[2015-08-28]
I took last night off (bit of a sinus infection), but was back at it this morning/afternoon.
[2015-08-29]
Did some work on the HED bulkheads. I will drill for all-thread and U-bolts once it has cured. Making a 6" bulkhead from G10 stock took longer than I wanted, but it turned out fine.
Finished the wiring and measured out charges for ground testing. This flight will be twist-and-tape. The possibility still exists for Schurter switch activation of electronics, but I'm fine with a bit of drag.
BP and starter, cellulose insulation, two layers of electrical tape crossing at 90 degrees and two wraps of electrical tape around the perimeter to hold everything together.
I moved everything upstairs and assembled the recovery train in upper and lower halves and proceeded to move everything outside.
Warned the neighbors outside that I would be test rocket ejection and make some noise. :grin:
[My daughter later told me that the boys playing basketball in the circle jumped and stared towards the yard when the first one went off.] :wink:
Apogee primary charge (4.00 g).
[video]https://goo.gl/photos/w12BLAxP1KdtUcX88[/video]
Sufficient separation. Drogue began unfurling.
Apogee backup charge (6.00 g).
[video]https://goo.gl/photos/93vexFJ8Req5HKx78[/video]
More than adequate separation. Drogue separated from chute protector
Main primary charge (4.00 g).
[video]https://goo.gl/photos/cQh8b2WNxM4Aefc56[/video]
Photo not available for above video.
Main backup charge (6.00 g).
[video]https://goo.gl/photos/JpPkjWhpz29DZUip7[/video]
Main chute shroud lines clearly being pulled out.
I'm leery of overly vigorous ejection events. Why spend so much time and money on electronics that minimize airframe stress and then try to blow the thing apart?
I think 4.00 g of FFFFg powder would be enough, but it didn't appear that 6.00 g was overly energetic either. Maiden flight will be 5.00 g for both apogee and main primary charges with 7.50 g for both backup charges. I reserve the right to bump the backups to 8.00 grams, but it doesn't appear to be necessary.
The HED avbay will just have all-thread and U-bolts for now; no need to add the extra weight for now. I only have to drill one for charge cups and connections; the other (no allthread) will be moved from the main avbay as needed.
Remaining
- Drill HED bulkheads for U-bolts and allthread
- ???Paint???
I did previously purchase the paint for this monster, and I still haven't given up the thought of finishing it out before AIRFest. There are a few other rockets that I'm working on finishing (that cost far lest $$$ to fly) before Friday morning. The good news is that I'll be shooting lacquer from an HVLP setup. Quick drying and minimal wait between coats. We'll see...
Thanks for following along. Plans are to launch the morning of September 5th. If you are at AIRFest, feel free to stop by; the THOR group is usually in the back row most of the way down.
Doug
I'll either re-drill lids, find alternative ones or get some half-height nuts for the upper side and pot the back in epoxy.
