I'm considering trying out streamer recovery for some of my rockets, but wanted some advice. Launch conditions around here have been not so hot the last couple months; 10-15 mph winds, constantly changing wind speed and direction, resulting in 2 lost rockets. I've tried parachutes with spillholes, not much help. I have seen some people pull off higher flights (1200-1500 ft) using streamers, but I'm not sure the best way to do it.
I'm aware the optimum width/length ratio is 1:10, but I'm not sure as to the best materials to use, and what is a good descent speed to aim for.
Right now, I'm looking at trying streamers out on my Squirrel Works Arapahoe-E and possibly my Estes Vapor. I haven't been able to fly either of them higher than about 700' due to the risk of losing them. The Arapahoe-E is on a 15" parachute, and the Vapor is on an 18".
Using Rocksim, on the Arapahoe-E, it says a 3.2" wide x 32" long, with a descent speed of 34 feet/second, which seems kind of high compared to a parachute recovery.
I like the idea of mylar for increased visibility, but if something else will perform better, I'd consider it.
Thoughts?
I'm aware the optimum width/length ratio is 1:10, but I'm not sure as to the best materials to use, and what is a good descent speed to aim for.
Right now, I'm looking at trying streamers out on my Squirrel Works Arapahoe-E and possibly my Estes Vapor. I haven't been able to fly either of them higher than about 700' due to the risk of losing them. The Arapahoe-E is on a 15" parachute, and the Vapor is on an 18".
Using Rocksim, on the Arapahoe-E, it says a 3.2" wide x 32" long, with a descent speed of 34 feet/second, which seems kind of high compared to a parachute recovery.
I like the idea of mylar for increased visibility, but if something else will perform better, I'd consider it.
Thoughts?