MAC Performance 54mm Zodiac DD (Flight One!)

[djs]

I got the same on the purple (duplicolor metal cast) that I just did. On the other hand, the mottled look looks kinda cool to me, so I'm leaving it

 

[DavidMcCann]

I only used Duplicolor one time, and it turned out like that. Probably the same blue. Not a fan.

I was able to get this a couple years back with the red... but the weather was much better, and the key- drier. It took a few coats of color to get this red, very very light coats. It was humid (66%) today, and I knew I only had enough for two coats, and kids and excuse excuse excuse......

This is a two part system, silver metal flake ground coat, then a transparent color coat. Designed to paint metals to look anodized. So its a bit of a pain to get right.

 

[DavidMcCann]

I glued the bulkhead in the nose bay last night, and the CR to the bay tube, bay tube to the screw cap, and whole shot into the coupler. Didn't grab photos, but heres the assembly.

Also epoxied in the bolt for the NC tip-

Tonight, I spread glue on the bay tube to CR joint, and then inside the cone to seal the whole deal in.

Tomorrow night I'll drill the holes for vents, static ports, and shear pins. Add harness and chute, build a sled for an AIM XTRA, and Sunday fly it on one or both of these-

 

[DavidMcCann]

Flew it on a 38mm 2 grain Plainer Jane EX motor. Bit small of a motor....was kind of a lob-

The AIM XTRA really gives an impressive set of data, I also was getting packets when it was on the ground and I was looking for it...very reassuring.

 

[mpitfield]

The AIM XTRA really gives an impressive set of data, I also was getting packets when it was on the ground and I was looking for it...very reassuring.

Hey Dave, wow a lot more data than your standard altimeter! Every flier I have met with an AIM loves them.

 

[DavidMcCann]

Hey Dave, wow a lot more data than your standard altimeter! Every flier I have met with an AIM loves them.

It's really an impressive system. Using it with a tablet was very simple.

 

[rokketz]

nice build Dave, love the nose cone in the photos of the dryfit.....i like the carbon fiber look...are you still flying this bird? if you dont mind me asking how much was the kit?

 

[DavidMcCann]

nice build Dave, love the nose cone in the photos of the dryfit.....i like the carbon fiber look...are you still flying this bird? if you dont mind me asking how much was the kit?

Thanks! I Flew it once recently on a 38/2 grain EX motor. Not enough zoom. Planning a 38/6 grain motor next flight. , and eventually a Loki K1127. I stretched my booster out to 32" to fit that motor. Stock is a bit shorter, but will fly 6 grain (740/720) motors just fine. Starts at $85, trimmed out like mine is 135. https://macperformancerocketry.com/...of-scorpion-54mm-diameter?variant=34498786823

I also added things like the nose av bay, charge cannons, kevlar harnesses, nomex, rail buttons, motor retention. etc etc. Can't remember the total cost but it was in the ballpark of 200. There are places to save, but I'm comfortable with this setup.

If you like carbon, he's also got 54mm CF tubing....

 

[rokketz]

if you didnt get enough zoom out of your EX motor maybe i can help, send me your email address and i will email you the link to Richards site and his spreadsheet/calculator for sugar based propellants, it help you work through the properties of your setup, nozzle size is a HUGE factor in zoom, and .5mm can make all the difference,.....so may be worth a look and who knows maybe you can get the same results out of your EX setup as you do from the "commercial: stuff.....thats my goal anyway....and based on what Richard is telling me there is NO reason why it cant be achieved if you used the right substrates and have the correct setup.

my personal email is [email protected]

thanks again

 

[DGBrown]

I'm pretty sure he's using ap based propellant.