Kirk G
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2012
- Messages
- 1,326
- Reaction score
- 1
It may seem pretty obvious to those who have been around the hobby for a long time, but the subject has just presented itself to me.
I have avoided any LPR rocket that called for a cluster of motors, as my thought was it burns through a lot of motors very quickly. Why burn three when one will do the job?
But that's not to say that I haven't tried a two-stage rocket on occasion. The theory being that you could go higher, faster, and still have a return on your investment. (recover both stages intact)
However this last week, someone has gifted me with an Estes "Scrambler" cluster-launched rocket kit. The package is opened, but all parts appear to be there.
It seems to have a clear payload section intended to house an egg. But besides a balsa adaptor that changes size from the payload down to the body tube, the other unique feature is a design for THREE low power motors...B or C motors.
Now, I am certain that by following the instructions (and maybe without) I can assemble this rocket.
But the question occurs, how do you set up the ignition so that all three of the motors fire at once?
Is there some means of ganging the ingnitors (starters) so all the wires combine, like a common fuse?
Or is there another wiring harness that would adapt the alligator clips that my club owns to deliver the battery current to all three motors equally?
Is there a rule of thumb that says all three motors must be from the same package, the same serial number?
It's not that hard a question... it's just one that I've never had to confront before... as it has never been presented to me.
I'm sure there's a simple answer. Any suggestions?
I have avoided any LPR rocket that called for a cluster of motors, as my thought was it burns through a lot of motors very quickly. Why burn three when one will do the job?
But that's not to say that I haven't tried a two-stage rocket on occasion. The theory being that you could go higher, faster, and still have a return on your investment. (recover both stages intact)
However this last week, someone has gifted me with an Estes "Scrambler" cluster-launched rocket kit. The package is opened, but all parts appear to be there.
It seems to have a clear payload section intended to house an egg. But besides a balsa adaptor that changes size from the payload down to the body tube, the other unique feature is a design for THREE low power motors...B or C motors.
Now, I am certain that by following the instructions (and maybe without) I can assemble this rocket.
But the question occurs, how do you set up the ignition so that all three of the motors fire at once?
Is there some means of ganging the ingnitors (starters) so all the wires combine, like a common fuse?
Or is there another wiring harness that would adapt the alligator clips that my club owns to deliver the battery current to all three motors equally?
Is there a rule of thumb that says all three motors must be from the same package, the same serial number?
It's not that hard a question... it's just one that I've never had to confront before... as it has never been presented to me.
I'm sure there's a simple answer. Any suggestions?
Last edited: