K'Tesh's OpenRocket Files...

[neil_w]

But you'll be able to sim it using pods, which will give you the body tube and its placement. I guess it'll not give accurate drag performance though.

That's better than nothing I suppose, but it's still not nearly a correct sim of a tail ring.

Is there any timeline sketched out for adding ring fin support?

No. I would hope for the next next release, but it would be awfully nice to get the current release out first before worrying about future releases. I'm not really sure why tail rings weren't added right up front to the current release, but what can ya do.

 

[neil_w]

I am referring to a fin shroud, which is the circular-shaped piece surrounding the fins. As I understand it, the fin shroud -- everyone is now saying fin ring, so perhaps that is the correct term -- is used to protect the fins, right? The fin shroud or fin ring does not provide flight support. That is, it does not contribute aerodynamically to the rocket's flight. Instead, it just protects the fins from damage caused by landing. Is that correct?

No, a tail ring contributes quite a bit aerodynamically. Lots of drag and also pulls CP back significantly. My ring-equipped rockets also tend not to weathercock at all (although they typically fly on fairly high-thrust motors, so may not be a good generalization).

E.g.:


Sorry, we're getting a bit off track here in K'Tesh's thread. For general OR questions suggest going to the appropriate subforum.

 

[Scott_650]

The topic we should be discussing is “where’s K’tesh’s most excellent sim for the Estes PSII #9721 3” Der Big Red Max?”

 

[neil_w]

Hi everyone,

OK. So the tail ring does contribute aerodynamically. But it also protects the fins. Isn't that true?

I wasn't quite ready to introduce this. In light of the current discussion, however, I will do so now. It is the first rocket that I designed using OpenRocket. A few of the components are taken directly from a copy of the OpenRocket file for the LOC/Precision Doorknob. Nevertheless, the overall design is mine, and I call it The Needle. I still have some details to work out. For this rocket, the tail ring also protects the fins, I think.

Incidentally, I don't know how to show just the picture of 3D Finished, so I am uploading the file.

Also, incidentally, now that I am learning the program, I really love OpenRocket for rocket design.

Please take this to a different thread.

 

[MetricRocketeer]

It would be fine with me to take it to a different thread. Indeed, we should. But I don't know how to do that.

 

[neil_w]

Just start a new thread somewhere, nothing special.

 

[MetricRocketeer]

OK, thank you.

Actually, I will work on the rocket file a little longer to get it just right.

 

[K'Tesh]

I see that you created a thread for your design... And it's an interesting one.

For those who are curious, it can be found here... https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/my-first-rocket-design-in-openrocket.164643/#post-2102769

 

[K'Tesh]

The topic we should be discussing is “where’s K’tesh’s most excellent sim for the Estes PSII #9721 3” Der Big Red Max?”

Give me time... Give me time... Last week was kinda rough. I confirmed 100% that peanuts are not something I can continue to consume without repercussions (not serious, but still debilitating for a couple of days), and it put me behind on my projects.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

Okay,
Is there any timeline sketched out for adding ring fin support?

No, we're not even really thinking about anything past this release. Filing an issue and tagging it as a wishlist item will make sure we' don't forget about it.

 

[JoePfeiffer]

They do not sim at all.

Their weight is simmed, but you're right their aero is not.

 

[neil_w]

No, we're not even really thinking about anything past this release. Filing an issue and tagging it as a wishlist item will make sure we' don't forget about it.

This particular item is covered: https://github.com/openrocket/openrocket/issues/806

Their weight is simmed, but you're right their aero is not.

Ya, that's what I meant.

Hey K'Tesh, when do we get a Mars Longship sim? That one should be an adventure.

 

[K'Tesh]

Hey K'Tesh, when do we get a Mars Longship sim? That one should be an adventure.

Can't say, but my recommendation? Don't hold breath...

 

[MetricRocketeer]

Hi everyone,

I don't think that this is the correct forum to raise this issue, but I don't know which one is.

I will state the issue, and then upon someone's advice I will move to that forum.

I have become a big fan of OpenRocket, at least as far as designing rockets. I have a few suggestions that I would like to put forward for some future version of OR, but I don't want to have to join a new site for me to post them. Could someone please tell me how I should proceed.

Thank you.

Stanley

 

[neil_w]

Start a new thread in the Rocketry Electronics and Software forum, entitled something like "OpenRocket Feature Suggestions".

 

[MetricRocketeer]

Start a new thread in the Rocketry Electronics and Software forum, entitled something like "OpenRocket Feature Suggestions".

Done.

 

[K'Tesh]

A Secret Report within the Guild. Four Planets have come to our attention regarding a plot which could jeopardize Spice Production: Planet Arrakis, Source of the Spice. Planet Caladan, home of House Atreides. Planet Geidi Prime, home of House Harkonnen. Planet Kaitain, Home of the Emperor of the Known Universe. Send a third-stage Guild Navigator to Kaitain to demand details from the Emperor. The Spice must flow.

The 1985 Estes DUNE Guild Heighliner (1438) is the latest addition to the list.



Ok, here's what I know, it was found on the back cover of the 1985 Estes Catalog as part of a starter set. It had a silver body tube, that was (based on the image (with ruler) found on the pdf from plans.rocketshoppe) 9.75" long. The plastic fin can (PRH-1G) and two part nosecone (PRH-1H) is consistent with the Estes Kadet (1328)*. The part numbers found in the sim are based on the Kadet's instructions, as the Heighliner's didn't include them. There was a photograph of the decals in the unbagged image from the .pdf, and someone recreated them. BUT the bands of color in the recreated decals are not 100% accurate, I added in the missing pale blue band. Markings are based on the catalog and instructions. As such, it's missing the second name decal on the body tube (otherwise the launch lug would be visible, or in the way of the decal on the backside of the rocket). For flight performance delete the PBT with the air fins.

https://plans.rocketshoppe.com/estes/est1438/1438_Guild_Heighliner.pdf
For people looking to clone this kit, the closest modern nosecone is the PNC-50Y (blow molded), which is found in the new Estes TAZZ (7282). Estes discontinued the PRH-1G plastic fin unit years ago. If you could find a Kadet, it would make a completely accurate donor kit. However, the shape of the modern fins found in the Mongoose (2092) (part number 72405 (molded in yellow plastic)), Generic E2X (2008) or the NO 2. Estes Sky Writer (1260) (both use the part number 72615 (molded in white plastic)) are not the same as the PRH-1G fin unit. But (painted black) would likely be the best donor kits that are still in production.

For those who are looking to sim this style of fins (visually), I divided the air fins into 6 parts... The actual fin shape is has a tapering diamond profile. I created two fins to give the shape of the narrowest part, and a 2nd set for the width. The air fins were divided into 4 sections, the upper (with decal), lower (with decal), center (with decal), and a lower without decal. This allows the glare to give the fins the tapered look that the fins actually have.

Arrakis. Dune. Desert Planet. Your time has come! A storm is coming. Our storm! And when it arrives, it will shake the Universe. Emperor - we come for you! We come for you!

*The Kadet (1328), and the Challenger-1 (1416), both use the same part number for the nosecone, but the Challenger's is orange, whereas the Kadet's was black. The nosecone and body tube for the Heighliner was not listed in John Brohm's kit references.

 

[K'Tesh]

Here's another vintage kit... Estes Transtar Carrier (1982)



This sim had air fins on a separate PBT, but has been updated with OR 22.02 to eliminate the need for that. As such it is now able to give accurate flight data without modification. The remaining warnings are linked to the PBT needed for the engine hook. I recommend deleting the old .ork file, and downloading the updated one.

Decals are based on the scans (300DPI*) found on JImZ's site. I took some time to clean up the decals to remove imperfections and do some re-positioning to the sustainer's wrap to display properly.


*per a message with JimZ on FB.

If you find any errors, or have feedback, please use my new feedback thread. Please follow the link to and direct your questions, or comments to it or send me a PM. However, please feel free to add Likes to these posts if you want. They are appreciated and give me an idea of what people like. Thanks!

 

[MetricRocketeer]

Hi K'Tesh,

I am curious how you get the side by side images in a number of your posts. Please look at Posts #106, #108, #125, and #197, which exemplify my question. In your Post #111 you have an interesting split screen.

So, please, how do you accomplish these interesting and instructive layouts?

Thank you.

Stanley

 

[K'Tesh]

Hi K'Tesh,

I am curious how you get the side by side images in a number of your posts. Please look at Posts #106, #108, #125, and #197, which exemplify my question. In your Post #111 you have an interesting split screen.

So, please, how do you accomplish these interesting and instructive layouts?

Thank you.

Stanley

You create Phantom Inner Body Tubes and then put your internal assemblies inside of them. Then by using the offset function for the internal tubes, you place it outside of the actual airframe.

 

[MetricRocketeer]

Thank you, K'Tesh. Very clever.

 

[MetricRocketeer]

Hi K'Tesh or anyone else,

I seem to remember seeing an index to your OpenRocket files, but now I cannot find it.

Could someone please direct me to it.

Thank you.

Stanley

 

[K'Tesh]

I did not ignore you... I sent a PM days ago... Damned internet connection didn't post the response.

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/kteshs-openrocket-files-index.148212/

 

[MetricRocketeer]

Hi K'Tesh,

Thank you. What a tremendous contribution you have made!

Stanley

 

[K'Tesh]

Hi K'Tesh,

Thank you. What a tremendous contribution you have made!

I do what I can... Thanks!

 

[K'Tesh]

As a former Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist in the USAF, you know that I know how to get you seriously BOMBED! Today's addition is the SBR The BOMB! kit



Yes... the details are in there... You'll have to delete the Phantom Body Tube with the braces on it to get valid flight data when the sim is released to the public. But I did add a mass object to replace their weight and keep the sim accurate. Oh, and I did actually create a sim of the supplied Quick Link for additional accuracy.





Thanks to Scott giving me the info I had requested. Thanks to those who provided answers to my questions, making it possible for this to be finally completed. Now, in order to do the sim, I *HAD* to use new (unstable) versions of OpenRocket [File is 23.09 compatible], just to get not just the look right, but to get anything accurate about it done. As such, for those who don't have anything higher than OR 15.03, all you're going to see if you were to run the sim is a lot of errors, and as Scott put it "the Bomb comes out all jumbled up on the OpenRocket that I have.... ". Special thanks to neil_w for helping me get a much newer .jar version of OR.

The sim has been delivered to Scott, and sharing it is up to him [EDIT Has been OK'd By him] . But I asked for, and received, permission to share these images with you. So, prepare folks to "Get Bombed!!!" (or perhaps "Get Your Own Bomb!!!)

Please remember to support our vendors by only purchasing kits in production, and not cloning them. See more of Scott's designs at fusionrocket.biz

Thanks to Scott Binder for allowing me to share this file.

If you download any of my files, please give me a like on that post. Likes are appreciated and give me an idea of what people are looking for. If you find any errors, or have feedback, please use my new feedback thread. Please follow the link to and direct your questions, or comments to it or send me a PM. Thanks!

 

[K'Tesh]

Ok... Now for something a little different... The MRC STANDARD ARM AGM-78 Missile (LS 101)



This sim is unique... It's going to take 3 different versions (minimum) to do an accurate sim of what's in the box. I'm also thinking about doing a special "What I'd do" version for those who want to clone it, but don't have the kit to work from. It has a Single TRACKER C Engine configuration, A Single D Engine configuration, and a Single TRACKER C Engine with 2 FX Engines configuration. The decals included in the sealed kit were almost entirely unlike what was seen on the facecard, and the facecard's decal placement doesn't match up with any photos I've seen of this missile. Nor do they match up with my personal experience as a weapons loader in the USAF. As such, I decided to go with what I would do with what I had, rather than what you see in the instructions (there is no placement guide with them). I wanted to get this out, but I'm also about to head into work. So, I'll have to upload what I have later on today...

As you can see here, I did what I could to sim up the launch rails that the kit with. The centering ring (only one per engine mount configuration) is plastic. They have "wings" that lock into a ring on the inside of the plastic fin can.

 

[K'Tesh]

Now, here's something that I was allowed to take a shot at (and now share thanks to getting permission from Scott Binder)... The SBR Bullet:






I've been working in coordination with Scott Binder (Scottydog1/owner of SBR rocketry) to create this high caliber sim. It'll be up to him whether or not it'll be released to the public, but I was allowed to share a couple of images of this rocket... Yes Rocket.


WYSIWYG... There are no tricks here that would prevent flight performance data. The only alteration to the images are the removal of the CG/CP markings. As it is now, it's simmed up w/o the optional AV bay (to add that, I'd need to use a developer's version of OR... which would be absolutely useless to folks who are using OR 15.03). The rail guides (buttons) were simmed up as best I could for the latest version of OR, but rather than adding a PBT to place them properly (and gain me a number of error messages), I attached them to a body tube, and they are slightly recessed into the standoff they should rest on. There are a few tweaks that will be necessary to make it 100% finished, but it's a solid 98% right now.

Please remember to support our designers, manufacturers, and vendors by purchasing from authorized sites. You can score your own at www.fusionrocket.biz

Thanks to Scott Binder for allowing me to share this file.

If you download any of my files, please give me a like on that post. Likes are appreciated and give me an idea of what people are looking for. If you find any errors, or have feedback, please use my new feedback thread. Please follow the link to and direct your questions, or comments to it or send me a PM. Thanks!

 

[K'Tesh]

Today it's not a rocket... It's a rocket shaped object. The Centuri MARS Project (5313) Display Model Rocket:



This is a display created by Centuri as a Merchandising Aid for Rocket Selling (MARS). It consisted of 6 parts. The nosecone/connector, a white 7 inch ST-13 (1.34" OD as measured by me) body tube (with the words Centuri Rockets printed on a separate piece of paper that was glued and taped down on it (by the factory), a white 12 inch ST-13 body tube, a bright blue plastic fin unit, the instructions, and a banner. It did not include any motor mount, shock cord, or parachute, as it was intended to be placed in a window or hung from a ceiling as a display. As so far as the sim goes... WYSIWYG (though the CP/CG markings were removed)... So can anyone spot the new trick I figured out? If you think you can, have any questions or feedback, please direct it to my *NEW* feedback thread.





Here's a shot showing the body tubes and the nosecone/connector:



The nosecone is a blow molded PNC-136 (5466) that had a connector attached to it. The connector has two raised rings that circle it at the top and bottom, and a pair of raised, face-like, details centered between them. The part number was found in the 1980 Centuri Catalog with the Phoenix Bird (5407) kit. This appears to be an redress, less the motor mount and recovery gear, of the Phoenix Bird, with a different color fin can (the Phoenix Bird's fin can is a F4-13L (5467) Fin Unit). Follow this link to download .ork for the fin can only. The nosecone also appears to have been used with the Centuri UFO Invader (5308).

Here's the printed wrap that was around the 7" body tube segment. In this image, I cleaned up the top and bottom to remove the tape that was visible for anyone who would like to print it. I've also created a "scrubbed" copy that has been reduced to black and white, and would likely be quite suitable for printing on waterslide decal paper. Click here for that.



I have no idea what was cut away from the top of the instructions, and would welcome a scan that includes it. There is nothing printed on the reverse side:



Here's the included banner that I received with my kit. I had to stitch it together from 3 separate scans (done at the same time and on the same machine), and I have no idea why there is a difference in quality between the different segments:



This information as been shared with JimZ. I'll post a link to the files when he has them up.


[EDIT] Dontcha just *HATE* it when you trust someone's drawing, only to find it is wrong? I initially modeled the fins based on a drawing (that I can't find now), and it turns out that it was wrong on the fin span. Later, when I got a physical sample in hand I used that to sim up the launch lug, but didn't doublecheck the fins. The drawing had fins with a span of about 2.5", when the actual unit's fins are 2.189". I should have realized that the fins I had were too "tall and skinny".

TLDR: The old sims of the fins are wrong, if you're one of the people who downloaded the .ork files for the fin units... Toss 'em, and download these corrected sims
Thanks to ZoomieG for catching the error and letting me know. [/EDIT]


If you like this, or any other sim, please feel free to drop it a "Like". Other questions or feedback should be posted in the *NEW* feedback thread.

 

[K'Tesh]

Today is a member of my original personal fleet... The Estes Courier (1911)(Balsa Nosecone Version):



As this has a decal on a fin that doesn't mirror on the other side, it has a phantom body tube with an air fin that will need to be deleted to give accurate flight info.

And the version with the plastic nosecone:



Part numbers are based on the balsa nosecone version's instructions, as the plastic nosecone version's instructions lacked them.

My original (balsa nosecone version) was built by my uncle, who is 3 months younger than me. When he got out of the hobby, he gifted me his surviving rockets (an Estes Exocet, AstroBee, and the Courier). Later when he married a woman who had kids, I gave them back to him as something he could do to bond with his new stepson. Sadly however, the kid had behavioral problems, and destroyed all three rockets (before going after my uncle with a knife). While my uncle is now safely out of that relationship, I miss those rockets, and have been working on replacing them ever since I gave them up.

Both sims were based on the instructions found on JimZ's site, and the sample of the plastic nosecone version sent to me from Micron Météore... Merci!

If you like these, or any other sims, please feel free to drop them a "Like". Other questions or feedback should be posted in the *NEW* feedback thread.