Wildman DarkStar 4" DD Post-Build

[csoechtig]

Just completed my new DarkStar 4" Dual Deploy kit in time for our launch tomorrow... I might modify the paint scheme later. For now, I kept it simple:



This kit stands about 7.5 feet tall and is 100% fiberglass. I used Aeropoxy Epoxy for most of the build with the exception of West Systems for the outer filets. I probably over-built it just a bit > lots of epoxy and heavy hardware. The weight (w/o Motor is just over 13lbs)

It does not come with a vent band for the AV bay. So, I used a dremel and crafted switch holders (to be accessed through the vent holes).



The Dual Deploy is set up with redundancy --> 2 Stratologger100 Altimeters. 1 Alt is set for drogue @ apogee & main @ 500ft. The other is set up for drogue @ apogee -2 seconds & main @ 450ft.



I plan to put it up on a J415W tomorrow. Open Rocket predicts 3,250 ft. If all goes well, it will go up on a K540M next month (5,700 ft+).

[GRIFFIN]

I like the use of the PVC caps. I just might steal that idea.

[UPscaler]

Looks excellent! Who doesn't love a good darkstar?

good luck on the flight!


Braden

[iter]

Wondering how the flight goes today.

I imagine the two aluminum cups in your last picture hold ejection charges. I wonder what igniters you use to initiate the ejection.

Ari.

[csoechtig]

Wondering how the flight goes today.

I imagine the two aluminum cups in your last picture hold ejection charges. I wonder what igniters you use to initiate the ejection.

Ari.

Ari - - Yes, the cups hold ejection charges. I use 'Blast Caps' on all my Dual Deployment builds http://www.blastcaprocketry.com/. The reason they don't look brand new in the picture is because I did some ground testing. Here is the drogue with 2.5 grams of BP. I am going to kick it up to 2.75 for the launch.

[iter]

Nice ejection!

Ari.

[Pantherjon]

I am going to kick it up to 2.75 for the launch.

2.5grams looks fine by me..Gets the job done in separating the rocket, and that's really ALL you want it to do.

[qquake2k]

I love the black and red paint scheme. Looks very sharp!

[neond7]

Were you using shear pins?

Sweet looking rocket. :-) I'm building a Mad Cow Frenzy soon, similar dual fin design. I haven't build a fiberglass kit yet...... I've been eyeballing this rocket, I'll probably pick one of them up later in the year. Summer has really kicked in and its gotten too hot to build in my garage these days. I was building in the evenings, but now the mosquitoes have started due to all the rain we have had.

Post some flight videos!

[csoechtig]

Successful flight - - high and straight (just a hair under 3K).