ROCKET BOOSTED 1/8 SCALE RC CAR HELP

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arelee

arelee

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Greetings,

I am a new member to this forum, and model rockets in general.

I am currently working on a project that involves incorporating a mode rocket motor into a heavily modified, for speed, 1/8 scale, electric rc car. Once the car has hit its maximum limit, the rocket motor will be engaged, to further increase the overall speed . Kind of like when nitrous oxide is applied to a full size race car.

The platform I am using is an ARRMA Typhon 6s BLX V4. The projected speed of this car, (once it's modified for speed and aerodynamics), should be in the range of 120mph -140mph.

These "speed runs" will take place on a flat, smooth, straight asphalt surface.

I do not have a level 1 certification, so, from what I understand, a "G" rocket motor is the largest that I can use. Is that a fact?

I want to use a motor that will give me the maximum thrust when activated. Also, one that does not include the charge that deploys the recovery parachute, ( don't want to burn-up the inside of the car).

The placement and angle of the motor, along with the correct casing are other areas I need to consider. The amount of volts to ignite the motor is another variable.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

NOTE:
If you are interested in more information regarding this project, go to "AARMA FORUM". I started (2) threads awhile back= ROCKET BOOST KRATON 6S and 8S, (about halfway down the thread, I made an update stating that the Typhon 6s BLX V4 was a better platform to use). Same project. Different car. The other thread=Typhon 6S BLX V4 MAXIMUM SPEED UPGRADE HELP
 
Be aware that you are outside FAR101; and the NAR or Tripoli safety codes; and the manufacturer's instructions. Any insurance or fire disputes will be between you and the local authorities. Please calculate the kinetic energy of your projectile and plan safety accordingly. Consider a line to run along. How will you stop?

12v is typical, you don't have a propellant weight limit since you're not in the airspace. If you use more than one G, cluster them vertically so a delay in ignition doesn't spin you.

Aerotech g76 green in the 29/40-120 case would be my choice if I wanted an instant punch. g64w if I wanted the same energy but spread over 2.1sec instead of 1.5sec. Turn the c-slot in the up direction.

You can put the delay in but leave out the powder charge. I recommend packing the charge well with blown cellulose insulation or wadding, then installing the powder cap.
 
But for him, maybe the AT G80 might be better, or any of the AT 29mm G single use motors. No case to buy or reloads to assemble.
Just a thought...
 
Arlee -- looking at your profile on the ARRMA forum I see that you only signed up there in November of 2019. Have your built RC cars not intended for rocket-assisted speed runs?

This admission from the TYPHON 6S BLX V4 MAXIMUM SPEED UPGRADE HELP thread will cause a certain amount of worry for folks who post on THIS forum:


arelee said:
I do not have a level 1 certification, so, from what I understand, a "G" rocket motor is the largest that I can use. Is that a fact?
Click to expand...

As @dhbarr observes, your proposed use is very different from the intended (and regulated) use for the motors we put in rockets that go up. That is to say, while G motors are highest impulse you can buy without an L1 cert, what you are planning to do violates the safety codes for the use of motors of any impulse.

https://www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/

https://www.canadianrocketry.org/model_safety_code.php

https://rocketry.org.au/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/

and so on...

The best advice anyone here will give will be NOT to do this; not only for your own safety, and the safety of people and property in the vicinity when you make the attempt. Rocketeers always worry that a tragedy involving an amateur or model rocket motor will lead to increased regulation of our hobby.

This is a recent memory for many rocketeers.

TRIPOLI ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION INC v. BUREAU OF ALCOHOL TOBACCO FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

If you are determined to make the attempt, then you should at least try to learn how rockets actually work. Some of what you have written makes it seem as if you do not understand how to do what you say you want to do.

https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/rocket/rktparts.html


Good luck to you.
 
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dhbarr said:
Be aware that you are outside FAR101; and the NAR or Tripoli safety codes; and the manufacturer's instructions. Any insurance or fire disputes will be between you and the local authorities. Please calculate the kinetic energy of your projectile and plan safety accordingly. Consider a line to run along. How will you stop?

12v is typical, you don't have a propellant weight limit since you're not in the airspace. If you use more than one G, cluster them vertically so a delay in ignition doesn't spin you.

Aerotech g76 green in the 29/40-120 case would be my choice if I wanted an instant punch. g64w if I wanted the same energy but spread over 2.1sec instead of 1.5sec. Turn the c-slot in the up direction.

You can put the delay in but leave out the powder charge. I recommend packing the charge well with blown cellulose insulation or wadding, then installing the powder cap.
Click to expand...
Hello dhbarr.

Being a novice to rockets, the terminology is new to me. What are: FAR101, NAR and Tripoli safety codes, and why am I out of them? How do I calculate the kinetic energy of a projectile? Regarding the line that I will be running on, it is straight and longer than I will need. Once the run is over, I simply let the car coast, then apply reverse, until it comes to a stop.

Is the 'powder charge you mentioned, what deploys a parachute?

Thank's for the information.
 
jd2cylman said:
But for him, maybe the AT G80 might be better, or any of the AT 29mm G single use motors. No case to buy or reloads to assemble.
Just a thought...
Click to expand...
Hi jd2cylman.

Actually, no cases to buy, or reloads to assemble is what I'm looking for, (at least for now).

Many thank's!
 
John Taylor said:
Do it on private property. Otherwise you may get in a lot of trouble.
What could possibly go wrong?
Click to expand...
Believe me, even without a rocket installed, safety precautions are paramount. This generation of 1/8 scale RC cars not only travel extremely fast, (especially when upgraded),they weigh a lot.

I live out in the country. A safe place to run the car is not an issue.

Thank's for your input.
 
Rob702Martinez said:
:sigh: :(
Well first off, rocket motors belong in rockets. They dont belong in anything else. Especially in your rc car.
You're not going to get any useable thrust after you are at top speed anyways . No matter how many g motors you have.
Getting your level 1 to gain access to higher power motors for your rc car is completly unacceptable as well.
Rocketry or High Power Rocketry is a Hobby or Technical Recreation for many people who invest countless hours, money, time, develop skills, travel great distances, use applied sciences, collaborations, simulations, computer programs, cnc machines, lathes, 3d printers, submit documents for approval, build flight electronics, work extremely hard, work within STRICT saftey parameters, work within guidelines of sanctioning bodies, obey LAWS, work with government agencies, obtain approvals, take required testing and certifications, use expensive or exotic materials and processes- I could go on and on.... especially all the work that Tripoli did and still does to make these items available to us, for rocketry, including challenging the government BATFE and FAA to prove that we're not a bunch of idiots, like you, strapping motors to rc cars. We operate withing the rules and strict guidelines set forth by a lot of people to be safe and keep our hobby progressing.

For you to barge in here trying to use rocketry components and adapt it to your Chinese junk rc car to set a "record" is ridiculous. No matter how safe you think you are, you are not. You are using a device in a manner inconsistent with its labeling, design, agreed application, saftey parameters and certifications. Doesn't matter if you are on your your "flat smooth asphalt surface" such as the end of your residential street, empty school parking lot, or whatever. This is why you must be a certified flyer of L1 L2 L3 to purchase and use higher powered motors- to prevent un qualified people like you from obtaining motors and using them for anything but rocketry. That, is a fact. This hobby or technical recreation isn't like rc cars where anyone can po purchase one and do whatever they want in an unregulated fashion.

What are you going to do when your rc car goes off course and crashes into a house, building, structure, person, field or vehicle and catches it on fire? These motors dont stop once ignited. You could seriously burn or injur yourself or burn your house down or someone else's while you're trying to figure out how to make it work.

Doing something like this for the internet "coolness" factor or for likes or for clickbait is stupid. Dont ruin everything we have achieved and have worked for.

Use a bigger brushless motor or batteries instead. Please don't **** this up for all of us.

/thread
Click to expand...
I appreciate your input. However, the reason that I joined this forum, is to find out what I can and can't do, and how to do it safely and correctly, not just strap a rocket onto an RC car. As I mentioned to another reply, safety is paramount with me. I live in the country. No houses, people etc... to endanger.

For what it's worth, I am 68 years old. Not trying to be cool, or attract "chicks". Simply find out the best avenue to take for this experiment.

I am 68 years old and am not trying to be "cool", or a "chick bait".
 
jlabrasca said:
Arlee -- looking at your profile on the ARRMA forum I see that you only signed up there in November of 2019. Have your built RC cars not intended for rocket-assisted speed runs?

This admission from the TYPHON 6S BLX V4 MAXIMUM SPEED UPGRADE HELP thread will cause a certain amount of worry for folks who post on THIS forum:




As @dhbarr observes, your proposed use is very different from the intended (and regulated) use for the motors we put in rockets that go up. That is to say, while G motors are highest impulse you can buy without an L1 cert, what you are planning to do violates the safety codes for the use of motors of any impulse.

https://www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/

https://www.canadianrocketry.org/model_safety_code.php

https://rocketry.org.au/safety-information/model-rocket-safety-code/

and so on...

The best advice anyone here will give will be NOT to do this; not only for your own safety, and the safety of people and property in the vicinity when you make the attempt. Rocketeers always worry that a tragedy involving an amateur or model rocket motor will lead to increased regulation of our hobby.

This is a recent memory for many rocketeers.

TRIPOLI ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION INC v. BUREAU OF ALCOHOL TOBACCO FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

If you are determined to make the attempt, then you should at least try to learn how rockets actually work. Some of what you have written makes it seem as if you do not understand how to do what you say you want to do.

https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/rocket/rktparts.html


Good luck to you.
Click to expand...
Hello jlabrasca.

Yes, I have built many, smaller RC cars. However that was back in the 80s, (I'm 68 years old). This new generation of cars is excitingly new to me, and way more expensive.

The reason I joined this forum, is to learn about model rockets, and to understand my limitations, and the laws.

I appreciate any and all positive and negative input.

Thank's
 
arelee said:
Hello dhbarr.

Being a novice to rockets, the terminology is new to me. What are: FAR101, NAR and Tripoli safety codes, and why am I out of them? How do I calculate the kinetic energy of a projectile? Regarding the line that I will be running on, it is straight and longer than I will need. Once the run is over, I simply let the car coast, then apply reverse, until it comes to a stop.

Is the 'powder charge you mentioned, what deploys a parachute?

Thank's for the information.
Click to expand...

NFPA 1122 -- Model Rocketry
NFPA 1127 -- High Power Rocketry

FAR 101
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/101.22

For purchasing or selling motors it's the CPSC, for shipping it's the USPS & NHTSA and your local DOT.

https://www.nar.org/safety-codes-2/

https://www.tripoli.org/SafetyCode

These all apply to safety when flying in the air, but what you want to do is not that.

KE=1/2*m*v^2
OR
mass x velocity x velocity, all divided by two

You'll find your car has much more energy in it than many bullets; plan your safety accordingly.

Instructions for assembling one of the reloads I mentioned:
https://www.aerotech-rocketry.com/resources.aspx?id=4
 
dhbarr said:
NFPA 1122 -- Model Rocketry
NFPA 1127 -- High Power Rocketry

FAR 101
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/101.22

For purchasing or selling motors it's the CPSC, for shipping it's the USPS & NHTSA and your local DOT.

https://www.nar.org/safety-codes-2/

https://www.tripoli.org/SafetyCode

These all apply to safety when flying in the air, but what you want to do is not that.

KE=1/2*m*v^2
OR
mass x velocity x velocity, all divided by two

You'll find your car has much more energy in it than many bullets; plan your safety accordingly.

Instructions for assembling one of the reloads I mentioned:
https://www.aerotech-rocketry.com/resources.aspx?id=4
Click to expand...
Thank's for getting back to me. I'll check into all of your links.

Have a nice day!
 
arelee said:
Hello jlabrasca.

Yes, I have built many, smaller RC cars. However that was back in the 80s, (I'm 68 years old). This new generation of cars is excitingly new to me, and way more expensive.

The reason I joined this forum, is to learn about model rockets, and to understand my limitations, and the laws.

I appreciate any and all positive and negative input.

Thank's
Click to expand...

You are welcome.

Some corrections, clarifications, and amplifications:

"click bait" not "chick bait"

dhbarr was probably suggesting that you thread a taut guide wire (a "line") through a fixture on the car to keep the car moving in a straight line and prevent it (insofar as possible) from going airborne.

You say "saftey is paramount", then please accept the judgment of folks who launch these rockets when you read that what you are proposing is much more dangerous than you seem to understand. The kinetic energies involved in rocketry are 10s or 100s of times greater than the kinetic energies developed by even the fastest wheel-driven RC cars. That the words "kinetic energy" do not seem to be familiar to you is an indication that you have to learn quite a lot before you are competent to assess the risk (nevermind working out solutions to mitigate that risk)

And, as has been pointed out to you, even if you only hurt yourself or only damage your own property, your actions may negatively impact the hobby of rocketry. We would really prefer that you not do this.
 
Last edited:
You're looking at about 7,000 Joules or about 5,000 ft-lbs. That's a little more than a Lapua .338 Magnum factory reload, but it's carrying two flammable solids that will spray everywhere if you tap a pebble.

That's what I mean when I say be careful.
 
I looked up click bait. I don't add links in any of my posts,here or on AARMA FORUM. Not my thing.

Although the car is being built with aerodynamics in mind, for speeds exceeding 100mph, I realize that incorporating a rocket will change a lot. That's one of the factors I'm hoping to get help with. Threading a taught guide wire beneath the car sounds like something to seriously consider= safety and stability.

I mentioned "G" motors. Maybe that is too big to start with. Again, I'm new to model rockets. Any suggestions are appreciated. This is going to take some time. I'm not in any rush.

again, thank you.
 
Rob702Martinez said:
Every link, every comment every saftey code, rule, regulations and laws says NOT to do this and this is not allowed or endorsed. You dont seem to understand that or get it at all.
Seems like you still dont care and will do whatever you want.
Click to expand...
That's what I am looking into.
 
Well you can be in for some serious speeds with this.
Many years ago a small group of friends and I began constructing and running rocket powered dragsters.
The first ones were of very simple construction with flat sheets of fiberglass to build the chassis and balsa to create the bodies,and included small fins for downforce which are greatly needed.
For safety we used eyelets in the bottoms of the cars and steel fishing leader as a guide cable which are stretched out on a private tarmac runway.
These cars started small at 1 ft long and used estes C and D motors to see how safe they would be then progressed up to 3ft long with an H motor.
This is where we have stopped due to the tarmac only being 1 mile in length.
We have tried using various r/c cars but even with a gyro in the steering are limited to keeping the thrust to 3/4 the weight of the cars, because there is no way to easily control the cars direction when ignition occurs.
Safety Above all else,,, Start with a small engine and progress up slowly... Test test test
 
Be careful, NOBODY along the sides in case it veers off. Or at least well protected inside of something strong.

Don't be stupid like THESE fools:

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threa...potentially-fatal-accident.46001/#post-443053

DlqTvLN.jpg

(That's an HPR powered rocket car that came too close to hitting someone at maybe 100 mph).
 
Charles Botkin said:
Well you can be in for some serious speeds with this.
Many years ago a small group of friends and I began constructing and running rocket powered dragsters.
The first ones were of very simple construction with flat sheets of fiberglass to build the chassis and balsa to create the bodies,and included small fins for downforce which are greatly needed.
For safety we used eyelets in the bottoms of the cars and steel fishing leader as a guide cable which are stretched out on a private tarmac runway.
These cars started small at 1 ft long and used estes C and D motors to see how safe they would be then progressed up to 3ft long with an H motor.
This is where we have stopped due to the tarmac only being 1 mile in length.
We have tried using various r/c cars but even with a gyro in the steering are limited to keeping the thrust to 3/4 the weight of the cars, because there is no way to easily control the cars direction when ignition occurs.
Safety Above all else,,, Start with a small engine and progress up slowly... Test test test
Click to expand...
Hey Charles,

Thank's for the information about your rocket cars.

I'll take your advice on RC cars while planning this portion of the project. Very helpful! How did you get past the part where the charge that is used to deploy the parachute ignites? It faces the interior of the car.

Again, thank you.
 
arelee said:
Hey Charles,

Thank's for the information about your rocket cars.
Click to expand...

Yes, person who just joined to make a post in this thread. Thanks for your timely and apposite comments. >smile<

arelee said:
Not very well planned out was it?
Click to expand...

Is it really any more foolish to shout into the wind that it is to speak to the wind calmly and in measured tones?
 
Rob702Martinez said:
Every link, every comment every saftey code, rule, regulations and laws says NOT to do this and this is not allowed or endorsed. You dont seem to understand that or get it at all.
Seems like you still dont care and will do whatever you want.

Everything says there is no safe way or correct way to do what you want because it is against existing rules, and being used outside its intended and manufactured purpose and you've found out that you can't do this but you still dont understand it. A rocket motor outside of a rocket is not safe. Period. There will be nothing you can do to make it safe or acceptable to use outside of rocketry because it's not designed or allowed to be used in this manner.
Click to expand...

I remember seeing a photo of an old rocket motor package in some "old motor-photo" forum saying the motors were for rocketry and "scientific experiments" or something. So i think there are many safe uses for our hobby motors.

I know many in the rocketry community are thankfully safety minded. If you ask anybody in my clubs they will tell you I am very concerned about safety and follow the codes. That does not mean that a hobby rocket motor that produces thrust cannot be safely used in other applications, if safety precautions are taken. That is like saying that the lawn mower engine I purchased cant be used to make my min-bike or go-cart.

In reply to your quote that "A rocket motor outside of a rocket is not safe. Period."....I would submit that a rocket motor IN a rocket is likewise NOT safe either. It is how one uses said motor. Someone likewise posted a video of a rocket car gone bad....I too can provide some scary videos of ROCKETS gone bad. Come on....chill out and get a grip. This guy is (kindly no less) asking us questions, being open with his intentions and said he is doing this OUT of our country. He also said he is making attempts at safety......Before we get all self righteous about our safety in rocketry and post snarky replies to his questions...maybe we should likewise go to YouTube and see some if the crap our hobby has done.....give the guy a break. Respectfully.

Let the piling on commence....
 
Last edited:
My goodness the things we did in the 1970's - 80's and earlier....put Estes motors on balsa gliders...on model cars. Built forts in trees..made hot air balloons.....made mini-bikes. We did all sorts of crazy dangerous things. Some of us became engineers and scientists as a result of our "reckless and dangerous" activities. If not, we learned how to problem solve and work with our hands and minds....Dang...the world nearly blew up because of our behavior.
 
Rob702Martinez said:
You clearly don't get it and your lack of common sense and apparent disregard of everything you were told here is obvious.
Click to expand...

Dude...that is just plain rude. Really...I dont mean this in a mean way...but respectfully (really)...get over yourself.

Where were you guys when a British team took fighter jet engines and put them in a car....and set a land speed record!!?
 
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