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Actually this will be a very interesting question to resolve. As I recall QuickBurst ignitors consisted of a nichrome heating element surrounded by cast APCP. If APCP can no longer be considered an explosive, and obviously nichrome is not an explosive, can the BATFE still regulate them? Ken...

OK, I just read this thread today and I'd like to add my two cents worth based on my experience: (1.) It doesn't matter what you use for weight in a nose cone if the entire rocket comes in ballistic, it will still have enough energy to punch through sheet metal. I've seen pictures of...

I feel like I've been underwater forever and can finally take a breath. Thanks to Ken, Trip and everyone else involved! Ken Holloway NAR #78336, L-II

I usually buy mine from McMaster-Carr. However the nearest location to you for pickup is in New Jersey at: 200 New Canton Way Robbinsville, NJ 08691-2343 Ken Holloway NAR #78336

Anything is possible, but I doubt it. On the other hand as I recall the Judge is listed as having the oldest unresolved case (ours!) in the Washington circuit courts. Which would give him an incentive to get it closed as soon as possible. Ken Holloway NAR #78336

The CPSC regulation dates back,if I recall, to the old pre-HPR days of NAR when any rocket motor with more than 80ns of total impulse was strictly forbidden by the model rocket safety rules.

I've standardized on Top Flight's X-form chutes for my MR to Level-II projects. They are the only parachutes I've ever used that have never failed to open immediately upon ejection. I've made over a hundred flights using every size Top Flight makes with a 100% deployment rate.

My favorites are as follows: 1. Modify motor mount for AP reloadable motors 2. Increase size of motor mount 3. Change shock cord to triple length of cotton covered elastic 4. Use Kevlar to attach shock cord to MMT 5. Install permanent Nomex parachute protector 6. Install rail buttons on...

For me 4" diameter rockets flying on 38mm "baby" J's are the sweet spot. I'll probably be flying a lot of 5.5" rockets in the future, however, since I scored a dozen 5.5" X 48" tubes a bit ago.

I always install the buttons into the centering rings and use either 2 or 3 depending on the number of rings. One always goes goes into the aft centering ring, one in the next centering ring forward, and a final one, if possible, in the furthest forward centering ring. The reason for the button...

For altimeter bay wiring, which gets pushed around a lot while prepping a rocket, I prefer stranded wire with tinned ends. This, in my opinion, gives me the maximum flexability while ensuring a positive connection to the terminal blocks on my altimeter.

I'm not sure about motor tubes but McMaster-Carr lists the operating temperatures for 2-1/2" paper based phenolic tubes as being between +32 and +266 degrees Farenheit.

I agree that we are getting a little off subject here but let me amplify my earlier comments regarding the use of ignition pellets. First in regards to the example of BT propellant used as an ignition "booster" the igniter configuration was made known to the RSO before the rocket was taken to...

Well I've never tried a "Pyrodex" pellet but I've heard that they work. I have, however, tried a piece of "BlueThunder" propellant as a starter in a 75mm AT reload and the ignition was not anywhere near as quick as a CTI. Specifically I used a chunk of an F39 reload with the paper tube...

Let me point out one property of CTI reloads that beats AT reloads all hollow. CTI reloads incorporate a built in "ignition booster pellet" that results in "instant on" ignition events using standard e-matches. This reproduces the type of ignition profiles that used to be seen when...

I've done something similar with mid-power fins at one time. The fins were 1/8" plywood but were badly warped. I took 2oz. fiberglass and cut two sheets slightly larger than the fins (the fins were not rounded or profiled). I then waxed two pieces of plate glass. After applying resin and one...

OK, everything that's been said in reply here has merit, but you are the only one who can decide what is best for you. I can, however, send you to a site that has what I consider excellent advice on system building. Check out: www.sharkyextreme.com They are a computer geek site that has been...

I can't tell the size of the bottle from the picture but I usually pay around $5 for a pint of glass microballons at my local hobby shop.

Rick, For what it's worth I've been told that Robert DeHate has successfully used "skelletonized" fins filled with expanding foam and skinned with fiberglas. Maybe he could comment?

It should work just fine. I was dismayed at one of my local club's launches to find that the 12V car battery used to run our 6 position Estes' style launch rack was dead. I substituted 8 AA nicad batteries that I had and it ran the rack for 8 hours without a problem.