minute.

[H_Rocket]

Is Semroc still planning on attending? I don't see them on the list of vendors and haven't seen them post in a while.


Thank you, I can't remember where I heard they were. Time to hit the phone tomorrow.

[jflis]

Is Semroc still planning on attending? I don't see them on the list of vendors and haven't seen them post in a while.

I talked to Carl the other day and they are planning on attending. They are looking for a hotel that will take pets at this time and believe they found one about 5 miles from the event.

jim

[AKPilot]

They are looking for a hotel that will take pets

That's funny, whenever we go on a trip my wife always does the same thing. She always asks them if they take hairy creatures, and the dogs have ever yet to come.

[jflis]

That's funny, whenever we go on a trip my wife always does the same thing. She always asks them if they take hairy creatures, and the dogs have ever yet to come.

LOL Better not let Kathy read this or it'll give her ideas :)

=================================

I have yet to communicate this to Al, but wanted to get this posted asap. I will post this in other forums and send a note off to Al as well.

FlisKits will be offering the following at NARCON to NARCON attendees:

Complimentary Nantucket Sound to the first 50 registered guests
An additional 50 will be available at 50% below retail exclusively for guests who didn't qualify for a complimentary one.
We will have additoinal kits available at (or slightly below) retail for anyone who wants an extra
We will also have drawings for about 5 of the new Tiddlywink kits (1/8A HD bird)
A drawing for 5 or so of another micro to the maxx kit, the Dead Ringer (futuristic kit)
There will also be a NARCON 2009 Range Box sticker in the registration packet, from FlisKits.
Possibly more goodies... Depends on how many folks register. The more registered guests, the larger the prize pool can become :) so sign up and get your friends to sign up!


Register early, register often!

Be sure to stop by our booth to say hi and check out what's coming down the line!

jim

[MysticalRockets]

LOL Better not let Kathy read this or it'll give her ideas :)

=================================

I have yet to communicate this to Al, but wanted to get this posted asap. I will post this in other forums and send a note off to Al as well.

FlisKits will be offering the following at NARCON to NARCON attendees:

Complimentary Nantucket Sound to the first 50 registered guests
An additional 50 will be available at 50% below retail exclusively for guests who didn't qualify for a complimentary one.
We will have additoinal kits available at (or slightly below) retail for anyone who wants an extra
We will also have drawings for about 5 of the new Tiddlywink kits (1/8A HD bird)
A drawing for 5 or so of another micro to the maxx kit, the Dead Ringer (futuristic kit)
There will also be a NARCON 2009 Range Box sticker in the registration packet, from FlisKits.
Possibly more goodies... Depends on how many folks register. The more registered guests, the larger the prize pool can become :) so sign up and get your friends to sign up!


Register early, register often!

Be sure to stop by our booth to say hi and check out what's coming down the line!

jim


Staff get one? *wink wink nudge nudge*

Just kidding. I'll be in line to buy mine.

[BobH48]

I tried to register but when I hit the submit button, I got the 404 page.

[MarkII]

You're right Jim about NH (please accept my apologies) and I've been to NY. Just haven't done the rest.
You are very welcome to come visit the absolutely best part of NY, the area north of Albany (waaaay north of there) and west of Lake Champlain... :D

No, we are not part of New England, and that's something that we are quite proud of... :p

MarkII

[MarkII]

Well, I'd sure LIKE to come (what a great opportunity!), but you are right about the economy thing. No need to go into details, but talking on the web is just about the only rocketry activity that I can afford to do right now. (And thank God for that! It's the only thing that's keeping me at least somewhat sane. :rolleyes: ) The situation may improve ever so slightly next month, and if so, maybe I'll be able to make it down to there. But it's very much in wait and see mode right now. My planning horizon is about 1 or 2 days at a time.

MarkII

[AKPilot]

Is there going to be anything happening, besides the Level 2 exam, beyond 10:00am on Sunday? Any other seminars or happenings?

[jflis]

You are very welcome to come visit the absolutely best part of NY, the area north of Albany (waaaay north of there) and west of Lake Champlain... :D

No, we are not part of New England, and that's something that we are quite proud of... :p

MarkII

Adirondack State Park? Born and raised in Schenectady and summered in Scroon Lank :) Love it. My sister has a cabin up there right on the lake. My mom's side of the family were one of the founding fathers.

Frankly, I love most everything about the north east. Just keep me outta the cities :)

[JRThro]

2. Well, you can "technically" do it in 1 day. From where the con is, you can get across Mass in 2 hours, cut across the corners of Vermont and New Hampshire, clip the corner of Maine, and come back down through Boston and down to Rhode Island. Of course, you're going to miss a whole ton of stuff.
Rather off-topic, but that's pretty much how I added Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico to my personal list of states visited. I was in southern Colorado, so I drove down/over to the Four Corners Monument and stepped on the very corners of the other three states. So I've been in those states, but I haven't seen anything in them except for the very immediate Four Corners area.

[MysticalRockets]

Is there going to be anything happening, besides the Level 2 exam, beyond 10:00am on Sunday? Any other seminars or happenings?

Let me open the file for the event program...


No, just the Farewell Address.

Please remember, in keeping with the Education theme, we are using a High School for the event. So we have some serious time constraints.

[jderimig]

.....hhhmmmm perhaps...

I've been to NYC many times. Never really enjoyed it all that much (big cities are not my thing...) My best visit was to see the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall.

The last time I went there was to visit with a nephew who was there on a school trip. We spent a few hours in the city. We saw NOTHING. we did NOTHING and it cost over $250....

Last spring I went on a picnic with Kathy DEEP into the forests of NH. Spent the day hiking, playing games and fishing. Cost $1.49 for the worms and about $10 for lunch...

To give you an idea of what *I* enjoy, my favorite song lyric is from the Dixie Chicks "I want to look out at the horizon and not see a building standing tall"... :)

jim

I said NYC may be more interesting, not necessarily better.:)

[tonypv]

I tried to register but when I hit the submit button, I got the 404 page.

Same for me.

[H_Rocket]

Working on it...

[jflis]

Good news on the rocket front...

I had the chance to go spelunking with CATO today... ...No, there were no caves... rather that was the sound your footsteps made in the muck and the mud...

On the UP side, I got a great flight out of the Nantucket Sound on an E9-4 !!

So, I will be changing the instructions (and cover art) slightly to allow for this motor. I will say that even with the shortest delay (4 seconds) she drop a lot of altitude before deployment. I will mention this in the documentation, but from a stability point of view, it was just fine.

Tiddlywink turned in a great flight too (about 55 seconds) so I'm happy with that one too :)

Here are two pix of the Nantucket Sound. There were others there that got far better pix though. Hopefully they will post :)

jim

[bobkrech]

I tried to register but when I hit the submit button, I got the 404 page.


Same for me.


Working on it...

Still needs fixing. Didn't work when I tried to register.

Bob

[BobH48]

ok, I was finally able to register.

[jflis]

I just confirmed that SEMROC has registered for NARCON. All the more reason for EVERYONE to register and come on down! :)

Let's get those numbers up and up and UP. It's a lot more fun with large crowds of rocketeers, I can tell you that!

[JRThro]

Good news on the rocket front...

I had the chance to go spelunking with CATO today... ...No, there were no caves... rather that was the sound your footsteps made in the muck and the mud...

On the UP side, I got a great flight out of the Nantucket Sound on an E9-4 !!

So, I will be changing the instructions (and cover art) slightly to allow for this motor. I will say that even with the shortest delay (4 seconds) she drop a lot of altitude before deployment. I will mention this in the documentation, but from a stability point of view, it was just fine.

Tiddlywink turned in a great flight too (about 55 seconds) so I'm happy with that one too :)

Here are two pix of the Nantucket Sound. There were others there that got far better pix though. Hopefully they will post :)

jim
Jim, I may have to finally break down and (whispers, hoping no one will hear... :o ) buy my (ahem) first Fliskits kit, once the Nantucket Sound goes on sale.

Is the motor block located for D engines? It looks like that E motor sticks pretty far out the back.

Any idea what kind of altitudes you get on Estes D and E motors?

[jflis]

Jim, I may have to finally break down and (whispers, hoping no one will hear... :o ) buy my (ahem) first Fliskits kit, once the Nantucket Sound goes on sale.

Is the motor block located for D engines? It looks like that E motor sticks pretty far out the back.

Any idea what kind of altitudes you get on Estes D and E motors?

Well, I fully support your buying your first FlisKits kit :)

It won't be your last, of that I am confident!

What you see in the photo's is the 2nd prototype model. The first was a non-flying "proof of concept" model. This proto was designed with the feeling that only C11 and D12 motors would be recommended. After some consideration and a page or two of math scribblings, I decided to give it a test with an E motor.

That is why the motor sticks out the back like that. I did some quick calculations and added weight to get the CG to where it should be assuming the motor to be in the proper position (1" further in) for that test flight.

The final product will have you make the decision, in Step 1, whether you want to assemble it for short motors (then E's would not be recommended) or set up for the longer motors (in which case spacers can be used for the shorter motors).

As for altitude, tough call as I wasn't really looking for that. Heck, part of me has my muscles prepared to jerk my head around to follow the rocket on its expected flight path... :D As a guesstamate I would put it at about 700-800 feet on the E, but that really is just a guess... Al? Someone else from the launch? Any guess or estimate?

The best is that this thing looks SO kewl sitting on the table, even cooler on the pad and simply delightful in the air! :) It's going to be a fun odd-roc to have in our growing fleet of kits, that's for sure!

Here's a nice launch shot captured by Ross Tracey

jim

[Carl]

Jim, I may have to finally break down and (whispers, hoping no one will hear... :o ) buy my (ahem) first Fliskits kit, once the Nantucket Sound goes on sale.

Hey, John. I have bought MORE Fliskits than you? That is not right.:D

[MarkII]

Hey, John. I have bought MORE Fliskits than you? That is not right.:D
See, John? Ya didn't whisper softly enough, and someone overheard! :eek:

But be forewarned: FlisKits, like Semroc's kits, are like salted peanuts. After you have had your first couple of big handfuls of them, you'll still want


MORE...... MORE....... MORE!!!



MarkII

[MysticalRockets]

Well, I fully support your buying your first FlisKits kit :)

It won't be your last, of that I am confident!

What you see in the photo's is the 2nd prototype model. The first was a non-flying "proof of concept" model. This proto was designed with the feeling that only C11 and D12 motors would be recommended. After some consideration and a page or two of math scribblings, I decided to give it a test with an E motor.

That is why the motor sticks out the back like that. I did some quick calculations and added weight to get the CG to where it should be assuming the motor to be in the proper position (1" further in) for that test flight.

The final product will have you make the decision, in Step 1, whether you want to assemble it for short motors (then E's would not be recommended) or set up for the longer motors (in which case spacers can be used for the shorter motors).

As for altitude, tough call as I wasn't really looking for that. Heck, part of me has my muscles prepared to jerk my head around to follow the rocket on its expected flight path... :D As a guesstamate I would put it at about 700-800 feet on the E, but that really is just a guess... Al? Someone else from the launch? Any guess or estimate?

The best is that this thing looks SO kewl sitting on the table, even cooler on the pad and simply delightful in the air! :) It's going to be a fun odd-roc to have in our growing fleet of kits, that's for sure!

Here's a nice launch shot captured by Ross Tracey

jim



Hey Jim, have you considered a 24mm reload? Like an E15-4? They're short enough to where you wouldn't have to change the CG at all. Think it would fly alright? I know the 4 second delay seems like it would be long for it, seeing how it went on an E9.

[Peartree]

See, John? Ya didn't whisper softly enough, and someone overheard! :eek:

But be forewarned: FlisKits, like Semroc's kits, are like salted peanuts. After you have had your first couple of big handfuls of them, you'll still want


MORE...... MORE....... MORE!!!



MarkII


You understand that some of us buy Jim's kits by the dozen...


















As well as Quest and Estes and others...for Cub Scouts.:D

[jflis]

Hey Jim, have you considered a 24mm reload? Like an E15-4? They're short enough to where you wouldn't have to change the CG at all. Think it would fly alright? I know the 4 second delay seems like it would be long for it, seeing how it went on an E9.

Actually, they *should* work too. I don't have reloads but will invite someone from CMASS to give it a shot at our next launch...

[jflis]

Just a quick update on things at this end:

The Nantucket Sound is complete. I expect to be ordering documentation later this week. All test flights are done. All custom parts ordered and all are in but one and it is shipping tomorrow.
Range box sticker artwork is done and the stickers should be ready next week.
The new Spring 2009 catalog is done and ordered. I expect them next week
Two other kits we are planning on releasing at NARCON are done (documentation and custom parts ordered). These are the Tiddlywink 1/8A HD model and the Dead Ringer MttM Futuristic model
Other possible announcements include Rhino accessories and possible motor mounts.
We will have an Out of Production Freedom Forge Missle donated for give away at NARCON


More info as it becomes available.
jim

[MysticalRockets]

Jim you know that I'm going to pull up a chair and hound you all weekend. Just because I can, right?
:D:D:D:D

[jflis]

Jim you know that I'm going to pull up a chair and hound you all weekend. Just because I can, right?
:D:D:D:D

Ain't that what NARCON is all about??? :)

[MysticalRockets]

Ain't that what NARCON is all about??? :)


Well, yeah...

[JRThro]

Here's a nice launch shot captured by Ross Tracey
What's that white stuff all over the ground? :confused:

[JRThro]

Hey, John. I have bought MORE Fliskits than you? That is not right.:DYou must have more free time to build rockets than I do, Carl. :eek:

And it's not like you have an entire assembly line full of kits of your own or anything...
:cool:

[Carl]

You must have more free time to build rockets than I do, Carl. :eek:

And it's not like you have an entire assembly line full of kits of your own or anything...
:cool:About 5 of my Fliskits are #1 and they will not be built. Many of the others are gifts from Jim. All are special!

I do build a lot of rockets, but I only finish a few. I started over 10 of the Saturn 1B models before all the rings, shrouds, etc. were right. I ALMOST finished one.

What is free time?:confused:

[JAL3]

What is free time?:confused:

Free Time: an apocphrycal temporal comodity carrying the connotation that the possessor of such (free time) is able to do things for the spouse, church, Boy Scouts, Children, IRS, household pets, neighborhood pets and countless other entities. Refferences to "Free Time" are commonly found in texts, tracts, discourses and commands by the afore mentioned enties. The entymology of the term is obscure. Some credit it to the psychobabbling of the ancient Etruscans but failure to decipher the Etruscan script renders this hypothesis merely conjectural. Supposed drerrivation comes from the conflation of Time (Te-may) Free (Fray-eh), one of the few Etruscan phrases to have been successfully tranlated and meaning "achieve slowly". Other derrivational conjectures involve the overindugence of recreational pharmaseuticals at a commune in Woodstock, NY and, least plausibly of all, the absurd msuing that it may actually be possible to have time to do things that has not already been claimed by the groups given in the definition. While we may never know the true origins, this author subscribes to the theory that such commodities should not be discussed in an open forum lest unsuspecting folk begin to believe that the term refers to BARs who suffer from insomia and have run out of sermon ideas and are therefore monitoring rocket related websites in the hope of finding inspiration or, at least, another cool model not yet in the inventory.

[MysticalRockets]

What's that white stuff all over the ground? :confused:

Yes, Connecticut still had some snow on the ground at that time. Most of it was gone though. Had about 6 inches on the ground about 2 weeks before when we flew.

Unfortunately, 2 days later, we got another foot of it. Hopefully, that will be the last. But I doubt it. Gonna be warm and raining this weekend, so that should get rid of all of this.

[jflis]

What's that white stuff all over the ground? :confused:

Oh, don't get me started....

Heck, we just got hammered with another 8-10 inches just the other day. They had to close schools down state wide the first day back to school after winter recess...

These poor kids are going to be going to classes till July, at this rate LOL

Today it's supposed to warm all the way up to freezing (yahoo!) and this weekend into the 50's (that's tropical for NH...)

jim

[jflis]

Here is the latest status on where things stand at this end:


Nantucket Sound documentation is complete and ordered
All custom materials have been ordered and received
As soon as I get some of the color shrouds in I will build another for a show kit
Range box stickers are in. You can see the two photo's attached showing the sticker on my range box and a close up of it. It came out very nice.
Tiddlywink (MttM 1/8A HD model) is done and documentation has been ordered
One last custom part for the Tiddlywink should be in next week, so we're all set there.
Parts for the Dead Ringer have been ordered.
If I can finish the documentation for the Dead Ringer (MttM furturistic bird), I will be announcing it at NARCON as well :)


Been a busy few weeks and the next 2 are going to be killer... :)

jim

[bob jablonski]

You must have more free time to build rockets than I do, Carl. :eek:

And it's not like you have an entire assembly line full of kits of your own or anything...
:cool:
Carl's probably like me. I have 40-50 unbuilt kits due to lack of time making Starlight kits. And yes I also have some Fliskits.
Mr. Bob
Starlight guy
www.starlightrocketry.com

[EMRR]

EMRR has confirmed travel to NARCON....

Also, for those going to NARCON:

"EMRR on CD" We are pleased to re-introduce Essence's Model Rocketry Reviews on CD (technically DVD). After over 3 years, EMRR can once again be enjoyed online or offline which makes it available to virtually everyone.

Note: EMRR will be at on NARCON 2009 on Friday 3/20 - Saturday 3/21. You may preorder your "EMRR on CD" to be delivered at NARCON and save 20%.

LINK (http://www.rocketreviews.com/eat/emrroncd.shtml)

Nick

[rocketgroupmike]

I'll be there... The Nantucket Sound is worth the price of admission all by itself!

[jflis]

I'll be there... The Nantucket Sound is worth the price of admission all by itself!

Yes. It is :)

Update!

All custom parts for the Nantucket Sound and the Tiddlywink are in. I expect the parts for the Dead Ringer in tomorrow.

All kit documentation (for all 3 kits) is in.

New (Spring '09) catalogs are in and will be available at our booth.

Now the kitting frenzy continues... :)

[MysticalRockets]

Let's see...


The bills are paid for this month
Credit card payment is done
Hotel room is reserved
Rental car is reserved (No new car yet, waiting on the insurance company)


Looks like I'm actually going to have a decent amount of spending money with me.

Only 4 things I *HAVE* to get. My L1 cert kit, the motor and case, and a Nantucket Sound (I keep calling it Naugatuck. Its a Connecticut thing.)

Looks like I'm gonna have some fun in the vendor room. Jim, you better be stocked up on kits...

:D

[jflis]

Let's see...


The bills are paid for this month
Credit card payment is done
Hotel room is reserved
Rental car is reserved (No new car yet, waiting on the insurance company)


Looks like I'm actually going to have a decent amount of spending money with me.

Only 4 things I *HAVE* to get. My L1 cert kit, the motor and case, and a Nantucket Sound (I keep calling it Naugatuck. Its a Connecticut thing.)

Looks like I'm gonna have some fun in the vendor room. Jim, you better be stocked up on kits...

:D

Packing the store this week in fact :) Kathy and I have been (as she is fond of saying) "kitting like bunnies" the past 2 weeks :)

[jflis]

IMPORTANT FlisKits booth info

Just so folks know, when we set up a booth at remote events (like NARCON) we do not plan on bringing any parts/components/accessories. There's just too much to bring/pack/unpack to make that worthwhile.

HOWEVER if there are parts or anything else in our list of offerings (other than kits) that you would like to purchase at NARCON (and save on shipping!), just send me an email (please, No PM's) and I will happily package up everything you need and bring it with us.

jim

[AKPilot]

Can I get a headcount on those wishing to attend dinner on Friday and Saturday nights?

I'll make reservations this upcoming Sunday evening, for both evenings, plus 10% for fudge factor.

So far I know of two, from St. Louis.

[jflis]

Kathy and I can make it for Friday. Not sure about Saturday. Will depend on other commitments...

jim

[standardrockets]

Count me in on Friday - I just hope the whole convention is declared a BSG finale discussion free zone.

And now the second from the last is starting.

Lyle Merdan
Standard Rockets Corporation
http://www.standardrockets.com

[H_Rocket]

Count me in on Friday - I just hope the whole convention is declared a BSG finale discussion free zone.

And now the second from the last is starting.



Super Soakers will be available for rental at registration.

[MysticalRockets]

Count me in.


Bob

[rocketgroupmike]

I'm in for dinner on Saturday only.

[chanstevens]

I'm game for a Saturday, depending on the schedule. I seem to remember having a little trouble getting out to dinner and back in time for the evening presentation last year, but might be confusing that with a NARAM gathering...

I've got a rental car, too, if anyone wants to car pool/ride share.

[MysticalRockets]

Well, anybody who goes to NARCON will probably be meeting me, since I'll be at the registration desk along with Al's wonderful wife.

4 days gang! See you there!

[Pat_B]

What's the final headcount for registration?

[MysticalRockets]

What's the final headcount for registration?

Don't have a final headcount yet. Al is working 12 hour days right now. I'm sure he'll let you know when he has a chance. Just be patient please.

Thanks.

[Pat_B]

No problem. I'm hoping you guys have lots of attendees!

[jflis]

News from the north :)


Nantucket Sound kits are all done up
Dead Ringer kits are all done up
Tiddlywink kits will be done tomorrow


Whew! Been a busy few weeks. Looking forward to resting this weekend :D

jim

[AKPilot]

Here's the scoop folks, I have reservations for Friday and Saturday nights as follows. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH CASH ON-HAND, AS BOTH PLACES WILL NOT ALLOW US TO TO HAVE SEPARATE BILLS. Both places are reasonably inexpensive.

I'll call both Gary (AT) and Bill (BMS) to let them know of the intentions.

Reservations are under my name (Troy):

For Friday evening, I have reservations at 6:00pm for:

Chuck's Steak House
2199 Silas Deane Hwy
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

(860) 529-0222‎




Saturday; 6:00pm

(this place doesn't take reservations, however will let me call in up to an hour before - so I'll do that)

On the Border (Mexican)
1519 Silas Deane Hwy
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
(860) 513-1020

[AKPilot]

Also, attend one of my seminars and you'll be eligible for some nominal Boeing freebies. (1:1 products excluded)

[AKPilot]

Weather shows to be in the 50s during the day, 30s at night. Not too bad at all.

[H_Rocket]

Here's the scoop folks, I have reservations for Friday and Saturday nights as follows.

For Friday evening, I have reservations at 6:00pm for:

Chuck's Steak House

Saturday; 6:00pm

On the Border (Mexican)


Chuck's is a great place for those of you who feel your arteries are a little soft. COW-a-bunga

On The Border is typical chain food. There is a much much better Mexican Food restaurant (vetted by those of us who have grown up in the Southwest) called Puerta Vallerta (sic) a lot closer to the school. If you like, I will make arrangements.

[AKPilot]

Yea, can you go ahead and do that - make reservations for the other Mexican Place. I was just going off the list.

Reservations for 12 at 6:00pm on Saturday.

[standardrockets]

Yea, can you go ahead and do that - make reservations for the other Mexican Place. I was just going off the list.

Reservations for 12 at 6:00pm on Saturday.

Make that 13.

Lyle Merdan
standardrockets.com

[H_Rocket]

And the drawings will include:

I have this all in hand

King Kraken - Pemberton Technologies
Spike - Polecat/What's Up Hobbies
Bullpup - Polecat/What's Up Hobbies
Estes Stormcaster - What's Up Hobbies
Estes Liquidator - What's Up Hobbies
momba - Mad Cow Rocketry
Li'l Goblin - Mad Cow Rocketry
WACC Corporal - QModeling
MRS Stiletto - QModeling
$10 gift certificate - QModeling
$10 gift certificate - QModeling
$10 gift certificate - QModeling
Pumpkin Head - Thrustline Aerospace (Autographed)
Black Shadow - Thrustline Aerospace (Autographed)
Tomahawk - Quest Aerospace
Bright Hawk - - Quest Aerospace
Shuttle Intrepid - Quest Aerospace
Gamma Ray - Quest Aerospace
Payloader 1 - Quest Aerospace
Totally Tubular - Quest Aerospace
Navaho AGM - Quest Aerospace
Harpoon AGM - Quest Aerospace
X15 - Quest Aerospace
Terrier Orion - Quest Aerospace
Superbird - Quest Aerospace
Big Betty - Quest Aerospace
NERRF Video - VooDoo Digital
NERRF Video - VooDoo Digital
TARC Video - VooDoo Digital
TARC Video - VooDoo Digital
29mm G Hybrid Motor - Skyripper Systems
Skyripper Shirt (2)

Major Gift Certificate for Sheri's Hot Rockets ($250) - Special drawing at the Town Hall Meeting


Some other things I don't have, however I have it on good authority they will surface

Standard Rocket Assembly Tool - Standard Rockets
Launch Magazine Special Rocket - Launch Magazine

I am sure there is something I have overlooked - so please if you are one of our extremely generous supporting vendors let me know.

[H_Rocket]

Whoops - Web Burp

[jflis]

Yea! The Tiddlywink is IN THE BAG! :)

Closer to being ready for NARCON!

[EMRR]

Did I miss it? Is there a launch scheduled for Sat or Sun Narcon?

[AKPilot]

Nope, didn't miss it. No launch at NARCON this year. I think it had to do with not wanting to take people away from the seminars.

[MysticalRockets]

Nope, didn't miss it. No launch at NARCON this year. I think it had to do with not wanting to take people away from the seminars.

That, and all we had available was the school baseball field. CATO's normal field is like 20 miles away, and this time of year is a giant puddle.

[jflis]

That, and all we had available was the school baseball field. CATO's normal field is like 20 miles away, and this time of year is a giant puddle.

oh man, I can attest to THAT! LOL

[SCE to AUX]

Posting this via (flaky) WiFi from my hotel room.

Anyone else in town yet? Met AKpilot and RangerSTL for dinner, and had a good time. Where were the other 10 who said they were coming?

[H_Rocket]

Memo to self....


What the heck were you thinking!!!???



The main hall is set up, there is a nice cross section of the vendor community.

If any of you who are here get a moment to visit the CATO-Chutes table. Please tell Karen thanks. She does not even fly rockets and did more to make NARCON happen than you can imagine.

Boy did I score in the pick a wife lottery.

[Thrustline]

Posting this via (flaky) WiFi from my hotel room.

Anyone else in town yet? Met AKpilot and RangerSTL for dinner, and had a good time. Where were the other 10 who said they were coming?

Just got back from being on the road for a week. Coming down to visit tomorrow fro about in hour in the morning, then it's back on the road! Hope there are still some folks around on Sunday morn....

[terryg]

Sounds like fun and I am definitely interested in seeing the presentations but as I am located in Arizona, this is not practical. Are any of the events going to be recorded? It would be cool with these events for everyone to share in the info and knowledge. Perhaps by content placed on line or distributed directly to the NAR sections.

[jflis]

The first full day of NARCON was a blast, at least in the vendor room :) I didn't have time to attend any of the sessions, but heard good things, so...

There were more folks than I originally expected. There were a lot of late signups and hit around 75 by Friday morning.

I apologize to Troy (AKpilot) but Kathy and I were unable to attend either of the dinner gatherings. Friday night Kathy was wasted (she'd been up since 4 am) and tonight I was wasted after a full day on my feet...

We did have a nice quiet dinner with Carl, Sheryl, and Bruce (SEMROC). It's wonderfull to be able to spend some time with them as we only get to meet up 1-2 times a year...

We had a build session for the Nantucket Sound scheduled but it was bust for a variety of reasons, one of them being that most felt they wouldn't finish the kit in the time alotted (2 hours) and didn't want to have to carry around a half built rocket. Bottom line is, it was too complex a kit to use for a convention style build session (and I should know better :) )

It was great seeing everyone again (too many to name) and a few conversations have resulted in a few new products slated for the NARAM timeframe, so keep watch :D

Now to get some business done and crash for the night... more tomorrow.

jim

[SCE to AUX]

All attendees get a "proceedings" CD sent to them, which I assume can be distributed widely.

Some of the sessions have been quite good, with a wide variety of topics.

[Green Arrow]

I'm game. Where's Bob Cox BTW?

He has been pretty much living, breathing, eating at work from the sounds of it. Big project.....

I emailed him the other day asking what has he been up too. He filled me in.... He did ask if I want to get together and send some rockets skyward this weekend.... I had to decline because of commitments but I hope we can soon will be out again flying!! April starts our clubs flying season....

[troj]

We had a build session for the Nantucket Sound scheduled but it was bust for a variety of reasons, one of them being that most felt they wouldn't finish the kit in the time alotted (2 hours) and didn't want to have to carry around a half built rocket. Bottom line is, it was too complex a kit to use for a convention style build session (and I should know better :) )

Ya shoulda used hot glue for it! :p

-Kevin

[MysticalRockets]

Well, everything went well. The sessions were great, the vendors were happy, and lots of people won door prizes,lots and lots of door prizes. We had like an extra 45 door prizes donated when we got there.

And no, I didn't win everything. I gave most of them back.

But the weekend was definitely awesome. We had a great attendance. And a great town meeting.

Thanks to Trip, Al Gloer, and all the rest for a great weekend.

And something else happened, which I'll cover in another post.

Bob

[AKPilot]

Well, we're recovering here in the hotel and will catch flights home in the morning.

I'll post more in a bit, but it was a good time. Al and CATO did a good job putting it all together and my half-empty suitcase is now full with "stuff".

Time to go eat dinner . . .

[H_Rocket]

NARCON 2009 is now one for the ages.

I have experienced every emotion there is in the process from blind panic to elation.

I would surely miss someone were I to try and list everyone who helped in some way or another, so the best I can do is offer my profound and heartfelt thanks to everyone. People keep telling me this was my baby. Yes, it was my idea, however it was an event that was of, by, and for the entire rocketry community.

Bravo All!


Al Gloer
No Longer the Event Director
NARCON 2009

[Bravo52]

I might have missed this.....but, did anyone host a picture site?

[powderburner]

All attendees get a "proceedings" CD sent to them, which I assume can be distributed widely.

Such a CD could be a good money-maker for NAR, after the fact. There are many of us who cannot carve out that much time, or cannot afford airline tickets and motels. A recap CD for maybe $10 or $20 would allow the rest of us to "attend" many of the NARCON activities and should be a good fundraiser for the local section and NAR HQ.

I mean, if the thing has already been compiled and edited, how hard would it be to burn a few dozen more copies?

[H_Rocket]

Great minds think alike...

http://www.catorockets.org/NARCON2009/Webstore.htm

Been there since the start.

[MysticalRockets]

For those of you who were there, I was the big guy running the registration desk.

I want to thank my wonderful assistants Brianna and Rick, and of course Karen, the Patron Saint of CATO. They helped me keep the mass chaos at least semi organized. I was in massive amounts of pain with my back starting Friday morning, and still continuing until now, and I don't think I would have pulled it off without them.

What overwhelmed us was the sheer massive amount of door prizes. We went from 25-30 to 75-80 in a few hours. Just getting them all recorded as a job. I had no idea what we had when I got there. Didn't even know I was going to be doing the drawings. Would have been a lot more organized if I did. But I hope everyone was happy with their door prizes. I think the best was when we gave away an original Estes Honest John to one of the kids in the club. Was funny watching Dad's eyes bulge out of his head when he saw it. :)

All in all, a great weekend, with some celebrating mixed in. Its not over, but we did do some celebrating.


Bob

[MysticalRockets]

Best Line of the weekend...

"You all heard we won a lawsuit, right?"
*Thunderous applause*

- Trip at the town meeting

[bobkrech]

NARCON 2009 was a wonderful event. Al Gloer, his wife (the Saint), and the CATO crew deserve a round of applause for a job well done.

This was the first NARCON I've attended and it was great to meet face-to-face for the first time many of the folks that I have had discussions with via TRF or e-mails on other rocketry topics including fellow TRF admins/mods Troy and Nick (AKPilot and Ranger Stl), and our West Coast S&T crew John Lyngdal and George Rachor and NAR VP Ted Cochran.

I was rather busy with my Sugar Shot to Space presentation, supporting the NAR S&T presentation and co-chairing the NEMROC planning session, so I unfortunately didn't get to meet as many of the attendees that I had hoped to, but I did enjoy having the opportunity meet a lot of the CATO folks, the vendors, Gary Rosenfield of AT, Robert Alway, a great competitive rocketeer and a very generous benefactor of the NAR youth rocketry education programs, the CSXT GoFast Avionics crew, Doc Dameräu, and a whole bunch of other folks.

If you can get to a national or regional rocketry convention, go! You actually get back far more than the price of admission in door prizes, information and friendships. It's great to meet the folks you talk to on the forum and find out what they're doing in far more detail than you can do with e-mails.

I had a great time.

Bob

[billspad]

I also had a great time. I saw some excellent presentations and did my part to help the economy by visiting the vendors.

Al did an excellent job and he didn't look half as stressed out as he claimed to be.

[AKPilot]

Well, I typed this up this morning before leaving the hotel but, the connection timed out . . . so hear I go again with my experience.

RangerStL and I flew in around Friday at lunchtime. So we caught a bite to eat and then headed to the New England Air Museum adjacent to the airport, on Al's suggestions. Man, what a great Museum! The had a little smattering of everything, from balloons, to commercial, to WWII (F4U, B-25, etc.), to F-105, 100, civil, and my favorite the restored B-29. First time I've ever seen one of those puppies and it was fantastic!

Around 4:00pm on Friday we headed over to Wethersfield HS and helped Al and crew bring in some tables; along with helping Bill from BMS with his stuff.

After that we headed to the restaurant for dinner, but found out that a lot of people got held up. So it ended up being us two and SCEAUX. We had a good time nonetheless and by the end people in the restaurant were singing folks songs about us, dancing on the tables, and we even had a drink named after us (in addition to the folk songs of course).

While we were leaving Gary Rosenfield (AT) showed up so RangerStL and I went back in and had dessert while Gary ate. Had a good conversation about a variety of rocketry related topics.

The next morning we showed up at 8:45am to see everyone set up: Semroc, Fliskits, Hot Rod Lincoln, NARTS, BMS, bmiCAD, standardrockets, Heavenly Hobbies, CATO Chutes, Pyramid Rockets, and Rocket Girl Jewlrey.

At 9:00am started the conventioned with Al welcoming everyone and the vendors forum. You're going to have to check out all of their web sites because there were quite a few, great, new releases.

I gave my presentation for two hours. I gave a few door-prizes to those attending my seminars, but the funniest thing happend. Totally random, for both hours, two boys pulled their own families names. Even I thought I had rigged the prizes but, was glad to see the boys take something home.

On return from lunch it was time to pick up some products. Yippie!

I picked up my Nantucket Sound from Jim and Kathy. I am not into odd-rocs, and only have one other, the Corn-roc, but this Nantucket Sound is awesome. If you haven't checked out Jim's site, pick up the kit and download the blue/white spiral wrap. It's a beauty!!! So much so, even those of who are completely landlocked should have a lighthouse in their collection. Also managed to pick up another Frick-n-Frack (wore out my first one) and an Avalear. I think Jim's being quite modest because rumour has it it sold out completely of his Nanites very quick!

Oh, I forgot to mention, the one thing I love about NSL and NARCON's is of the new "catalogs" that come out from vendors such as Semroc and Fliskits. I carefully roll this up, tuck them away, beat off flight attendants from taking my bags away, and come home and post them up on my magnetic boards for the next year.

Next was Semroc. It's always great to see Carl, Sheryl, and Bruce. It's like seeing relatives you haven't seen in months. I picked up my Launch rocket from them and also managed to pick up a Magnum Hornet, a Hydra-One, and a Hawk glider (on top of their catalog). Outstanding!!!

Pyramid Rocketry announced that he was going out of business, as his son (the creator) has grown up and moved on. So he had a self-imposed "fire sale" of his pyramids. I ended up picking up his 29mm one for a steal of a price!

I visited Heavenly Hobbies and met Jose and his wife. He introducted his Washigei Camera Rocket. Man that's a neat and practical kit. I was debating about the price for an all inclusive kit, but in the end realized I couldn't get it home on the plane anyhow.

At NARTS the whole line of NAR products were there, including Peters Always book Rocket of the Worlds!

From BMS, I was able to snag an Astron Invader - that I missed on Bill's first go around.

Lyle from StandardRockets has come up with a sheet-metal fin-jig that is both reasonably priced and well though out. He sold out of all that he brought, and even made the comment that he must be on a good thing because Trip Barber even bought one.

Saturday night saw us a a mexican restaurant called Puerto Vallarta, where we had over 20 people in two groups. Dinner went so well, that Trip had to delay the start of the Town Meeting that night. I had something for the first time ever, called Mole (mo-lea). At first I thought mole would taste like chicken but, it was a spicy-chocolate sauce that was pretty darn good.

The Town Meeting that night started off with Trip talking about the recent court decision. If I took anything away from that meeting, and the plethora of questons that followed, was the fact that NAR needs volunteers to help fill out the committees.

Sunday saw a smaller crowd. After I gave my last session it was time to say goodbye to all the friends both known and newly made. It was great to meet our own TRFers there and took their constructive thoughts to heart.

RangerStl and I filled out the rest of the day by visiting New England's largest hobby shop there in Manchester and MAN WAS IT HUGE!!! Even that store managed to stock, Sunward, Fliskits, Custom, AT, Estes, Quest, etc. The only suggestion I'd have in the future is for each event (regardless of where it's held) to contact the local hobby stores to let them know we're in the area. While RangerStL and I were there, we saw four different families pick up and look at rocketry stuff. None of those families were at NARCON, so lesson learned.

We finished off the evening by eating some fantastic sushi and then caught our plane home this afternoon.

All-in-all an absolutely fantastic experience!!!

Thanks again to Al, his wife Karen, and the rest of the CATO staff!!!!!!

If I was a betting man, I'd lay odds that we'll be back in New England next year but, that's just me looking in my crystal ball.

[AKPilot]

Oh, I did leave two products out that I saw . . . both being Saturn's.

Fliskit had his Micro Saturn 1B under glass (no joke).

And, Semroc had a Saturn V all packaged up looking pretty. Release date to be announced.

[proflaser]

I had a great time, too. Thanks to all the organizers for their hard work, NARCON09 was worth going to. What I like the most is you get to do what you can't easily do at a launch when everyone is busy prepping, flying and recovering and that is comfortably talk about rockets to a lot of people enough to feel you know them. And you learn a lot of cool stuff. It's a great experience and any rocketeer within driving distance of such an event ought to attend. As much as NAR is about rockets, it's also about rocket people.

[EMRR]

The next morning we showed up at 8:45am to see everyone set up: Semroc, Fliskits, Hot Rod Lincoln, NARTS, BMS, bmiCAD, standardrockets, Heavenly Hobbies, CATO Chutes, Pyramid Rockets, and Rocket Girl Jewlrey.

tap-tap-tap, uhm, is thing on?

[AKPilot]

tap-tap-tap, uhm, is thing on?

Sorry, I was afraid I was going to do that. Please accept my apologies, EMRR was there as well. It was great to see Nick with his son.

Again, please accept my apologies, I was taught once to never mention names in an open venue so as not to leave someone out, and I did just that. Sorry.

[AKPilot]

And while I'm apologizing, let me also extend one to Thrustline. John showed up Sunday morning with all of his kits for sale at 75% off - including the Arapahoe.

Just kidding!

John showed up on Sunday morning, but didn't bring any kits. It was great to finally meet him.

[jflis]

Robert Hilton had received a set of proto parts to build and provide feedback on the Nantucket Sound and he did a beautiful job building and finishing it.

Incredibly so, he gave me the model as a display piece :)

Here it is in all her glory

[BobH48]

I had a good time at NARCON 2009 also. This was the first national event that I have attended.

I live about 1-1/4 hours away so I drove down and back both days. Remind me not to do that again! I got home late on Saturday and got up early on Sunday and it took 2 cups of coffee for the drive each way.

I saw some good presentations, got a free Nantucket Sound, spent a little cash at the vendors and even won a raffle prize.

I'd say with the cost of the registration that I just about broke even.

[rokitflite]

National event. 2 pictures posted. Pitiful.:rolleyes:

[jflis]

National event. 2 pictures posted. Pitiful.:rolleyes:

True, so here are some more. Mind you I was confined to the vendor room with the exception of when I attended the NEMROC planning meeting, so... :)

Here are some pix:

Kathy and I with the Nantucket Sound
FlisKits booth
SEMROC booth (That's Carl, center left, in the white shirt)
NARTS
BMIcad and Hot Rod Rocket Shop

[jflis]

A few more :)


Rocket Girl Jewlery with Pyramid Rocketry
Balsa Machining Service
Gary - AeroTech
Very kewl paper/cardboard Saturn V
Close up of the sign below the Saturn V (3.2 POUNDS! - A "Model Rocket"!)

[Carl]

SEMROC booth (That's Carl, center left, in the white shirt)
with George Rachor (left) and John Rowen-Stern from Thrustline (right)

[MysticalRockets]

Confined to the vendor room and you didn't get MY ugly mug? I'm insulted...


*snickers*

:D

[jflis]

Confined to the vendor room and you didn't get MY ugly mug? I'm insulted...


*snickers*

:D

Ya know, there were a few I didn't get cuz every time I looked for you, you weren't around and every time you were around we were chatting and I forgot all about the camera... LOL

Story of my life... :)

[rokitflite]

Thanks for the pictures Jim!!!:D

[standardrockets]

Just a week ago I was boarding a flight from Chicago to Minneapolis returning from NARCON when this nice lady next to me shared the flu she had. :(

I have to say thanks to everyone who was involved in any fashion with this NARCON.

Lyle Merdan
standardrockets.com

[madsen]

Just a week ago I was boarding a flight from Chicago to Minneapolis returning from NARCON when this nice lady next to me shared the flu she had.

Sounds like someone didn't get their flu shot.

[AKPilot]

Lyle, I hate that. I don't understand why, when people are sick they board a plane. At the very least they could wear a mask to hold their germs in.

I was in a similar situation one time. The flight attendant decided to move the person sitting next to me, because there was someone that needed more leg room. The very tall woman next to me sniffed and blew her nose the entire flight. Needless to say, I ended up sick three days later while on a trip. I wasn't impressed in the least.

[chanstevens]

Planes are petri dishes. While I wouldn't want to be on the plane with the flu bug, I'd hardly expect someone who picked up a cold while traveling to extend their travel plans a week or so to fully recover. I just load up on Vitamin C megadoses a few hours before geting on a plane, and it seems to keep me pretty healthy--I fly about 60-80 flights a year.

[AKPilot]

Fair enough, but put it's not difficult at all to put on a MASK if you're sick in a confined area!

[Peartree]

It's just not a habit that Americans are accustomed to. I have occasionally seen masks worn in other countries but pretty much never in the states. With 70-80 percent of the air in modern airliners being recirculated, I'm not sure how much good it would do anyway (although every little bit helps).

[MysticalRockets]

It's just not a habit that Americans are accustomed to. I have occasionally seen masks worn in other countries but pretty much never in the states. With 70-80 percent of the air in modern airliners being recirculated, I'm not sure how much good it would do anyway (although every little bit helps).


Never mind the TSA goons would probably immediately grab you and haul you off into some holding area for a full cavity search. After all, you must be trying to hide something if you're wearing any kind of mask.

[billspad]

Just a week ago I was boarding a flight from Chicago to Minneapolis returning from NARCON when this nice lady next to me shared the flu she had. :(

I have to say thanks to everyone who was involved in any fashion with this NARCON.

Lyle Merdan
standardrockets.com


I came down with a nasty cold too. I remember reading a Tom Clancy novel where terrorists released a disease at the Olympics so it would spread around the world. Do antihistamines cause paranoia?

[MysticalRockets]

I came down with a nasty cold too. I remember reading a Tom Clancy novel where terrorists released a disease at the Olympics so it would spread around the world. Do antihistamines cause paranoia?

Nah, of course they don't.




Hey, is that the one armed man? Get him!

[AKPilot]

Here's one for you, knowing what it is and having my kids go through it a few times. A guy got onto my plane today with "pink eye" . . . niiiiccee! Glad he was behind me about 15 rows.

[Fred22]

Hi Troy please tell us more about the SEMROC Saturn V? What was the scale or any information you can remember pal whatsoever please :)
Cheers
fred

[Carl]

Hi Troy please tell us more about the SEMROC Saturn V? What was the scale or any information you can remember pal whatsoever please :)
Cheers
fredIt will be 1/100 scale and a Skill Level 4 Master builder's kit, similar to our 1/70 scale Saturn 1B. The package we had at NARCON had all the parts, but was just a mock-up of the final packaging.

[Fred22]

It will be 1/100 scale and a Skill Level 4 Master builder's kit, similar to our 1/70 scale Saturn 1B. The package we had at NARCON had all the parts, but was just a mock-up of the final packaging.

Carl when will you sell me two sir? I would very much like to get a low number for one and if you could sign the box very cool. I will use paypal,credit card and or various precious stones or beaver pelts ? :p
Cheers
fred

[Peartree]

I will use paypal,credit card and or various precious stones or beaver pelts ? :p
Cheers
fred

What is the current exchange rate for beaver pelts? I have sick feeling that they might soon be better than paper currency...:p

[MysticalRockets]

What is the current exchange rate for beaver pelts? I have sick feeling that they might soon be better than paper currency...:p

How about rabbit fur? I can get those easy enough. Squirrel pelts?

*waits for Don to get the shotgun*

[Fred22]

"Adult beaver pelts have climbed from around $25 to around $35 each. Muskrat pelts, worth $2.50 a year ago, are now worth $8, "
Heres my source
http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070211pelts.html
So Carl If I ship you three beaver pelts with a mink thrown in for shipping am I coverred :p
Cheers
fred

[rokitflite]

"Adult beaver pelts have climbed from around $25 to around $35 each. Muskrat pelts, worth $2.50 a year ago, are now worth $8, "
Heres my source
http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070211pelts.html
So Carl If I ship you three beaver pelts with a mink thrown in for shipping am I coverred :p
Cheers
fred

Your friendship points are going down fast Fred!

[chanstevens]

It will be 1/100 scale and a Skill Level 4 Master builder's kit, similar to our 1/70 scale Saturn 1B. The package we had at NARCON had all the parts, but was just a mock-up of the final packaging.

And according to that packaging, it evens flies on a single A8-3 motor ;).

[Carl]

And according to that packaging, it evens flies on a single A8-3 motor ;).But the altitude is only 106.8 mm instead of 100 feet.:o

[Fred22]

Your friendship points are going down fast Fred!

Darn it :( I forgot your furry friends :p

[terryg]

It will be 1/100 scale and a Skill Level 4 Master builder's kit, similar to our 1/70 scale Saturn 1B. The package we had at NARCON had all the parts, but was just a mock-up of the final packaging.

What motor mount options are you planning?

[Massrokit]

When do we expect the NARCON 2009 proceedings CD to be finished and sent out to the signed up attendees?

[Massrokit]

When do we expect the NARCON 2009 proceedings CD to be finished and sent out to the signed up attendees?

[MysticalRockets]

When do we expect the NARCON 2009 proceedings CD to be finished and sent out to the signed up attendees?

When its finished?

I really have no clue. We haven't even had a launch yet since NARCON, so I don't know what's up. As soon as I know, I'll let you know.

[H_Rocket]

Probably in early May

Getting the various pieces put together is like herding cats. Also, I have been kind of focused on Red Glare for the past few weeks.

[billspad]

Probably in early May

Getting the various pieces put together is like herding cats. Also, I have been kind of focused on Red Glare for the past few weeks.


You will hear purring when you open your mailbox today.

[chanstevens]

Probably in early May

Getting the various pieces put together is like herding cats. Also, I have been kind of focused on Red Glare for the past few weeks.


If that happens, kudos to you for beating NARAM-49 (2007) and NARCON 2008 to my mailbox. Both of those events also promised CD's that haven't exactly materialized yet.

[H_Rocket]

You will hear purring when you open your mailbox today.

<Insert Purring Sound>

[Massrokit]

Any word on the NARCON 2009 Proceedings CD? Release date?

[MysticalRockets]

<insert previous answer here>

[MysticalRockets]

Bloody double posts.

[MysticalRockets]

<insert previous answer here>

[H_Rocket]

Any word on the NARCON 2009 Proceedings CD? Release date?

I have what appears to be most of the content I am gonna get. It's just a matter of finding some time to actually assemble it.

Right now what it will have:

1. As many of the presentations as I have gotten
2. A professional recording of the Town Hall Meeting
3. A whole bunch of pictures.
4. A PDF of the program.

[Massrokit]

H-rocket

Thanks for the answer. It's better than a double post and those pesky cats :D

[MysticalRockets]

H-rocket

Thanks for the answer. It's better than a double post and those pesky cats :D

Hey, those pesky cats wrote the program.

And drove me nuts doing it. Always wanting food, water, their litter box changed...

And they did so much catnip that it took forever to get anything done!

:neener: