MikeyDSlagle
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I have been ground testing some starters for my Viper IV airstart flight and have gotten no where fast. My plan was to airstart two 24/40 motors that I turned into single use.
I know there are some older posts discussing some of this, but things change. Vendors and items come and go. Just seeing what is available now.
So now I am looking into making my own starters. I have some Nichrome wire (40AWG I think) and several thousand feet of CAT5 cable (22 AWG?). While this cable will work for some larger motors, it is a tight fit in the small 24/40 motors, in particular the D9W motors. I also have some Ruby Fluid flux and capabilities to solder my wires if need be.
I have considered using CTI seeing how their hardware is fairly inexpensive in this size. I can get two sets of hardware for roughly the same price of one AT 24/40. But the reloads are stupid expensive for something that size. But I am well aware this isn't a cheap hobby, and clustering/airstarts isn't exactly the way to go to save money anyway.
So what I need help with:
A good source for RELIABLE, LOW CURRENT pyrogen dip. I know about FireFox and they have lots of options but I don't really know what I am looking at/for. I see in some instances they suggest a second dip of a different mix. https://www.firefox-fx.com/rocketry.htm Any help here will be great! Feel free to tell me exactly which kit(s) I need to airstart two D9W motors.
What size (shooter) wire works well for these small motors? Even FirstFire Minis are tight but they will work. I may can get by with the CAT5 but it is a bit tight. 26 AWG or 32 AWG maybe. Does it have to be solid wire or can it be stranded?
Do the CTI 24mm motors use low current starters like their big brothers? And will 2 light readily and reliably on a 9 volt battery using a RRC3? I have never lit a CTI of any size but heard they are pretty easy to light. It is the more expensive route but if I must, I must.
Any tried and true methods. I have a good write up from a fellow TRFer but acquiring all the separate chemicals and mixing it all isn't something I want to do ATM, nor do I have time for.
From researching I have deduced:
Magnelite is for high current systems.
Quickburst is for high current systems.
Skylighter is pretty much E-matches.
Firstfire Mini and the smallest Wildman starters are high current.
AND: This guy here uses milled black powder and homemade nitrocellulose lacquer. Both of which I have access to. Seems to me BP would simply flash (and does so in his video) and not light the motor reliably. Or does the NC lacquer modify the burn somehow? Possibly add magnesium powder or something to the BP mixture?
If anyone has some reliable starters made up and is willing and able to ship them LEGALLY, well that would be just swell. I could pay for them or work out some sort of trade maybe.
If you don't feel like sharing on the boards, PM me and I will provide my email or cell number for text messages.
Any and all advice is welcome as usual. I need to fly this Viper!!
Thanks folks,
Mikey D
I know there are some older posts discussing some of this, but things change. Vendors and items come and go. Just seeing what is available now.
So now I am looking into making my own starters. I have some Nichrome wire (40AWG I think) and several thousand feet of CAT5 cable (22 AWG?). While this cable will work for some larger motors, it is a tight fit in the small 24/40 motors, in particular the D9W motors. I also have some Ruby Fluid flux and capabilities to solder my wires if need be.
I have considered using CTI seeing how their hardware is fairly inexpensive in this size. I can get two sets of hardware for roughly the same price of one AT 24/40. But the reloads are stupid expensive for something that size. But I am well aware this isn't a cheap hobby, and clustering/airstarts isn't exactly the way to go to save money anyway.
So what I need help with:
A good source for RELIABLE, LOW CURRENT pyrogen dip. I know about FireFox and they have lots of options but I don't really know what I am looking at/for. I see in some instances they suggest a second dip of a different mix. https://www.firefox-fx.com/rocketry.htm Any help here will be great! Feel free to tell me exactly which kit(s) I need to airstart two D9W motors.
What size (shooter) wire works well for these small motors? Even FirstFire Minis are tight but they will work. I may can get by with the CAT5 but it is a bit tight. 26 AWG or 32 AWG maybe. Does it have to be solid wire or can it be stranded?
Do the CTI 24mm motors use low current starters like their big brothers? And will 2 light readily and reliably on a 9 volt battery using a RRC3? I have never lit a CTI of any size but heard they are pretty easy to light. It is the more expensive route but if I must, I must.
Any tried and true methods. I have a good write up from a fellow TRFer but acquiring all the separate chemicals and mixing it all isn't something I want to do ATM, nor do I have time for.
From researching I have deduced:
Magnelite is for high current systems.
Quickburst is for high current systems.
Skylighter is pretty much E-matches.
Firstfire Mini and the smallest Wildman starters are high current.
AND: This guy here uses milled black powder and homemade nitrocellulose lacquer. Both of which I have access to. Seems to me BP would simply flash (and does so in his video) and not light the motor reliably. Or does the NC lacquer modify the burn somehow? Possibly add magnesium powder or something to the BP mixture?
If anyone has some reliable starters made up and is willing and able to ship them LEGALLY, well that would be just swell. I could pay for them or work out some sort of trade maybe.
If you don't feel like sharing on the boards, PM me and I will provide my email or cell number for text messages.
Any and all advice is welcome as usual. I need to fly this Viper!!
Thanks folks,
Mikey D