Instructions for BSD Diablo 3" Kit

[raybccul]

I bought a 3" Diablo kit several years ago and got half way through the kit and then it collected dust on a shelf for some time. I've recently dug it up and I'd like to finish and launch it however, in the intervening years, the instructions have gone missing. Since this is my first foray into mid/high power rocketry I would prefer having the full instructions to complete the build and was wondering if anyone out there had a copy they could upload or send to me.

I've read some of the forums while looking for BSD Rocketry on the web and discovered that they are currently in limbo so I'm hoping this will be the best place to find a set of instructions.

Thanks in advance.

[terryg]

http://www.rocketryforumarchive.com/...d+diablo+build

Should point you in the right direction.

[raybccul]

That helps a bit although most of what was documented there I had already done. I had gotten as far as mounting the motor tube assembly and now I've mounted the fins however I may be in a fix now because I hadn't done anything with for motor retention. Perhaps I missed a step somewhere along the line.

My kit came with two long screws, matching T-nuts and flat clips but I have no idea how to properly mount these or whether it can even be done with the motor tube and fins already epoxied in place. Any suggestions on that?

I'm also looking for some detailed information or tips on properly attaching the parachute and shock cord for best performance. If no one has the full instructions I'd appreciate some suggestions on this as well.

Thanks again.

[jms]

You might have to go with a flange mount retainer from Aeropack. I am not familiar with your kit, but you screw it onto the rear CR.

[raybccul]

Thanks for that jms. I had figured there was something along those lines. I'll check into it.

[chadrog]

The T-nuts do need to be installed prior to setting the rear centering ring, but there are other options. If you want to use the other included parts, you could install threaded brass inserts like these. They'll run ya' about fifty cents, and serve the same purpose as any other retainer.

[kjohnson]

For the retention as you have it (blind nuts with long bolts) it's definitely better to install the blind nuts on the inside surface of the aft CR, but you can still use them (I've done this before- forgot to put the blind nuts in before gluing in the MMT.

Drill holes in the CR that will allow the center part of the blind nut to fit, you want them to be spaced so the clips will engage the motor when it's inserted in the MMT. You may have to grind off part of the flange on the nut to get it close. Also roughen up the outside of the nut and flang at this point.

Put some vaseline in the top and bottom of the threads (not on the outside) of the nut to keep them clean, then epoxy it to the CR. Use a little more epoxy on the outside to cover the flange and some of the surrounding CR. (Or use the threaded inserts like Chadrog postedand skip this altogether)

Once the epoxy has cured, thread the bolts through to clear the vaseline. To use it, insert your motor, thread the clips on the bolts, then thread the bolts through the nuts, arranging the clips on the motor, then tighten till they don't move. Try not to be a gorilla and overtighten, as you may pop the blind nuts.

As far as shock cord attachment, the only BSD kit I've built included a eye-bolt and a small quick link for that. You had to install the eye-bolt in the front CR before installing the MMT. I attached paracord to the quick link and then used a nomex shock cord protector slipped over that.

If you didin't do that, or didin't have those parts in the kit, I once had a LOC V2 kit that had me epoxy a loop of cord to the wall of the BT for a shock cord mount, sort of a beefed up Estes mount. You could do that, or use a section of coulper with the cord trapped between that and the BT wall for a mount.

kj

[raybccul]

The T-nuts do need to be installed prior to setting the rear centering ring, but there are other options. If you want to use the other included parts, you could install threaded brass inserts like these. They'll run ya' about fifty cents, and serve the same purpose as any other retainer.

Thanks a bunch for that. I was thinking along the same lines and about to post a question as to whether anyone had successfully used something like this. I think I'll go that route. The Aeropack mounts are cool but I'm working on a tight budget at the moment.

[raybccul]

As far as shock cord attachment, the only BSD kit I've built included a eye-bolt and a small quick link for that. You had to install the eye-bolt in the front CR before installing the MMT. I attached paracord to the quick link and then used a nomex shock cord protector slipped over that.

My kit does have the eye bolt and quick link and I did get that attached to the upper CR. What I'm looking for (pardon my ignorance) is the proper attachment of the remaining parts. The nylon web (which I presume is the shock cord) has brass grommets at both ends. The quick link is on one end attached to the eye bolt. In addition I have a 'chute with the shroud lines already attached and a long white braided cord. I'm assuming that the long cord and shroud lines attach to the free grommet on the shock cord and the long cord attaches the nose cone. I just want to be sure I do it right so I'm looking for confirmation.

[raybccul]

As I've been thinking through this I realized I have one more question. Can someone tell me what the recommended positioning is for the launch lug? i have the line already in place to locate it betwen the fins but at what point vertically on the body would be best?

[kjohnson]

The nylon web (which I presume is the shock cord) has brass grommets at both ends. The quick link is on one end attached to the eye bolt. In addition I have a 'chute with the shroud lines already attached and a long white braided cord.

Eye bolt - quick link - nylon - elastic - nose cone.

You can put the chute on the cone, or (what I like to do) on a loop tied in the elastic somewhere below the nose cone.

Can someone tell me what the recommended positioning is for the launch lug? i have the line already in place to locate it betwen the fins but at what point vertically on the body would be best?

If you only have one lug, I'd put the aft end in line with the leading edge of the fins. If you had 2, I'd put one at he aft end of the rocket, and the other closer to the CG.

kj

[GaryT]

Did a 7.5" Upscale a while back, Always liked the Diablo.

http://www.rocketryplanet.com/forums...ead.php?t=5727

[raybccul]

Eye bolt - quick link - nylon - elastic - nose cone.

You can put the chute on the cone, or (what I like to do) on a loop tied in the elastic somewhere below the nose

Ok. One more dumb question. My kit has the nylon web but the other cord is not "elastic". It is another tup of braided web tube stiched down the middle and it's about 13 feet long. I'm assuming it serves the purpose of heavy duty shock cord but do I need all 13 feet?