Any Cluster Composite Engine Rockets?

[tfrielin]

I've got a couple of Estes Nike Smoke rockets that fly on composite motors---my first experience with composites. I'd really like to step up to a two engine composite cluster now. Any recommendations?

 

[n27sb]

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/cluster-g-impulse-altitude-record.163477/Just flew this a few weeks ago.
All 3 lit and were AT composites. Most people will tell you to stick with "Blue Type" motors.
There is also a Cluster thread on this site with lots of info.

 

[tfrielin]

I might need just a two engine cluster on Fs or Gs if I have much hope of getting it back from where I fly.

 

[n27sb]

Can you use BP Estes motors?
They are the easiest to light

 

[tfrielin]

Yeah, I'm up to F Estes Black Powder engines. Tried them on the Ascender (I think the name) And both times the parachute failed to open (two separate builds, of course). Not sure what I did wrong with the build or the launch prep, but both failed the same way. I fly near where horses are and seeing a rocket incoming in like that to auger in really scares me I'm going to hurt some innocent bystander---a four legged one.

 

[n27sb]

Maybe you are to the point where you can start to look at deployment altimeters.
For low altitude flights your BP motor charge will be backup. The altimeter will deploy at Apogee.

For higher flights you can dual deploy making better use of a small field.

Eggtimer just came out with with a simple unit. You do have to solder it but it is almost all through hole components. $15, can't beat it.


https://eggtimerrocketry.com/apogee_faqs/

 

[jsdemar]

https://locprecision.com/product/4-29ss/
4 x 29mm mmt. Launch on two or four motors, Composite or BP, combinations.

 

[tfrielin]

Agghhh---"Out of Stock" !!!

 

[n27sb]

https://www.mach1rocketry.com/store/p274/Trivecta_329.html
Same concept

 

[tfrielin]

At $142.00 can you give me any advice on how to sneak this purchase past my wife???

 

[jsdemar]

Agghhh---"Out of Stock" !!!

Contact LOC and see if they'll put a kit together for you. Also check with various dealers to see if they have one in stock.

 

[heada]

LOC 3" Magnum is a 3x 29mm

https://locprecision.com/product/magnum-3/
Since is 3 motors, not an easy option to air-start any of them. That means no electronics needed. Its also light enough to use 3x E16 Estes and strong enough to withstand 3x G80 Aerotech. Aerotech F42 would be a good mix between speed, easy to start and still not HPR. And its in stock for $82

 

[Donnager]

Rocketarium has a trident cluster in 13, 18, 24, and 29mm.

I have the 29mm. It flew great on a set of F-67's. If 29 is a little large, look at the 18/24. I believe you can get composite motors for either.

 

[MikeyDSlagle]

LOC has the Viper III and Viper IV, both with 24mm clusters. The IV can fly on two or four motors, but I just checked their site and it is now OOP. Maybe a vendor still has one.

 

[mrtriton]

I'm building one.....

 

[Bat-mite]

AP clusters are certainly doable, but you have to be aware of the issues involved. AP motors are more difficult to light than BP. And even two motors of the same type by the same manufacturer can light at different rates. CTI motors help alleviate this by putting a BP pellet in the head of the motor and using an e-match for ignition.

As others have said, check the existing threads on clusters for more info.

 

[Sluggo]

I just built one and I love it. The FlameThrower made by Dyna Star...... From Apogee Components. Haven't flown it yet.

 

[Sluggo]

On the FlameThrower...... 1900+ft. on 2 E30-7T. 2500ft. on 2 F32-8T. Mine weighs 10.2oz. Its not a costly flight. 23 bucks for 2 E30-7T.

 

[Sluggo]

AP clusters are certainly doable, but you have to be aware of the issues involved. AP motors are more difficult to light than BP. And even two motors of the same type by the same manufacturer can light at different rates. CTI motors help alleviate this by putting a BP pellet in the head of the motor and using an e-match for ignition.

As others have said, check the existing threads on clusters for more info.

Apogee says to to wire the 2 motors together so that you clip on to just 2 wires, like a single use motor. I would guess that this technique would be as close to a successful flight as compared to other rigs.

 

[tomsteve]

Agghhh---"Out of Stock" !!!

i scratch built a 429 relatively inexpensively using loc parts. had to make the centering rings but it was pretty easy.

 

[Sluggo]

Here's a link to the FlameThrower..... Dynastar Flamethrower (apogeerockets.com)

 

[crossfire]

CTI motors work very well for clustering?

 

[ZEDL1]

Crossfire, my first ever cluster flight was at LDRS in Orangeburg, in the mid-to-late 90s, I'm not sure. I used 3 CTI J motors in a LOC Bruiser. All 3 lit for a perfect flight and recovery. I'd then say that CTI motors will be just fine for you to use.

 

[dpower]

I’ve flown mixed clusters of Estes BP with CTI AP, with stock CTI starters, and Q2G2 or MJG BP starters. All motors have lit every time, with 3, 4, and 7 motor clusters.

 

[John Taylor]

Rocketflite.com has Clusterfire dip your own low current igniters and pyrogen that burns at 5400 deg F. Will light a brick.
I've never had a failure using their product

 

[Daddyisabar]

The P61 Black Widow flys on two 18mm composites. One plugged or one reload without ejection charge.