Unguided Rocket Sled. 3 launches (video)

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mbecks

mbecks

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Here is my first real attempt at building an unguided rocket sled. I would say it went pretty good for my first day. please give the video a watch and tell me what you think. How can I improve both the sled and my videos? thanks for your input.

[video=youtube;TaE8bvFVkJo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8bvFVkJo[/video]
 
Here is my first real attempt at building an unguided rocket sled. I would say it went pretty good for my first day. please give the video a watch and tell me what you think. How can I improve both the sled and my videos? thanks for your input.

[video=youtube;TaE8bvFVkJo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8bvFVkJo[/video]
 
Here is my first real attempt at building an unguided rocket sled. I would say it went pretty good for my first day. please give the video a watch and tell me what you think. How can I improve both the sled and my videos? thanks for your input.

[video=youtube;TaE8bvFVkJo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8bvFVkJo[/video]
 
Here is my first real attempt at building an unguided rocket sled. I would say it went pretty good for my first day. please give the video a watch and tell me what you think. How can I improve both the sled and my videos? thanks for your input.

[video=youtube;TaE8bvFVkJo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8bvFVkJo[/video]
 
The idea of starting a short snow track is a good idea. It appears to act like a short guide rail. In fact it looked like the C11 track acted like a guide for the D-motor.
 
The idea of making a short snow track looks like a good idea. It looks like this acts like a short guide rail. In fact it looked like the C11 track acted as a guide for the D-motor.
 
Looks like fun, thanks for sharing. To say I'd be curious to see that with a composite motor would be an understatement :D

Didn't they make a snowmobile called a Vmax? Hmmm.....
 
That was the idea with the short track. I wanted to keep it stable while it got started. Next time I think I'll bring a spray bottle to ice the edges of it.
 
Last edited:
I was thinking about composite motors but I know very little about them. I guess I could just buy one and strap it in see what happens
 
mbecks said:
I was thinking about composite motors but I know very little about them. I guess I could just buy one and strap it in see what happens
Click to expand...

They're pretty easy to assemble. Dollar for dollar (I think) are a better bargain than BP motors, especially the Aerotech 24-40's. I think the E18 is my most used reload, and at around $5.44 each?! A three pack for less than $20...

At least you wouldn't have to worry about a delay!
 
I like these. BTW, it is generally bad nettiquette to post the same thing in multiple forums.
 
mbecks said:
Here is my first real attempt at building an unguided rocket sled. I would say it went pretty good for my first day. please give the video a watch and tell me what you think. How can I improve both the sled and my videos? thanks for your input.

[video=youtube;TaE8bvFVkJo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8bvFVkJo[/video]
Click to expand...

It looks nice. However, I would like to see you stuff it with a G150 and launch it. :D
 
It is sure nice and stable on the snow. The starting ruts were genius.
 
That looks like a lot of fun, too bad I just have sand...

Maybe some ski wax on the rails to help with the static friction and get more distance?
 
mbecks said:
Here is my first real attempt at building an unguided rocket sled. I would say it went pretty good for my first day. please give the video a watch and tell me what you think. How can I improve both the sled and my videos? thanks for your input.

[video=youtube;TaE8bvFVkJo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaE8bvFVkJo[/video]
Click to expand...
Very cool! E9s or E12s next please! The staging you mentioned will be fun, too.

D12
Peak thrust - 30 newtons
Burn time - 1.65 sec

E12
Peak thrust - 33 newtons
Burn time - 2.44 sec

E9
Peak thrust - 20 newtons
Burn time - 3 sec
 
Secure the upper stage and tape a -0 to it with cellophane tape. Easy.
 
kyle said:
That looks like a lot of fun, too bad I just have sand...

Maybe some ski wax on the rails to help with the static friction and get more distance?
Click to expand...

I was thinking of using wax I'm just not sure what kind. I have wax for the top of surf boards but that's to add grip to your feet. Maybe just plan candle wax would work. Any ideas?
 
mbecks said:
I was thinking of using wax I'm just not sure what kind. I have wax for the top of surf boards but that's to add grip to your feet. Maybe just plan candle wax would work. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

They make a wax specifically for skis, it is really hard stuff. I imagine most sporting goods stores would carry it.
 
I think ski wax comes in several grades for different temp ranges. And it's actually used on the traction part of the ski for grip. No wax skiis have scales.

There is silicone spray for skiis under ice-forming conditions. It's pretty effective.
 
Before my next launches with it I'll have to leave it outside for a few hours. In the video you can see me moving it around before the countdown. That was because it was room temp from being inside so it was melting and refreezing the ice causing it to freeze in place. That's possibly why the B motor didn't go anywhere.
 
I have always used cellophane tape, cuz that's what the experts told me. Masking may adhere too well?
 
Very Cool! Don't forget to wax the skis & attach the Mobius cam!
 
Haha I didn't realize cellophane tape was just scotch tapes real name. I was thinking I had to go out and by some sort of fancy tape.
 

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