Ok, so this is a little annoying. I applaud Loc for making the Loc IV more versatile, but it is frustrating for me since all instructional material a had reviewed were for their original configuration, and it was this abundance of this information why I selected the Loc IV, and it no longer applies to the new kit. For those unaware Loc has changed the kit to include payload bay for dual deployment, which aside from reading bits about here and there is still a very alien for me. My intention for my level 1 cert on single deployment.
John Cocker’s video was the only reason I didn’t go with an Apogee Zephyr, that and everyone I talked in club to told me to get the Loc IV. The changes went into effect in May, so the instructional material and suggestions are outdated. I am having some buyers remorse, but I am hoping to get informed enough to get over it.
So, to be clear, I am not blaming Loc, or anyone else, but it has left me with some obstacles I wasn’t prepared for.
How far apart do rail buttons need to be? The motor mount tube in the original kit is substantially longer than the new kit. If I use Cockers method with 1/4 plywood backing on launch lugs, my rail buttons will be a whole lot closer to one another. He states it should be mounted just outside of the forward centering ring. This appears to be roughly half the distance on the new kit. If I move them apart further should I be concerned about the plywood rail button backing interfering with or hanging on the parachute on release?
I know that dual deploy typically uses shear pins or screws between airframe and coupler, so do I use shear pins (that I don’t have) to hold upper assembly to coupler? Or do I epoxy it permanently in place? (Effectively making one very long nose cone for single deployment.)
Do I attach my chute lines to the eye bolt on coupler? Or do I need a leader?
The kit does now come with what looks like a nylon shock cord, instead of elastic, even though I bought a Kevlar one for giggles I guess. A nice upgrade I wish I knew about earlier.
Thank you for your time and help.
John Cocker’s video was the only reason I didn’t go with an Apogee Zephyr, that and everyone I talked in club to told me to get the Loc IV. The changes went into effect in May, so the instructional material and suggestions are outdated. I am having some buyers remorse, but I am hoping to get informed enough to get over it.
So, to be clear, I am not blaming Loc, or anyone else, but it has left me with some obstacles I wasn’t prepared for.
How far apart do rail buttons need to be? The motor mount tube in the original kit is substantially longer than the new kit. If I use Cockers method with 1/4 plywood backing on launch lugs, my rail buttons will be a whole lot closer to one another. He states it should be mounted just outside of the forward centering ring. This appears to be roughly half the distance on the new kit. If I move them apart further should I be concerned about the plywood rail button backing interfering with or hanging on the parachute on release?
I know that dual deploy typically uses shear pins or screws between airframe and coupler, so do I use shear pins (that I don’t have) to hold upper assembly to coupler? Or do I epoxy it permanently in place? (Effectively making one very long nose cone for single deployment.)
Do I attach my chute lines to the eye bolt on coupler? Or do I need a leader?
The kit does now come with what looks like a nylon shock cord, instead of elastic, even though I bought a Kevlar one for giggles I guess. A nice upgrade I wish I knew about earlier.
Thank you for your time and help.
Last edited: