I've noticed in several videos taken of Micro Model Launches our little .049"dia rods (Stainless or Plain Music Wire) do a good bit of rod whipping even in very short 9.0" Lengths. This has caused some heavier (Over 10g) models to take "Not the Best" flight path.
Personally I've used a number of different diameter and length Launch lugs to no real change in these observed conditions.
Over the past few weeks I've been exploring the notion of using a 10mm x 10mm launch Rail with tiny rail buttons as an option to standard launch lugs for micro models. I believe we've found a rail that is workable. and are in the process of helping Randy of Railbuttons.com in development of a button that will work on small LPR and Hopefully Micro Models as well. There is a very Long 280some post thread containing most of the research in the LPR forum if you'd like to follow the adventure.
To make a very long story short: I'm of the opinion yes we can use a "MakerBeam" 10mm x 10mm x 900mm (35.4")Long Extruded aluminum rail with models as small as T2++ and T3(.316" & .375"od). It may be possible in the vary near future to purchase 2-56" Nylon 2 or 3piece buttons from RailButtons.com or possibly make them ourselves for a few pennies more and a minor investment in 100pks of the necessary Nylon component fasteners. At this point I've only seen the very first prototype "Beta Test" Buttons for them and have done some experimenting with parts and procedures myself. Due to the Lousy weather we've been having the last few months I have not yet had an opportunity to Launch the Rail Button Set Up Test models but they slide and swing test fine.
The MakerBeam rails are available through Amazon.com in a 2-pack for about 25 bucks. I'm still toying with weather the entire 35.5" beam length is needed for micro work or a portion, but it would replace a standard 3ft launch rod on most launcher setups straight out of the package.
Don't have a fixed price or even if RailButtons.com will offer the Micro buttons yet. but if really interested I can make of list of the stuff I found to make our own with a tiny bit of customizing to reduce the overall button projection from the model body.
Couple photos of the MakerBeam 10mm Rail, my launcher base mounting solution and my Test T3(.375"dia) Micro Powered model for your viewing.
These buttons will not replace All Launch lugs but give an Option for our heavier slower lift-off models.
Hope this is sort of interesting.
Edit: One thing I forgot to explain; neither Randy or I have found a thing that will fit the MicroRAX 10mm rail shown below. Don't consider it if you are looking to purchase a micro size rail. Go with the MakerBeam 10mm x 10mm x 900mm rail.
Personally I've used a number of different diameter and length Launch lugs to no real change in these observed conditions.
Over the past few weeks I've been exploring the notion of using a 10mm x 10mm launch Rail with tiny rail buttons as an option to standard launch lugs for micro models. I believe we've found a rail that is workable. and are in the process of helping Randy of Railbuttons.com in development of a button that will work on small LPR and Hopefully Micro Models as well. There is a very Long 280some post thread containing most of the research in the LPR forum if you'd like to follow the adventure.
To make a very long story short: I'm of the opinion yes we can use a "MakerBeam" 10mm x 10mm x 900mm (35.4")Long Extruded aluminum rail with models as small as T2++ and T3(.316" & .375"od). It may be possible in the vary near future to purchase 2-56" Nylon 2 or 3piece buttons from RailButtons.com or possibly make them ourselves for a few pennies more and a minor investment in 100pks of the necessary Nylon component fasteners. At this point I've only seen the very first prototype "Beta Test" Buttons for them and have done some experimenting with parts and procedures myself. Due to the Lousy weather we've been having the last few months I have not yet had an opportunity to Launch the Rail Button Set Up Test models but they slide and swing test fine.
The MakerBeam rails are available through Amazon.com in a 2-pack for about 25 bucks. I'm still toying with weather the entire 35.5" beam length is needed for micro work or a portion, but it would replace a standard 3ft launch rod on most launcher setups straight out of the package.
Don't have a fixed price or even if RailButtons.com will offer the Micro buttons yet. but if really interested I can make of list of the stuff I found to make our own with a tiny bit of customizing to reduce the overall button projection from the model body.
Couple photos of the MakerBeam 10mm Rail, my launcher base mounting solution and my Test T3(.375"dia) Micro Powered model for your viewing.
These buttons will not replace All Launch lugs but give an Option for our heavier slower lift-off models.
Hope this is sort of interesting.
Edit: One thing I forgot to explain; neither Randy or I have found a thing that will fit the MicroRAX 10mm rail shown below. Don't consider it if you are looking to purchase a micro size rail. Go with the MakerBeam 10mm x 10mm x 900mm rail.
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Micro Rail Button-b2_Stk Blk on BT-5 Model & Pts_03-28-14.jpg115.6 KB · Views: 39
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Micro Rail Button-a3_.063 white on T3(.375in) Model_03-28-14.jpg122.9 KB · Views: 40
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Micro Rail Button-a2_Custom White .063 on T3 Model & Pts_03-28-14.JPG359.9 KB · Views: 38
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Micro Rail Button-a4_White Button T3 on 10mmRail(Gap)_03-28-14.jpg107.7 KB · Views: 37
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