That's a very neat bulkplate setup, I like it!
What is hammerite? Methinks something commonly used on the east side of the pond?
Thank you! Scratch building has its pros and cons and as you can probably see I'm feeling my way to some extent (eg if I started this build over again I'd probably use FG rather than CF). It's partly due to the scarcity of stock kits here (in terms of Loc or PML anything bigger than 4" is very rare). Basic components are easier to come by, and there is now a UK source of phenolic airframes, but it's still a small market. Big nose cones are always hard to come by - I was lucky to get this one.Just popping in to say that I'm enjoying your build thread! Love how your build is unique and you're doing it "your way".
Sweet looking cluster bird!
Read the build & pretty darn impressive Tim.
With the 3 gr blue and my guess for full up flight weight[6-7lbs], you will have 15-20 to 1 thrust ratio...perfect!
When you get mellow load take care of starter the head for them are very tiny and impossible to replace. Nozzle is so small.
Mellow lights very easy being a bates grain, rather than moon burner, like most long burns. Due to BP pellet in top grain they light fast...great for airstarts. I could not find what electronics you will be using for your project, but generally most have a .5sec. lag from time you want, to time you get. keep that in mind when figuring delay for airstart. Time you mention sounds on the money for a 1 second coast.
Brilliant - thanks very much!I cut a bit of the female [receiver] side of JST with razor blade/box cutter, to make it a bit easier to disconnect in smaller/lighter rockets. [apogee event]
View attachment 373642 View attachment 373643
Just an overhand knot in JST wire on inside of BP for strain relief.
Black line to mark which side is same for alignment of connector. Ejection charge in glove tip pulled aside for pic.
Sticky tack, to seal holes in BP, from gases.
View attachment 373644
I use twist/t also . Haven't decided which I like best, [even after all these years] Suppose they each have their place depending on use.
Which ever style you get the best connection & nice slippery separation. Most of the time, wire on supplied starter is long enough to reach connection point for small-medium projects. If not [and nozzle diam. permits] I will just swap out for a longer match/igniter and use that.
I try to keep connections at absolute minimum when possible.
When packing chute and cord I lay fincan horizontal pull pyro wire snug to bottom of tube, & slide my burrito/chute/shockcord on top of wire. Keeps things from tangling during deploy.
Only leave enough excess wire to place av-bay/payload on top of fincan comfortably, usually about 12-15 inches.
That's my little ole technique.
Thanks!Looks beautiful, enjoying following your build.
Thanks!I don't know how I missed this thread! Fantastic building skills and a really good thread. Very informative!
Thanks for sharing it!
Some painting: payload bay primed with deep fill primer, then satin black with chequerboard pattern. Chequerboards are scientifically proven to make rockets go faster. Mobius camera shroud from Additive Aerospace sprayed and epoxied on.
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Chequerboards are scientifically proven to make rockets go faster
Thanks! Given the recent rash of catos at our club I'm half expecting the flight report to be a cato report... especially given that clustering inevitably raises the odds. But either way I'll report back. I'm looking at a launch in early May. Good luck with your Ultimate build.Absolutely cool and novel approach to clustering/airstarts. You've inspired me to get back to finishing up the odd bits on my LOC Ultimate (mostly drilling necessary holes, wiring up e-bay and learning how to program my new timer). Even though they're not very cost effective there's just something about clustering that draws me in....Thanks for the build thread and inspiration. Keep up the good work and don't forget the all important flight report..
Wrong!
It's actually flames that make rockets go faster (like cars)
Pinstripes: Straighter flight (only if applied lengthwise)
Spirals: Impart spin (may lead to coning)
The checkerboard effect is highly debated. May imbue the rocket/car with better strategy
So THAT's how they do it! If only my masking skills were up to making checkerboard patterns.
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