Updates...

[user 35280]

The police unit that download the body cam footage have already forwarded it to lots of personnel. It would be cool to see if more police start showing up to watch and/or participate in your launches with their family. That would be cool!

 

[BABAR]

Would be cool if you could integrate his body cam footage in your vids.
Somehow I don't think that's gonna happen.

Meanwhile, avoid rocket names like Fuzz, Gumshoe, and Po Po……..

 

[Cape Byron]

Meanwhile, avoid rocket names like Fuzz, Gumshoe, and Po Po……..

Damn. I always thought 'The Heat' was a good rocket name.

And prolly don't fly a Pigasus there...

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Qualman baffles. Love those things. Still looks to be in good shape. How many flights are on that one?

Why did you remove it ?

I think this was the fourth flight. Despite gobs of TB2, the E12-4 ejection dislodged the baffle. I'm lucky it didn't eject all the way out. With all the carbon scoring in this droid, I'm not sure I trust glueing another baffle again. Suggestions?

Would be cool if you could integrate his body cam footage in your vids.
Somehow I don't think that's gonna happen.

The police unit that download the body cam footage have already forwarded it to lots of personnel. It would be cool to see if more police start showing up to watch and/or participate in your launches with their family. That would be cool!

I'll have to invest in a shave ice machine.

 

[Cape Byron]

Anyone want to buy a used baffle? I pulled it out of the Biohazard.

View attachment 480153

Looks like you're getting a lot of blowby pretty much everywhere the baffle should be sitting against the inside of the body tube. Do you run a glue fillet around any accessible points after gluing it in?

Despite gobs of TB2, the E12-4 ejection dislodged the baffle. I'm lucky it didn't eject all the way out.

Maybe epoxy on the next one. Never seen one of Qualman's baffles ejected before.

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Looks like you're getting a lot of blowby pretty much everywhere the baffle should be sitting against the inside of the body tube. Do you run a glue fillet around any accessible points after gluing it in?
Maybe epoxy on the next one. Never seen one of Qualman's baffles ejected before.

Yes, gobs...

I was thinking I could insert the new baffle, drill a hole or two, use thin CA to create inside anchors, and plug the holes. I've tried to insert a baffle into a rocket tube where I've thin CA'd the port holes and it's nearly impossible so should work for keeping them in place.

Perhaps I had the baffle too close to the MM tube and the E motor...

 

[Cape Byron]

Perhaps I had the baffle too close to the MM tube and the E motor...

How close? Less than 4" between the top of the MMT and the bottom of the baffle?

And what size tube? Looks like a BT-60 in the pics.

Some random 'E's seem to pack a big ejection charge...

 

[neil_w]

Although the design is very clever, the Qualman baffles always seemed to me to present a gluing challenge. I would almost prefer to see them sized to fit inside a coupler, so you could mount them into a coupler securely (since it would be done out of the rocket, accessibly) and then glued into the tube that way.

 

[Back_at_it]

I think this was the fourth flight. Despite gobs of TB2, the E12-4 ejection dislodged the baffle. I'm lucky it didn't eject all the way out. With all the carbon scoring in this droid, I'm not sure I trust glueing another baffle again. Suggestions?

View attachment 480241

Now that someone mentioned it. It does look like the ejection was blowing past as the sides of the baffle are black. These should be clean as they should have been glued to the side of the tube.

When gluing in baffles I make sure that it gets inserted from the rear as much as possible. When I do this I use a little more glue than normal then insert it effectively creating a fillet at the top of the baffle. I also sand the sides of the baffles so that they they slide in freely so I can coat the sides of the baffle in glue before inserting it.

If I have to insert the baffle from the topside, I'll go back and use a long paint brush and add a nice fillet to the top.

I've got about 60 rockets with baffles in them. About 10 of them are Qualman and I've never had one come loose.

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

How close? Less than 4" between the top of the MMT and the bottom of the baffle?

And what size tube? Looks like a BT-60 in the pics.

Some random 'E's seem to pack a big ejection charge...

I don't remember exactly with the 14" long BT-55 but was probably 1". I'm trying to figure out the math. The MM is 4" plus 4" buffer plus 3" for the baffle plus 2.5" for the shoulder leaving 0.5" for the laundry. Probably wasn't an issue with the shorter D motor. I'm not likely going to launch another E motor in the Biohazard. Maybe I'll just stick with a Nomex blanket...

 

[Back_at_it]

How close? Less than 4" between the top of the MMT and the bottom of the baffle?

And what size tube? Looks like a BT-60 in the pics.

Some random 'E's seem to pack a big ejection charge...

In longer rockets I place the baffle up as far from the motor as I can. You generally want to add weight in front of the rockets normal CG. This isn't always an option but I do it where I can. Also keep in mind that the baffle can act a a shelf to keep your laundry from falling to the back of the rocket.

When adding baffles to short rockets like a Big Daddy, Baby Bertha, etc. I leave as much room as I can but I have gone as close as 3/4 of an inch from the top of the MMT in a Baby Bertha as there simply isn't room for anything more. I wouldn't recommend this is a BT50 sized rocket but it works great in BT60.

With a BT50, I can tell you that 2 inches works as I have them in a couple of Alpha III's.

That Baby Bertha has at least 10 flights without any issues and has been up on a D16-4. If it was going to blow the baffle out it would have done it on that motor

 

[Cape Byron]

Good advice, @Back_at_it . I've run a couple of rockets with baffles really close to the MMT, but that usually involves a lot of weight adding epoxy coating. In things like Gooneys I just give up and use wadding or Nomex.

That Baby Bertha has at least 10 flights without any issues and has been up on a D16-4. If it was going to blow the baffle out it would have done it on that motor

Yep. If you're not having probs with a D16-4 I don't think you'll have any.

 

[kuririn]

Ron, I found out why I couldn't get any juice from my brand new portable jump starter at the last launch. Comes to find out you need to turn it on at the source AND press a button on the plug in module with the clamps. Instructions didn't mention a second button. Will give it a good workout on Monday's launch.
Laters.

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Ron, I found out why I couldn't get any juice from my brand new portable jump starter at the last launch. Comes to find out you need to turn it on at the source AND press a button on the plug in module with the clamps. Instructions didn't mention a second button. Will give it a good workout on Monday's launch.
Laters.

We'll give the JLCR a work out on Monday! The cops are cool and hopefully the beer leaguers will stay away with the COVID restrictions. I tried to go for a hike this morning but too many people. The beaches are probably also full despite Gov Ige telling the tourists to go eff themselves. Who knows, this might be the last time we can launch before they shut down the parks again.

 

[Greg Furtman]

I think the aft upgrades needed more weight in the NC for stability.

An alternative explanation is that the Sidewinder radar locked on a passing aircraft but ran out of propellant before reaching the target.

Speaking of Sidewinders.

https://www.thebeachcats.com/OnTheWire/westnet/_lpm/hobie/archives/v1-i2/humor.html

 

[kuririn]

Speaking of Sidewinders.

Shoot, I'd just mount some chaff and flare dispensers on my PWC.

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Speaking of Sidewinders.

https://www.thebeachcats.com/OnTheWire/westnet/_lpm/hobie/archives/v1-i2/humor.html

Fortunately no one nearby was smoking a cigar yesterday.

 

[user 35280]

I think this was the fourth flight. Despite gobs of TB2, the E12-4 ejection dislodged the baffle. I'm lucky it didn't eject all the way out. With all the carbon scoring in this droid, I'm not sure I trust glueing another baffle again. Suggestions?

View attachment 480241



View attachment 480242



I'll have to invest in a shave ice machine.

View attachment 480244

View attachment 480245

And Kamekona’s Shrimp Truck.

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Many successful Labor Day launches on blue sky Hawaiian holiday with the crew

I have a Patreon account now and include the link in my YouTube channel like most YT creators. I'm not sure what the policy is here about self promoting so will remove in inappropriate. https://www.patreon.com/ronzrocketz

Another nearly perfect holiday launch party with Christopher, Gary (@kuririn), and Roger. Thanks to the COVID restrictions, we had the park to ourselves, even though the mountain trails and ocean beaches are full on this holiday weekend. Gary launched 8 rockets, I launched 7, and Roger finally launched his 3D printed rocket with the hinged nose cone. He's been stressing about launching his 3D printed Obsidian for the past several months, and it was a resounding success.

Gary had a lot of excellent launches. He also has been waiting for perfect conditions to launch his Rubicon and it worked perfectly. I launched the Cosmic Interceptor later but put it at the front of the video because it was so awesome. The D12 worked great. I suspect the rocket will need an E20 to get enough velocity off the rod. I doubt I'll repair the Mini Comanche-2 clone again. It's had a torrid life.

I was very disappointed that the chute didn't fully release from the V2. If I had connected the chute to the nose, it would've pulled the chute out fully. Ironically, the chute did deploy with the main body of the Big Daddy because it was connected to the shock cord which broke just above it. I used a Nomex blanket, and the cord might've got in the way of the ejection.

I added about 16g of epoxy weight to the Sidewinder nose cone. Curiously, the rocket performed similar with the D12-3 as it did with the C11-3 last week. With the LEO, I chose the C6-3 to gain enough height to activate the JLCR. I remember now why the C5-3 performs better. Fortunately, the rocket arced to the west where there is more room in the park.

00:00 Cosmic Interceptor 4pts
01:25 Gary's Snake Jumper
01:42 Gary's Excelsior KRAM
02:37 Mini Comanche-2 3pts
03:25 Roger's Obsidian
04:38 Gary's Saki
04:51 Ron's interaction with the HPD officer
05:49 Spacemonkey V2 3pts
07:45 Gary's Isis Mini Missile
08:16 We brought the fire extinguisher...
08:32 Jolly Logic Chute Release
09:06 Gary's Condor
09:36 Gary's Khufu's Pyramid
10:28 Big Daddy 3pts
11:57 Gary's HL-20
13:00 Trifecta 4pts
13:39 Gary's Rubicon
16:21 AIM-9 Sidewinder C11-3 4pts
17:32 AIM-9 Sidewinder D12-3 257ft 5pts
19:16 LEO 5pts
21:49 Total 31pts + 10 bonus = 41pts

 

[kuririn]

Before anybody complains, allow me to clarify some details about the Ansari X Prize cuz I was relying on my (faulty) memory in the video:
It was a 10 million $ prize that would go to the first non governmental organization that could launch a crewed craft into space and relaunch the same craft within two weeks. "Space" was defined as 100 km i.e. the Karman Line.
The prize was won by the Tier One Project flying White Knight One/Spaceship One designed by Burt Rutan and built by his company, Scaled Composites.
The Virgin Group only became involved some time later, partnering with Scaled Composites to develop White Knight Two and Spaceship Two.
What's interesting to me is that Spaceship Two is not capable of exceeding the Karman Line, while Spaceship One did.
Anyhoo, I hope to launch both Estes versions of Spaceship One at the next launch (18mm and 24 mm).
Should be interesting "heads up" launches.

 

[user 35280]

Many successful Labor Day launches on blue sky Hawaiian holiday with the crew

I have a Patreon account now and include the link in my YouTube channel like most YT creators. I'm not sure what the policy is here about self promoting so will remove in inappropriate. https://www.patreon.com/ronzrocketz

Another nearly perfect holiday launch party with Christopher, Gary (@kuririn), and Roger. Thanks to the COVID restrictions, we had the park to ourselves, even though the mountain trails and ocean beaches are full on this holiday weekend. Gary launched 8 rockets, I launched 7, and Roger finally launched his 3D printed rocket with the hinged nose cone. He's been stressing about launching his 3D printed Obsidian for the past several months, and it was a resounding success.

Gary had a lot of excellent launches. He also has been waiting for perfect conditions to launch his Rubicon and it worked perfectly. I launched the Cosmic Interceptor later but put it at the front of the video because it was so awesome. The D12 worked great. I suspect the rocket will need an E20 to get enough velocity off the rod. I doubt I'll repair the Mini Comanche-2 clone again. It's had a torrid life.

I was very disappointed that the chute didn't fully release from the V2. If I had connected the chute to the nose, it would've pulled the chute out fully. Ironically, the chute did deploy with the main body of the Big Daddy because it was connected to the shock cord which broke just above it. I used a Nomex blanket, and the cord might've got in the way of the ejection.

I added about 16g of epoxy weight to the Sidewinder nose cone. Curiously, the rocket performed similar with the D12-3 as it did with the C11-3 last week. With the LEO, I chose the C6-3 to gain enough height to activate the JLCR. I remember now why the C5-3 performs better. Fortunately, the rocket arced to the west where there is more room in the park.

00:00 Cosmic Interceptor 4pts
01:25 Gary's Snake Jumper
01:42 Gary's Excelsior KRAM
02:37 Mini Comanche-2 3pts
03:25 Roger's Obsidian
04:38 Gary's Saki
04:51 Ron's interaction with the HPD officer
05:49 Spacemonkey V2 3pts
07:45 Gary's Isis Mini Missile
08:16 We brought the fire extinguisher...
08:32 Jolly Logic Chute Release
09:06 Gary's Condor
09:36 Gary's Khufu's Pyramid
10:28 Big Daddy 3pts
11:57 Gary's HL-20
13:00 Trifecta 4pts
13:39 Gary's Rubicon
16:21 AIM-9 Sidewinder C11-3 4pts
17:32 AIM-9 Sidewinder D12-3 257ft 5pts
19:16 LEO 5pts
21:49 Total 31pts + 10 bonus = 41pts

Ron,
Maybe try a 24mm White Lightning Q-Jet in your Sidewinder?

 

[user 35280]

Before anybody complains, allow me to clarify some details about the Ansari X Prize cuz I was relying on my (faulty) memory in the video:
It was a 10 million $ prize that would go to the first non governmental organization that could launch a crewed craft into space and relaunch the same craft within two weeks. "Space" was defined as 100 km i.e. the Karman Line.
The prize was won by the Tier One Project flying White Knight One/Spaceship One designed by Burt Rutan and built by his company, Scaled Composites.
The Virgin Group only became involved some time later, partnering with Scaled Composites to develop White Knight Two and Spaceship Two.
What's interesting to me is that Spaceship Two is not capable of exceeding the Karman Line, while Spaceship One did.
Anyhoo, I hope to launch both Estes versions of Spaceship One at the next launch (18mm and 24 mm).
Should be interesting "heads up" launches.

I have a Gauchito and SpaceShipOne in my build pile.

 

[kuririn]

I have a Gauchito and SpaceShipOne in my build pile.

Gauchito is an easy build. Looks like a Mercury Little Joe without the tower.

 

[Greg Furtman]

Shoot, I'd just mount some chaff and flare dispensers on my PWC.

I'm a rag top guy, never liked stinkpots.

 

[BABAR]

Very nice video and editing, as usual.
Gary @kuririn , nice fin placement on Cosmic Interceptor, slow majestic lift off with what looked like zero roll.
Ron, your son’s commentary was the icing on the cake, I really enjoy the banter.

thanks for doing these.

 

[kuririn]

Gary @kuririn , nice fin placement on Cosmic Interceptor

I wish I could take credit for that one, but it was Ron's rocket.

 

[BABAR]

I wish I could take credit for that one, but it was Ron's rocket.

Oh,well, in THAT case

“Where the heck are the decals?!”

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Before anybody complains, allow me to clarify some details about the Ansari X Prize cuz I was relying on my (faulty) memory in the video:
It was a 10 million $ prize that would go to the first non governmental organization that could launch a crewed craft into space and relaunch the same craft within two weeks. "Space" was defined as 100 km i.e. the Karman Line.
The prize was won by the Tier One Project flying White Knight One/Spaceship One designed by Burt Rutan and built by his company, Scaled Composites.
The Virgin Group only became involved some time later, partnering with Scaled Composites to develop White Knight Two and Spaceship Two.
What's interesting to me is that Spaceship Two is not capable of exceeding the Karman Line, while Spaceship One did.
Anyhoo, I hope to launch both Estes versions of Spaceship One at the next launch (18mm and 24 mm).
Should be interesting "heads up" launches.

I thought you’re exposition was spot on. The only issue is that sometimes the mic has trouble picking up your voice but the auto capturing got most of it. When my son has the cam, I cut out most of his commentary and leave the best stuff.

Ron,
Maybe try a 24mm White Lightning Q-Jet in your Sidewinder?

I have an E30 but might be too high. I need to order more E20s. I do have D20s which might work well. Time to sim...

Very nice video and editing, as usual.
Gary @kuririn , nice fin placement on Cosmic Interceptor, slow majestic lift off with what looked like zero roll.
Ron, your son’s commentary was the icing on the cake, I really enjoy the banter.
thanks for doing these.
Oh,well, in THAT case
“Where the heck are the decals?!”

Thanks. I told ya brah, I painted it to the full 80%. Now that I have a successful flight, I'm picking away at the minutia and the decals. Don't want to spend hours on the details only to have it land on the 2 story roof or the swimming pool.

 

[Greg Furtman]

Another fun day & great video! Thanks guys! Which park was this? (I'm a Google Maps junkie.)

 

[user 35280]

I thought you’re exposition was spot on. The only issue is that sometimes the mic has trouble picking up your voice but the auto capturing got most of it. When my son has the cam, I cut out most of his commentary and leave the best stuff.



I have an E30 but might be too high. I need to order more E20s. I do have D20s which might work well. Time to sim...



Thanks. I told ya brah, I painted it to the full 80%. Now that I have a successful flight, I'm picking away at the minutia and the decals. Don't want to spend hours on the details only to have it land on the 2 story roof or the swimming pool.

Your sons commentary cracks me up