With my 2 winter builds fast approaching I figured I needed to get my ground support in order.
Knowing my little, plastic, Estes launch pad wouldn't cut it, I started thinking. Sitting in the closet collecting dust for the last 10 years was an old telescope tripod mount. Instead of letting it collect dust for the next 20 years I figured it was time to use it. It's a little heavy but plenty strong enough. I started doing a few mods.
I cut the telescoping legs down a bit. Each leg can adjust about 2" just in case the ground is a little un-level.
Although each leg is tightened down with a wing nut I added a quick release, center brace so that a leg couldn't get accidentally kicked out.
The rocket launch rod/rail will be able to swivel 360 degrees (shown is the swivel tightening screw). This allows last min (pre-launch) adjustments to make up for wind direction without picking up the mount.
The mount will be able to adjust from 0-90 degree launch angle. I will move the angle gauge to the other side so it shows 90-0 instead of 0-90.
The last pic is of the basic pad. The thrust deflector should sit about 24" - 36" off the ground.
I still have some work to do on this pad but it's coming along. Going X-mas shopping tomorrow and will stop by Lowes to pick up a few more parts to continue with the Pad build. All ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
Knowing my little, plastic, Estes launch pad wouldn't cut it, I started thinking. Sitting in the closet collecting dust for the last 10 years was an old telescope tripod mount. Instead of letting it collect dust for the next 20 years I figured it was time to use it. It's a little heavy but plenty strong enough. I started doing a few mods.
I cut the telescoping legs down a bit. Each leg can adjust about 2" just in case the ground is a little un-level.
Although each leg is tightened down with a wing nut I added a quick release, center brace so that a leg couldn't get accidentally kicked out.
The rocket launch rod/rail will be able to swivel 360 degrees (shown is the swivel tightening screw). This allows last min (pre-launch) adjustments to make up for wind direction without picking up the mount.
The mount will be able to adjust from 0-90 degree launch angle. I will move the angle gauge to the other side so it shows 90-0 instead of 0-90.
The last pic is of the basic pad. The thrust deflector should sit about 24" - 36" off the ground.
I still have some work to do on this pad but it's coming along. Going X-mas shopping tomorrow and will stop by Lowes to pick up a few more parts to continue with the Pad build. All ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
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