Aerotech Hardware Question

[1tree]

Getting ready to jump to the composite bandwagon, but want to know something in advance.

For a given diameter of motor, do the closures remain the same? For instance if I order a complete 29/40-120 set, would I only need the casing to fly the 29/180? (And similar for the 24/40 and 24/60?)

 

[Yoehahn]

The 29/40-120 uses different closures than the 29/180, 29/120 etc. etc. so no you need both sets of closures the hobbyline for the 29/40-120 and the RMS or HP style closures for everything else

 

[kruland]

Tom is right. But, the 29/40-120 is a great system to get started with. There are some 20+ reloads for this case from E-G which don't require L1 Certification (the G138 does require L1).

The 29/40-120 uses different closures than the 29/180, 29/120 etc. etc. so no you need both sets of closures the hobbyline for the 29/40-120 and the RMS or HP style closures for everything else

 

[new2hpr]

Further clarification (and hopefully simplification).

The 24/40, 24/60, and 29/40-120 are "hobbyline" cases, and have their own specific closures and are not interchangeable with any other case (or each other).

Beyond that are the HP style cases for 29 and above. Starting at the 29/60 up to the 29/360 use the same closures.

Hope that helps.
-Ken

 

[DizWolf]

29/40-120 on the left, 29/240 on the right. (same as 60/100/120/360 cases)

Hobbyline stuff is thinner, has less threads and smaller BP wells.

 

[1tree]

Thanks. The pictures really put it into focus. I don't expect to launch much high power because of cost per launch, but one never really knows.

 

[DizWolf]

When I launch mpr, I'll do 5-7 Launches a day. Last Weekend I did 2 HPR and had an equel amount of fun. More goes into it so you launch less. At least I do.

I spend the same or less doing high power. So far. And at about $20 a load for 240 cases, and $30 for 38mm/360 loads, its cheaper or close to most SU.

That said the 29/40-120 is an awesome place to start. I've got three and want more of them. The variety of loads is amazing.

 

[samb]

... And if you come out to a club launch you'll probably see the 29/40-120 in use along the odd G77 or G78 single use.

www.dars.org

 

[jimzcatz]

The 29/360 uses a different rear closure than the other 29mm cases. I believe the 29/60 thru 240 will work on the 360, but not vice-versa.

 

[Sailorbill]

The 29/360 uses a different rear closure than the other 29mm cases. I believe the 29/60 thru 240 will work on the 360, but not vice-versa.

Jim I think the 29-360 aft closure will fit the 60 thru 240 cases but the aft closure for the other cases will not work on the 360 reloads because the nozzles are to big.

 

[jimzcatz]

Jim I think the 29-360 aft closure will fit the 60 thru 240 cases but the aft closure for the other cases will not work on the 360 reloads because the nozzles are to big.

It may not have come out that way, but that is exactly what I was trying to say. Thanks for simplifying it.

 

[Sailorbill]

It may not have come out that way, but that is exactly what I was trying to say. Thanks for simplifying it.

Jim
You have been around this hobby a lot longer than I have so I read and reread your statement several times to see if I was misunderstanding it. Then I went to AT's website, checked the assembly drawings, looked at my 360 motor that happened to be sitting on the computer desk, looked at a reload and then I posted.
Have a great week end.

 

[jimzcatz]

Bill,this is a case of what I said and what I meant turned out to be two different things. I have only used a 29/360 once and had to borrow a rear closure because I didnt have one. Thanks for setting everything straight.

 

[DizWolf]

Very interesting. I've got 6 sets of 29mm closures. All appear to be the same as the 360 diagrams, including the rousetechs I've recently bought (180/240). I don't know the exact source of the others as I bought them used, but the only one that looks to follow the specs was the millennium edition Dr. Rocket 29/240.

Looking at a loaded 29/180 I have, there appears to be a gap from closure to nozzle.

 

[1tree]

I ordered the 18/24/29 motor combination from Red Arrow today. I hope to fly each of them at the next DARS launch. Partly depends on how fast my build of an Aerotech HV Arcus goes. I won't use the engine block or hook, but plan to use Estes retainer. I am also planning to make the coupler into an AV bay.

 

[dpower]

I ordered the 18/24/29 motor combination from Red Arrow today. I hope to fly each of them at the next DARS launch. Partly depends on how fast my build of an Aerotech HV Arcus goes. I won't use the engine block or hook, but plan to use Estes retainer. I am also planning to make the coupler into an AV bay.

FWIW, the 29mm estes retainer works fine with the 29/40-120. It doesn't work fine, though, with the HPR style 29mm cases 29/60, 29/120, 29/180, etc., due to the thicker rear closure; For these cases, it has less than one complete turn.

 

[DizWolf]

I get about 1 1/2 turns or so with a 29/240 case.

29/240:

29/40-120:

bare threads:

The thing I worry about is with the nozzle exit at the same level as the retainer, is the heat is going to get to it. But I've used them for G76 and G138 loads and so far no burns.

 

[dpower]

I get about 1 1/2 turns or so with a 29/240 case.

Weird. On both my Aerotech and Rouse-Tech cases, I get about 3/4 turn from the point where the threads first catch. Perhaps there is some variation in manufacturing? I'll have to check the ones I have still in the bag...

As far as the nozzle, I've flown my MDRM on H165 & H210 with no retainer damage. I added Kaplow clips, over the closure, for when I use HPR cases.

 

[Nathan]

I plan to build my first 38mm motor rocket soon and do my L1 attempt this fall. I have never used an RMS motor. Do I need to first get 29mm RMS hardware and get some experience with RMS using my 29mm MPR rockets? Or are they foolproof enough that I can do my very first RMS motor build with a 38mm H motor on my L1 attempt, and expect it to actually work?

 

[Onebadhawk]

I ordered the 18/24/29 motor combination from Red Arrow today. I hope to fly each of them at the next DARS launch. Partly depends on how fast my build of an Aerotech HV Arcus goes. I won't use the engine block or hook, but plan to use Estes retainer. I am also planning to make the coupler into an AV bay.

That was my favorite rocket for so long.......
You have the right idea,,,,,
No motor block and no hook,,,,,,,,,,
The 29mm Estes glue on motor retention should work just fine..........
Because someone here said he didn't get enough rotations to get enough threads,,,,,,,,,
be sure to check yours before you glue it on..........
Maybe there are some made a different way??????????

And don't build it fast,,,,,,, build it right,,,,,,,,,,
it can be quite difficult to get epoxy to adhere to plastic,,,,,
be sure to scuff up anything you're trying to get epoxy to adhere to very, very, well......

Teddy

 

[Onebadhawk]

I plan to build my first 38mm motor rocket soon and do my L1 attempt this fall. I have never used an RMS motor. Do I need to first get 29mm RMS hardware and get some experience with RMS using my 29mm MPR rockets? Or are they foolproof enough that I can do my very first RMS motor build with a 38mm H motor on my L1 attempt, and expect it to actually work?

Yes of course you'll be able to assemble any Aerotech motor..........
It will seem confusing at first,,,,,,,,,,
there will be more experienced people at the field that will help you,,,,,,,,,,,,
after you assemble Aerotech motors a few times you'll be an old hand at it
and you'll become very comfortable doing it.........
Just be patient with yourself.............

Teddy

 

[DizWolf]

I plan to build my first 38mm motor rocket soon and do my L1 attempt this fall. I have never used an RMS motor. Do I need to first get 29mm RMS hardware and get some experience with RMS using my 29mm MPR rockets? Or are they foolproof enough that I can do my very first RMS motor build with a 38mm H motor on my L1 attempt, and expect it to actually work?

I find the larger motors easier to assemble.... less little bits to fiddle with. now, practice is a good excuse to grab a case for the mpr. It's not like you'll stop using it.

 

[dave carver]

I plan to build my first 38mm motor rocket soon and do my L1 attempt this fall. I have never used an RMS motor. Do I need to first get 29mm RMS hardware and get some experience with RMS using my 29mm MPR rockets? Or are they foolproof enough that I can do my very first RMS motor build with a 38mm H motor on my L1 attempt, and expect it to actually work?

My first reloadable case was the 38/600 with an I284. Later on I got the 29mm stuff to where I have 2 cases in both Hobby Line and High Power. This is for High Power clustering...which I haven't done yet

 

[JPVegh]

I ordered the 18/24/29 motor combination from Red Arrow today. I hope to fly each of them at the next DARS launch. Partly depends on how fast my build of an Aerotech HV Arcus goes. I won't use the engine block or hook, but plan to use Estes retainer. I am also planning to make the coupler into an AV bay.

That is a fun set with a ton of reload options. From the little 18mm Ds to the 29mm Gs you will be looking to build new rockets to use them all.

The 18mm D24 has kind of a unique sound that surprises people when they hear it. Almost more of a long bang than a whoosh. It still catches my attention when someone launches one.

I really like the long burn of the F22. In the right rocket it gives a very satisfying performance.

I use my 24mm case more than the others probably because it fits in so many of my LPRs. I'm on my third one, I lost the other two pushing the limits of low power rocketry and my flying field.

Anyway, enjoy your new toys.

 

[Onebadhawk]

I agree.
The 24mm case is super usable.
Check the load F39 I think its a FJ
Because it comes in a 3 pack it's a super bang for the buck.
It'll lift some mid power rockets,,,,,,,,,,,Cheap................

Teddy

 

[jd2cylman]

The F39 is a Blue Thunder load. To the best of my knowledge, there are no FJ loads for the 24/40. They're all just plain Black Jack loads. And my favorite! I love the F12J.

Adrian

 

[1tree]

The new motors were waiting for me when I got home yesterday. I picked up an Estes Black Brandt at the last launch and thought i would mod the engine block to accept the larger Estes E engines. But now I am leaning toward just leaving it stock knowing I can use the RMS to go to Es.

Looking at the few reloads I got at the same time, are igniters included? It looks like there is a tube to hold them, but none inside. I didn't want to open the bag since I am not sure how long until the next launch. Could be weekend after next, but may get pushed till the end of August with all the other summer family fun.

 

[samb]

I think you'll find that the tubes that look like launch lugs contain a world famous copperhead ignitor. I've opened those packages and resealed with scotch tape with no ill affects.

 

[JPVegh]

Yes those little tubes have the igniters in them.