Loc Precision EZI-65

Hey Fellow Rocketeers!
I,ve been too busy building rockets lately to stop in and chat!
This EZI-65 kit from loc precision went together in just a few
evenings. Even with 5 minute epoxy, it still takes time to dry.
I practiced on an areotech barracuda and an initiator which
were a thrill to assemble. I especially like the fin lock feature.
I also liked the finished result of the decals!
How or where do I get decals for my EZI-65 without trying
to figure out how to make my computer into a decal maker?
Dry transfers? Stensils? Majic markers?
The other interesting problem I just encountered is a
shortage of areotech motors! What are some available sources
for mortors for a level 1 cert attempt?
Our october launch was scrubbed due to the soy beans
still in the field. Nov.17 is the big day at Ellsbury, Mo. for my
1st try at High Power Rocketry!
Somebody STOP Me!!!

Dr Don,

Great to see you on again!!! I have completed 3 projects myself, with at least three more to go; I will actually begin building my new PML Small Endeavour tomorrow while the LOC Nomad's primer dries, and parts are starting to arive for my 4" Harpoon so I still have 3 to finish with more designed.

Making your own decals for the EZI-65 would be your best bet, otherwise, I would paint them on using stencils or stick on lettering.

As far as reloads go, you need to call around now. Yoru best bet would be to check with your local HPR vendor that may visit your launches, otherwise I would either start calling every dealer on the web or check with a local certified flier that may be willing to give up a reload for your cert. Most guys should be pretty good about doing that. Just make arangements to have your Prefect for Tripoli, or two NAR members, one which needs to be L1, on hand at your cert launch. One of them can hold your motor until then.

Your EZI-65 model appears to have a 54mm mount, so I would recommend an Aerotech 38mm H123 or H242 with an adapter, or purchase the 38mm RMS with the new 54mm adapter closures, if they will work and I think they will.

Word has it that Aerotech may be back in production in the next 3 months or so and their website is already stating they now have some H128's for a local up and comming launch. so, if worse comes to worse, you may have to wait only a few months to cert. Keep us up to date on your progress.

Our local Tripoli Mid-Ohio launch was also scrubbed until November 17-18, as corn was still in the fields, so you have my sympathy there!

Cya,

Carl

Hey Dr. Don!!! We missed ya. Good luck on your level 1...

Oh, and don't forget to make plenty of pictures. And.... post them to the forum.

Hey Guys! Thanks for the replys!
Any advice on prep for plywood fins?
The instructions for the EZI-65 suggest a sanding sealer
before primer and paint. The spray primer I have is rated
for bare wood. Do the open pores of the wood absorb too
much so weight becomes an issue?
Also, How big do the fillets have to be on the fin roots to
hold em on with a J motor?
Man! Rocket Science is Complex! Dr. Don

Doc,

Your LOC EZI-65 is a lighter rocket, quoted around 2+ pounds on the LOC website; I strongly suggest you not try it with a J motor; you would have to seriously beef up the structure so it could handle the stress and then pray you could find it because it will go balistic if it holds together. This kit makes a great Level 1 rocket though and you will be surprised how well it does on H and I loads.

As far as the fins go, if they are plywood and it's a HPR kit, I would fiberglass them. There are detailed instructions on how to do this in our "Techniques" section of this forum. You should seal them one way or another, either by glassing, sanding sealer, or a thin coat of epoxy. The finish will be ten times better if you do and it will protect the fins from moisture/warpage.

Regarding fillets, you want a good sized fillet, but not necessarily the "Conan" fillets Phil just did on his A4(had to do it Phil) . Listed below is a pic that shows the fillets on my Thoy 4" Phoenix and shows how to use masking tape to create a "dam" to pour the epoxy; it also had ply fins. It may be hard to notice in the picture, but the fins and body tube have already been fiberglassed. When it comes to HPR, you can never build too strong!

<img src="https://www.rocketreviews.com/images4/thoy_phoenix_rear_fillets.jpg">

Good luck,

Carl

the "Conan" fillets Phil just did on his A4

Click to expand...

Hey, I resemble that remark...

I've built two EZI-65's so far. Both of them were modified for zipper-resistant deployment, but the overall dimensions are still the same. I also added another centering-ring so that the fin-roots were sandwiched tightly between them.

I built my first one with 5-min epoxy too, and it survived a J flight just fine after a dozen or so I-211 flights. I've also never glassed a single rocket in my life, and there were no signs of stress after a K550 flight on a slightly-modified-but-still-cardboard LOC Magnum. I believe the extra centering ring is the key to preventing most shreds since it provides a very strong mechanical lock on the fins. Don't let anyone tell you that you *have* to 'glass a rocket.

The EZI-65 is definitely my favorite shove-in-a-motor-and-go HPR model!

Hey Guys! Thanks for all the input!
I went ahead and "conan" filleted the fins using the amazing
masking tape "dam" method! Worked great! One word of
caution trying out this method for the first time with 30 minute
epoxy: that stuff will still "drift" for at least 30 minutes! I did
the first side and went & ate dinner. I did the 2nd side and
waited for what seemed long enough, but while the 3rd side was setting, I looked under and saw really bulging fillets ! I was able
to salvage them by putting masking tape over the epoxy and pressing it back into shape. I was concerned if the tape would come off, but no problem! I had the same "impatient" experience with the "dams". When the epoxy is totally set, the tape peels
right off! But when I tryed to take it off too soon, it was like a
taffy pull! Anyway, after lots of fileing and sanding, I have some
really tough looking fins!
I used the elmers wood filler method on the body tubes and sanding sealer on the plywood fins and 4 (so far) coats of primer . What happened to the spiral grooves!!!? GOHN!
Now, after days of visiting every web site I could find, I just
cannot seem to decide what color to paint the fool thing! It
looks sooo cool and MEAN in red primer, I am considering just
giving it a clear coat! But I really want a PRETTY Rocket! Does
color really matter for high altitude spotting? My sailing/ painter
buddy keeps telling me to paint it silver although the color of
choice seems to be White! Oh, what to dooooo...

Congratulations, sounds like you've got an excellent finish on your rocket. Any chance you can get some photos to post?

Wow!!!!!
The H-268 red line put out a 2 foot red flame ! I could not
believe the rocket held together under that much BOOM!
I got my level one cert on the first attempt! The EZI-65
flew like a champ! Beautiful fast straight flight, clean parachute
deployment at apogee, and a gentle slow descent about a
hundred yards from the pad!
There were 3 other EZI-65 cert flights all of which suceeded!
I had input advice from many of the expert club members as I
puzzled through the assembly of my 1st high power motor!
Many thanks go out to:
Chad ring for rounding me up a motor and casing and bringing
me the right stuff to the launch site. Thanks Chad!!
All the guys in the St. Louis Club who assisted the assembly!
And all the "Rocket Scientists" on the Rocketry forum! I will
try to get some pictures. I chose a red and gold paint scheme
which got a lot of compliments at the launch. I know there is
someone in the club who was taking pictures. I was too involved
in the moment to remember to use my camera!
I also picked up an amram 4 From Chad Ring along with a
variety of "I" motors now that I can ! Next launch 12/09/01
My wife agrees that I am certifiable! Don

Originally posted by Dr. Don
I got my level one cert on the first attempt!

Click to expand...

Congratulations, Don. I agree with you. Those Redline motors are way cool! Can't wait to see some pictures. The paint job sounds really cool.

Congrats!!!!!

And another brother joins the AMRAAM 4 brotherhood.

- patiently awaiting pictures.

Certs here, certs there... Certs everywhere.

Congrats Dr. Don!

<H1><B><I><color=red>CONGRATULATIONS DR. DON!!!!!</H1></B></I></color>

Well done on your cert flight! Man there is no other feeling like it then the first one, to see it all come together and work out just fine. You will remember that launch for a lifetime bro. A BIG welcome to the world of HPR is in order and I am glad we all could play a part in it; rocketeers are the best guys around IMHO!

If you did like I, which it sounds like you did, you bought some loads after the cert flight. THAT is in my oppinion the iceing on the cake; to walk in and start picking out those "High Power" labeled packs!

Once again, well done...

..now...get the wallet ready for some big time fun!