rc dude
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- Joined
- Jan 15, 2012
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Looks good Kyle! Sounds like you're doing the Vern-style nosecone anchors? I usually recommend these so you can use your nosecone as a tracker/GPS bay, like you mention.
I've never tried using threadlocker on a nosecone tip - but I've also never had occasion to remove one EXCEPT if I'm using it as a shockcord attachment point, such as in my 3" MD. Drogue chute looks good!
Are you using a MissileWorks sled? I see you're using their screw switches, much like myself. I slightly prefer the Featherweight screw switches (a lot smaller) but the MissileWorks ones are a bit cheaper.
What are your screws tapped into?
Your vent holes will probably be fine, but for extra insurance I'd add a few more on the other side of the bay.
The altimeter sled is actually one directly from Landru. He also produces the Missleworks sleds for them. The screw switches were also ordered from Landru, as the sled is made to mount hold them.
The screws for the Aeropack retainer are tapped into the retainer itself, which should work fine as there is no load trying to strip them out. The screws for the av-bay are tapped into the fiberglass, and two of them have nuts epoxied on the inside. the third one will just tap into the fiberglass, as the screw switch is right behind it. I will insert it after arming the electronics at the pad. Here are two pictures of the nuts in the av-bay:
Hope theses help: I have a 6gxl case too and the biggest motors are cool. If I heard u right: vent holes should not be placed below any protrusions. It can mess up readings. I read this in one of the AV bay instructions, or the missile works instructions, or the rocket book. You probably used the formula for av bay vent sizing, right? I have used the Eggfinder TX and just got TRS. The instructions seem a little confusing, you might want to look up a couple of threads on this forum. One guy had a problem turning it on at the pad.
I did use the calculations to find the correct size for the vent holes. And I also changed how the vent holes are placed. They are now located in between the bolts, and one of the bolts is removable for to arm the altimeter.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C2IKh840XFk
Just a thought, I used a small motor to test out the ejection charges & electronics prior to going out of sight with a large motor. In the flight attached video, I would have lost it if the gps EggFinder didn't work
I had planned on using a full G motor for the test flight, but it will be too heavy, except for the G339, which I am not certified for yet. To test the electronics, I am taking my foodsaver to the launch to do a vacuum test of both altimeters together after I pick up my StratologgerCF. I am then planning on testing the electronics in my Madcow Scooter, as I am making it so the av-bay switches over. I will be ejecting the main at apogee with a long motor delay backup, and just popping the nose cone at 500 feet. Once this is all confirmed, I will put it in my Tomach and go for my L1.
Wow Kyle, it is looking great, love the 3D printer altimeter sled. I have 2 of those for other builds so it's nice to see what others have done with theirs.
As far as the vent holes I will repeat the advice I was given when I asked a similar question. In general you want to keep the vent holes away from anything that can disturb or break the laminar airflow. Having said that you may be fine, but I would try a test flight with engine backup for the apogee event as this is primarily when it will be an issue. I used that approach when I put vent holes in a nosecone and the back up was not required because it went off without any issues.
Thanks for the kind words! The 3d printed sled is really nice, especially the 9v battery compartment, as it fits two of my lipos securely. I managed to do a little more wiring today, although I will have to finish it at the launch when I get my Stratologger. I moved the vent holes so they would not be downstream of any obstructions, as mentioned at the beginning of this post. As for the test flight, I can't use motor backup because the Aeropack minimum diameter retainer is not ported, and I need to use a tapped forward closure.
That just reinforces my thoughts on drogue vs drogueless.
Are you for or against a drogue chute? Or are you using a streamer since you asked about a reflective one in another thread? Do you have any photos of yours? All I have seen is the av-bay.
I managed to get a lot done today, so it is looking like I will be ready for Saturday! I epoxied in the nose cone coupler using Proline 4500, tied up both shock cords, drilled the vent holes, did more wiring on the electronics, and managed to cram the drogue chute/protector and shock cord into the small space it has been given. Does anybody know if there should be room left between the ejection charge and the chute protector? As it is now, I have to push in the last 1/2" and have the shear pins hold it together. Here is a picture of the nose cone coupler epoxied in:
The list is still shrinking!
To do still:
Wire up altimeter bay
Ground test
Make retainer extension
I plan on finishing the wiring at the launch. I am also taking my dremel and the all-thread to make the extension at the launch as well. I can't do the ground testing at home, as I don't have igniters that work (I only have estes igniters), so that will have to wait until Saturday morning as well. All I have left to do tomorrow is a few thing on my Madcow Scooter, try packing the main chute, and smoke some tri-tip.
Until tomorrow,
Kyle