OK, so I just got a Dynastar Aerodactyl TS for Christmas. I really like it, and it looks to be a really fun build! But, I want to modify it so that it can fly motors lit by electronics.
The booster that comes with the kit is a little small for this, so I decided that the booster would be my LOC Graduator, and the sustainter would be the Aerodactyl. Before I start the build, I have a couple of questions.
1.Do I need a special electronics bay for the booster/sustainer?
2.Do I need to do anything special with the MMT in the sustainer?
3.Is there anything else I should know before building the rocket?
Thanks,
1.Yes, it's called an Interstage coupler or we call the I/S for short.
2.Just some type of motor retention.
3. Yes...this list is so long, it shows you need a mentor to help you.
This kit [I read the instructions..have you?] is built with balsa fins to keep it light weight & use BP motors. By the time you add electronics and batteries and tracking [for both stages] you will need to lift the stack with an AP motor, especially since you wish to use LOC Graduator for booster.
Then you will need to change balsa to plywood on sustainer to safely handle the added thrust & weight. ON & on it goes like domino's. Change one thing and many others must follow.
It looks like a fun build 'as is' and might I suggest building it as such, just to get your feet wet with 2-stager's
You seem like a good kid with a desire for many things rocketry related and I don't want to stop you from your journey. At the same time I don't want you to get in over your head either.
2 stagers are not twice as complex as single stage flier's, more like 10X difficulty. Think about it...if you really decide your ready for such a complex venture, then forge ahead, but PLEASE find a good mentor to help you get there.
The very simplest way to accomplish what you want [way I see it] would be to use a tiny timing stager like Perfectflite to light sustainer. That would get your feet wet. BUT then how are you going to be sure it's vertical before lighting it? Many clubs require some sort of safety check, such as " must be X altitude" or "must be less than 20% off vertical" or must be "at specified velocity X" before ignition.
These things will require more than a simple timer can do. Much thought & design.
I would think designing or building a kit made for this would be a safer- better route to follow.
Have fun & good luck with whatever you decide. Keep reaching for the stars....you'll get there.:smile: