Originally posted by Donaldsrockets
Thanks for the responses guys. I did get the clustering techniques sheet and I did read it but I was still a little unclear. I'm highly thinking about getting a clip whip because our clubs leads only have two clips each.
bmhiii, how much did that clip whip cost?
Clipwhips will certainly make hookup easier. The main points you want to consider when doing clusters (of any reasonable size) are:
0) (#0 cuz i forgot this one and didn't want to renumber...) put a small chunk of wadding in the TOP (ejection end) end of each motor and tape in place. This will prevent reverse ignition of the motor should it fail to ignite at launch.
1) Use matched ignitors (look through your stash of ignitors and select 3 that match in physical size (same amount of pyro on them))
2) Grasp each ignitor by the tip and *gently* spread the leads a little bit. This is a common place for shorts.
3) Be extra careful when installing them to be sure that the tip of the ignitor is touching the propellent
4) Use the provided ignitor cap or a small ball of recovery wadding to secure the ignitor in place (do NOT simply tape it down - i've seen this done countless times and it almost always causes a failure)
5) With the Richter Recker you can twist the leads if you are careful not to short them out. A clip whip makes things much easier
6) Make sure you have a suitable power source (car battery recommended)
7) clean yer micro clips befor attaching!
hope this helps! good luck!
jim