conwayte
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I ordered an Estes Scion kit a ways back and finally was able to get it launched in the back yard (I live on 10 relatively open acres so there's a decent amount of space).
I made a few modifications:
I purchased a couple of Aerotech LMS F42 motors from Balsa Machining, put together a Jawstand Launch Rail and let it fly. I had it simmed out to around 500' on Openrocket on the F42 so I decided not to use the CR on the first flight. That flight ended about 20 feet up in a tree (remember above I said "10 relatively open acres"). After getting it down and prepping for the 2nd launch, I installed the CR and decided to set it to deploy at 100'. That ended up being a little exciting--I estimate that the CR released right at about 100' and the chute took about another 50' to open. The 50' opening distance is right in line with Jolly Logic's specs. What I didn't take into account when setting the 100' release altitude is the roughly 20'-25' rise to the south (noticeable in the background of the launch pic below). All ended well--the chute opened and the rocket landed softly without damage.
The picture isn't the greatest--I was launching with one hand and holding the phone with the other but you get the idea.
My next build is a Binder Design 4" Excel w/ dual deploy (waiting patiently for me in a box in the basement). Mike was great to deal with! The plan is for this to be my L1 rocket. I live in Western Wisconsin not too far from the Twin Cities and plan on getting in touch with one of the clubs in the area. I'm going to forego the dual deploy for L1 to keep things relatively simple.
The only planned change from stock is the use of a Onebadhawk harness. Teddy is an absolute pleasure to work with and really gave me some good food for thought in our email exchanges!
As a BAR just getting back into rocketry, the thing I'm most struck with (other than all the possibilities available in rocketry that I never would have dreamed of as a kid) is the fact that everyone involved that I have interacted with has been so friendly and helpful.
Sorry this post got so long!
Take care,
Tim
I made a few modifications:
- Added a baffle from Apogee to the upper tube and attached some Kevlar to the eyebolt which connects to about 15' of paracord.
- Using a nomex blanket for a little added protection since I'm also using a Jolly Logic Chute Release and didn't want to risk that getting scorched/fouled with residue.
- Drilled 2 holes in the nosecone base to attach shock cord rather than use the stock attachment point.
- I stayed with 3 fins but reversed them back to standard configuration rather than the forward sweep of the Scion.
- Installed 1010 rail guides.
I purchased a couple of Aerotech LMS F42 motors from Balsa Machining, put together a Jawstand Launch Rail and let it fly. I had it simmed out to around 500' on Openrocket on the F42 so I decided not to use the CR on the first flight. That flight ended about 20 feet up in a tree (remember above I said "10 relatively open acres"). After getting it down and prepping for the 2nd launch, I installed the CR and decided to set it to deploy at 100'. That ended up being a little exciting--I estimate that the CR released right at about 100' and the chute took about another 50' to open. The 50' opening distance is right in line with Jolly Logic's specs. What I didn't take into account when setting the 100' release altitude is the roughly 20'-25' rise to the south (noticeable in the background of the launch pic below). All ended well--the chute opened and the rocket landed softly without damage.
The picture isn't the greatest--I was launching with one hand and holding the phone with the other but you get the idea.
My next build is a Binder Design 4" Excel w/ dual deploy (waiting patiently for me in a box in the basement). Mike was great to deal with! The plan is for this to be my L1 rocket. I live in Western Wisconsin not too far from the Twin Cities and plan on getting in touch with one of the clubs in the area. I'm going to forego the dual deploy for L1 to keep things relatively simple.
The only planned change from stock is the use of a Onebadhawk harness. Teddy is an absolute pleasure to work with and really gave me some good food for thought in our email exchanges!
As a BAR just getting back into rocketry, the thing I'm most struck with (other than all the possibilities available in rocketry that I never would have dreamed of as a kid) is the fact that everyone involved that I have interacted with has been so friendly and helpful.
Sorry this post got so long!
Take care,
Tim
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