What is typical distance from launchpad to launch controller for mid to high power rockets? I'm trying to figure out how much wire I need. I know most use 12 volts to launch the rockets and everyone uses from car batteries to small 11.5 RC batteries. What's the best route?
Launchpad Distance
- Thread starter Chunker78
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Check out the nar site: https://www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/ It lists safe distances.
You should know already that flying HPR requires quite a bit more than just safe distance, it also requires FAA wavers.
Kevin
Update: Actually the nar only lists launch site dimensions there. Tripoli's safety cheat sheet is more concise https://www.tripoli.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=RhLaGq2C+HY=&tabid=326
You should know already that flying HPR requires quite a bit more than just safe distance, it also requires FAA wavers.
Kevin
Update: Actually the nar only lists launch site dimensions there. Tripoli's safety cheat sheet is more concise https://www.tripoli.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=RhLaGq2C+HY=&tabid=326
If you are reading Kevin's links, you'll note that there is no one safe distance. It varies by motor impulse, rocket complexity, and propellant type. That's why at a club launch, the level three rockets are launching from way down the field, and the LPR/MPR is a lot closer to the LCO.
Distances for HPR listed on NAR at https://www.nar.org/safety-information/high-power-rocket-safety-code/
Info on filing a FAA waiver here: https://www.nar.org/high-power-rock...a-launch-authorization/filing-for-faa-waiver/
Might be easier to fly with a club first and/or ask for help with the paperwork. Most clubs have good working relationship with FAA. Note that this also requires much advance planning.
Info on filing a FAA waiver here: https://www.nar.org/high-power-rock...a-launch-authorization/filing-for-faa-waiver/
Might be easier to fly with a club first and/or ask for help with the paperwork. Most clubs have good working relationship with FAA. Note that this also requires much advance planning.
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If you have a field you can launch HPR rockets on that has the safe distances and the site dimensions with a waiver over about 5K ft. you probably need to start a club at that site! Especially if you're on the east coast. Good HPR launch sites are hard to come by, especially in the summer time.
HeavyLight
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The Aerotech launch controller (it has a name but I forget it) came with, I believe, 40 ft. of wire. That falls right in line with mid-power safe distance according to TRA so I would wager that's a pretty good way to go. I also use a small lead-acid battery. Sure, it's really dense and heavy but it does the job and is portable.
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