Battle of the Rockets @ BattlePark

**Handeman** · 16th March 2012, 02:09 AM

The Battle of the Rockets is coming March 31st.

What may be the last launch of the season is also the largest. BattlePark is hosting the 4th annual Battle of the Rockets. The launch is a three day launch with commercial motors on Friday and Saturday and research motors on Sunday.

The Battle of the Rockets is held on Saturday, with a Sunday rain date. Along with the high school and college teams competing in the Battle, there will certainly be plenty of TARC teams on site getting their last test and qualification flights in. Of course the range is open to any flier and many of them fly their own rockets in between observing the contest flights.

We are expecting three rocket vendors to be on-site during this launch (WildmanVA, Performance Hobbies, and Dragons Hoard) and the local Cedar Mountain Youth Inc. group cooks and sells breakfast foods and hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch on Saturday.

Come on out and fly with us, or just watch, everybody's welcome!

**Rocketman248** · 16th March 2012, 02:13 AM

I should be there. If the weather is good, I'll fly my freshly painted and stickered Ultimate Wildman on an M2250 C-Star.

**Handeman** · 16th March 2012, 02:13 AM

Anyone that was still on site late Sunday may have seen my 7 cell parasail chute. It's rigged and ready to go. Now I just have to finish the RC control part of it and figure how to get it in the rocket. If all goes well, I hope to have the first test flight on Friday. Time to fly old Grapeshot again!

**yohimbe2** · 17th March 2012, 03:29 AM

Originally Posted by Handeman

Anyone that was still on site late Sunday may have seen my 7 cell parasail chute. It's rigged and ready to go. Now I just have to finish the RC control part of it and figure how to get it in the rocket. If all goes well, I hope to have the first test flight on Friday. Time to fly old Grapeshot again!

I saw your chute and if my memory is correct (I'm getting older) it was was a stunning red, white, blue and silver to represent the NE Patriots right?
Beautiful chute--

I can't wait to see it in action. !!!

If I'm slightly off--let me know.

**Handeman** · 17th March 2012, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by yohimbe2

I saw your chute and if my memory is correct (I'm getting older) it was was a stunning red, white, blue and silver to represent the NE Patriots right?
Beautiful chute--

I can't wait to see it in action. !!!

If I'm slightly off--let me know.

You are only off a little bit, it's Green, Gold, and White in the Green Bay Packers colors!

Well, got the lawn mower oil changed, air filter clean, and blade sharpened, the lawn is mowed and my honey do list is done for the day, except the shrimp on the barbie later. Time to quit messing around on the forum and get the RC part of the parasail finished if I want to test it at BotR.

Off to the rocket scientisting den!

**yohimbe2** · 18th March 2012, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by Handeman

You are only off a little bit, it's Green, Gold, and White in the Green Bay Packers colors!

Well, got the lawn mower oil changed, air filter clean, and blade sharpened, the lawn is mowed and my honey do list is done for the day, except the shrimp on the barbie later. Time to quit messing around on the forum and get the RC part of the parasail finished if I want to test it at BotR.

Off to the rocket scientisting den!

I'm slaving away to finish two dual deploy rockets, one with a Stratologger and the other an Adept 22. I should have three rockets ready for Lvl 2 cert next weekend.

Radio Shack is horrible ! I got Terminal blocks at Home Depot and still need a few odds and ends. Today was a good day though, I got my switches/term blocks working. The rest should be easy. (as soon as a learn to solder !)

See you all this weekend....!!! Cant wait to see the remote controlled chute. This will be an epic event

**Handeman** · 19th March 2012, 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by yohimbe2

I'm slaving away to finish two dual deploy rockets, one with a Stratologger and the other an Adept 22. I should have three rockets ready for Lvl 2 cert next weekend.

Radio Shack is horrible ! I got Terminal blocks at Home Depot and still need a few odds and ends. Today was a good day though, I got my switches/term blocks working. The rest should be easy. (as soon as a learn to solder !)

See you all this weekend....!!! Cant wait to see the remote controlled chute. This will be an epic event

Glad to hear the DD is coming together. I'll be waiting for the L2 attempt. Are you going to do it on Friday, or Saturday?

What's wrong with Radio Shack, besided they don't really carry and parts anymore?

Spent quite a few hours on the RC part again. I must have 30 hours in that already. Getting close. Walked over to Home Depot and picked up a few odds and ends. I needed a threaded rod and a few other things.

Now I have to start thinking about how the chute is going to be packed. I esitmate about 10 inches to fit the chute above the RC unit.

I'm also putting together a 4" Patriot that should be flyable, if not painted by the BotRs.

See ya at the BotRs

**KurtH** · 19th March 2012, 05:34 AM

I got the AV bay partially complete, after two trips to Lowes I was ready to get everything done, but I went to drill holes and realized all the drill bits I needed were missing my Drill bit set. I was not up for a third trip to lowes, so I will go monday. Hopefully I will have ground tests done by the end of this week and then can focus on paint on the Excel. It is just too nice a rocket to fly naked. Not sure if i will be ready for L2 but definitely some Dual deploy.

**Handeman** · 20th March 2012, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by KurtH

I got the AV bay partially complete, after two trips to Lowes I was ready to get everything done, but I went to drill holes and realized all the drill bits I needed were missing my Drill bit set. I was not up for a third trip to lowes, so I will go monday. Hopefully I will have ground tests done by the end of this week and then can focus on paint on the Excel. It is just too nice a rocket to fly naked. Not sure if i will be ready for L2 but definitely some Dual deploy.

Give it an I motor on Friday and if all goes well, do a J on Saturday. If you can't make it out on Friday and all the contest flights get in the way Saturday, do the J on Sunday. It's all good!

Make sure you come by and let me see it, sounds pretty nice.

**KurtH** · 20th March 2012, 02:14 AM

Sounds like a plan! Needs to be a sparky for the first flight. Now I just need to study for the written test, and decide on a l2 motor.

See you there.

**yohimbe2** · 20th March 2012, 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by Handeman

Glad to hear the DD is coming together. I'll be waiting for the L2 attempt. Are you going to do it on Friday, or Saturday?

What's wrong with Radio Shack, besided they don't really carry and parts anymore?

Spent quite a few hours on the RC part again. I must have 30 hours in that already. Getting close. Walked over to Home Depot and picked up a few odds and ends. I needed a threaded rod and a few other things.

Now I have to start thinking about how the chute is going to be packed. I esitmate about 10 inches to fit the chute above the RC unit.

I'm also putting together a 4" Patriot that should be flyable, if not painted by the BotRs.

See ya at the BotRs

Long story with Radio Shack (Cell phone shack)

I might have chosen cable a bit too sturdy---but I think it will work.

not pretty, but here is where I am...(please note the extra weight terminal blocks)

**KurtH** · 20th March 2012, 09:19 PM

All right! I am ready for this event.

Ground testing series complete

1) tested altimeter/ av bay with vacuum cleaner and lightbulbs - success
2) using a laptop and and a Q2G2 I verified the altimeter would light a Q2G2 - success
3) with my launch controller I performed a full ground test - success

(note - it takes less than you think) I used a whole little vial to test drogue deployment it was pretty loud

It took only a little less than half a little vial to pop the main, more what I was expecting, a little pop.

Ok Handeman sorry to hijack the thread ..

-Kurt

**Handeman** · 21st March 2012, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by KurtH

All right! I am ready for this event.

Ground testing series complete

1) tested altimeter/ av bay with vacuum cleaner and lightbulbs - success
2) using a laptop and and a Q2G2 I verified the altimeter would light a Q2G2 - success
3) with my launch controller I performed a full ground test - success

(note - it takes less than you think) I used a whole little vial to test drogue deployment it was pretty loud

It took only a little less than half a little vial to pop the main, more what I was expecting, a little pop.

Ok Handeman sorry to hijack the thread ..

-Kurt

I wouldn't say that was a hijack. Anything relevant to the next launch is what I'm looking for. It that's questions, preparations, problems, whatever.

Glad to here the testing went well. Are you going to be flying on Friday?

**Handeman** · 21st March 2012, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by yohimbe2

Long story with Radio Shack (Cell phone shack)

I might have chosen cable a bit too sturdy---but I think it will work.

not pretty, but here is where I am...(please note the extra weight terminal blocks)

Looks good so far.

You would definitely want to strip less insulation from the wire then what you have off the yellow wires. Only copper should go into the terminal, but the insulation should go right up to the terminal. You should only need about 3/16" of bare wire.

You don't want the wires to be able to short together if they get bent, twisted or moved around as you assemble the av-bay. With the amount of copper wire shown in the picture, it would be very easy to have the wires touch each other after assembly and if that happens, only bad things will happen!

The sleds look much shorter then the av-bays, what are you going to do to keep the sleds from sliding up and down the threaded rods? I use a piece of stiff foam I strip over the rods on each end of the bay. It keeps the sled centered and gives it a little cushioning. You could put nuts on the threaded rods to keep it centered, but I like the foam better.

Looks like it's coming together quite well. Are you and Kurt going to drag race your L2 cert flights? Add a little more excitement!

**Rocketman248** · 21st March 2012, 11:36 PM

Any chance of another Minie Magg drag race? After seeing the one in December, I went and bought one of my own, and actually painted it!

**yohimbe2** · 22nd March 2012, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by Handeman

Looks good so far.

You would definitely want to strip less insulation from the wire then what you have off the yellow wires. Only copper should go into the terminal, but the insulation should go right up to the terminal. You should only need about 3/16" of bare wire.

You don't want the wires to be able to short together if they get bent, twisted or moved around as you assemble the av-bay. With the amount of copper wire shown in the picture, it would be very easy to have the wires touch each other after assembly and if that happens, only bad things will happen!

The sleds look much shorter then the av-bays, what are you going to do to keep the sleds from sliding up and down the threaded rods? I use a piece of stiff foam I strip over the rods on each end of the bay. It keeps the sled centered and gives it a little cushioning. You could put nuts on the threaded rods to keep it centered, but I like the foam better.

Looks like it's coming together quite well. Are you and Kurt going to drag race your L2 cert flights? Add a little more excitement!

Handeman is the MAN !

1. The yellow cable was used to understand the "switch". This cable will not be used----I had no manual for the switch but have it figured out.

2. Please see the gauge of cable I am using. Too much copper? I want it to be strong.

3. Nuts should hold the bay from moving. (a simple solution invented by me, a rocket scientist !!!)

4. I'll race Kurt (AKA MAX) Any time----But he is safe compared to a certain Yankees fan we all know. That poor soul has it coming ! The ultimate drag race EVER ! RED SOX VS yankees

**Rocketman248** · 22nd March 2012, 01:45 AM

Wires of that gauge will work, but they tend to be difficult to work with in cramped spaces. If you're not switching it back and forth between rockets a lot, you'll be fine. I had thick stuff on my altimeters, and fighting with the wires everytime I switched rockets got annoying, so I rewired it all with shooter wire from Aerocon.

http://aeroconsystems.com/cart/nichr...ctor-22-gauge/

**yohimbe2** · 22nd March 2012, 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by Rocketman248

Wires of that gauge will work, but they tend to be difficult to work with in cramped spaces. If you're not switching it back and forth between rockets a lot, you'll be fine. I had thick stuff on my altimeters, and fighting with the wires everytime I switched rockets got annoying, so I rewired it all with shooter wire from Aerocon.

http://aeroconsystems.com/cart/nichr...ctor-22-gauge/

Thanks for the tip. These wires may be strong but have little flex. I'm thinking it might be tough pulling the sled out with these cables.

Got it----22 gauge. I'll visit Radioshack tommorow. Thanks !

**yohimbe2** · 22nd March 2012, 02:16 AM

Originally Posted by Rocketman248

Any chance of another Minie Magg drag race? After seeing the one in December, I went and bought one of my own, and actually painted it!

http://youtu.be/6LlSkYOVEd0

**Rocketman248** · 22nd March 2012, 02:31 AM

That's the one that got me hooked! I bought mine in January, and have flown it 7 times already! It's refreshing to fly something with no electronics or any other fiddly bits.

**KurtH** · 22nd March 2012, 02:38 AM

I am always ready for a minnie magg drag race. Hopefully I will have a little more paint on my minnie magg for BoTR

Originally Posted by Rocketman248

Any chance of another Minie Magg drag race? After seeing the one in December, I went and bought one of my own, and actually painted it!

**KurtH** · 22nd March 2012, 02:46 AM

Glad to here the testing went well. Are you going to be flying on Friday?

Yes I plan to come for all three days

Are you and Kurt going to drag race your L2 cert flights? Add a little more excitement!

Sounds like a great idea.

This will be an epic launch.

**Handeman** · 22nd March 2012, 03:25 AM

I think we can say the race is ON!!!

**Handeman** · 22nd March 2012, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by yohimbe2

Handeman is the MAN !

1. The yellow cable was used to understand the "switch". This cable will not be used----I had no manual for the switch but have it figured out.

2. Please see the gauge of cable I am using. Too much copper? I want it to be strong.

3. Nuts should hold the bay from moving. (a simple solution invented by me, a rocket scientist !!!)

4. I'll race Kurt (AKA MAX) Any time----But he is safe compared to a certain Yankees fan we all know. That poor soul has it coming ! The ultimate drag race EVER ! RED SOX VS yankees

The manual should be available as a .pdf download from the Perfectflite website.

The copper does seem a little "big" for the av-bay.

The insulation on the wire should go right up to the front edge of the terminal block when the copper is inserted. Just make sure the insulation doesn't go inside and prevent good contact.

See ya at BotR

**WillMarchant** · 22nd March 2012, 03:43 AM

It's a little tough to tell from that photo but it looks like you are using solid wire. Stranded is usually considered a better choice. It will be more flexible. And a single failed strand will not compromise the performance of the avionics. You do need to be careful about stripping any wire in that you need to use the proper size tool to avoid nicking the metal. And with stranded, keep it twisted and neat so that you don't have stray strands poking out.

**ben** · 22nd March 2012, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Handeman

I think we can say the race is ON!!!

Yes the MM Race is on for BOTR. Elaine and I will have ours... Any restrictions on motors and what day?

Ben

**Handeman** · 23rd March 2012, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by ben

Yes the MM Race is on for BOTR. Elaine and I will have ours... Any restrictions on motors and what day?

Ben

Since I don't have horse in this race I should probably keep quite, but have you ever known me to keep quite?

I would suggest H motors. Keep it low if it's windy but more choice and higher flights then G motors would get.

**Handeman** · 25th March 2012, 05:59 AM

Lots of progress on the RC control part of the parasail recovery. Just a few more items like an anchor for the chute and shock cords and figuring out how to pack the chute in the 10.5 inches left in the payload bay.

Should be ready to do some ground testing on Friday and maybe the first Flight test!

**yohimbe2** · 26th March 2012, 02:00 AM

Originally Posted by Handeman

Lots of progress on the RC control part of the parasail recovery. Just a few more items like an anchor for the chute and shock cords and figuring out how to pack the chute in the 10.5 inches left in the payload bay.

Should be ready to do some ground testing on Friday and maybe the first Flight test!

Can't wait to see this! This might just be the biggest event at the launch. I'm not sure I can get friday off but I'm working on it. (fingers crossed)

**Handeman** · 27th March 2012, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by yohimbe2

Can't wait to see this! This might just be the biggest event at the launch. I'm not sure I can get friday off but I'm working on it. (fingers crossed)

If the flight tests work on Friday, I plan to do a demo launch on Saturday with the J415W I have. I picked that 54/1280 motor case up 2 years ago and haven't used it yet. So unless everything goes south on Friday, you should still be able to see it on Saturday.

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