- Joined
- May 29, 2009
- Messages
- 835
- Reaction score
- 915
I was originally planning on using the Binder Design Excel I built and flew for my L1 for my L2 flight, but I start debating building a new rocket for L2. After looking at the various vendors and kits, I was drawn the MAC Performance and their 4" ARCAS. I received the kit, along with a couple of extras, a few weeks ago, and was still undecided if my Excel would be used for my L2 or not. Well, the 3rd flight of the Excel did not go very well at the Tri Cities Rocketeers June launch, and after it was heavily damaged after a failure of the main to deploy, it was clear that the ARCAS will be my L2 bird.
Today I finally was able to start working on this beast!
The obligatory dry fit photo, since we all know that you MUST do this with every build!
I chose the option for the Wildman fiberglass nosecone, and I must say, I do not regret it! I also ordered the nosecone electronics bay kit, and I will be adding it for the future addition of a GPS tracker.
Today I located the forward centering rings and epoxied them into place with US Composites epoxy, then went back and added fillets to one side with Rocketpoxy. I will apply the fillets to the other side tomorrow.
I also took the time to epoxy the E-Bay switch band in place. For electronics, I will be using a MissileWorks RRC3 for primary, and a RRC2+ for backup, with both mounted on a Additive Aerospace sled. My motor choice will be firmed up once the build is complete and I have the final weight, but I am currently planning on a 54/1280 size J motor, most likely a J401FJ, but it looks like the cases are unobtanium at the moment. I have a fallback option of using a J350W instead. I am hoping that the first flight will be the Tri Cities Rocketeers September launch, and I plan to put it up on a I600R for a shakedown, then the L2 flight.
Today I finally was able to start working on this beast!
The obligatory dry fit photo, since we all know that you MUST do this with every build!
I chose the option for the Wildman fiberglass nosecone, and I must say, I do not regret it! I also ordered the nosecone electronics bay kit, and I will be adding it for the future addition of a GPS tracker.
Today I located the forward centering rings and epoxied them into place with US Composites epoxy, then went back and added fillets to one side with Rocketpoxy. I will apply the fillets to the other side tomorrow.
I also took the time to epoxy the E-Bay switch band in place. For electronics, I will be using a MissileWorks RRC3 for primary, and a RRC2+ for backup, with both mounted on a Additive Aerospace sled. My motor choice will be firmed up once the build is complete and I have the final weight, but I am currently planning on a 54/1280 size J motor, most likely a J401FJ, but it looks like the cases are unobtanium at the moment. I have a fallback option of using a J350W instead. I am hoping that the first flight will be the Tri Cities Rocketeers September launch, and I plan to put it up on a I600R for a shakedown, then the L2 flight.