My first Level 1 in over a decade

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Sac

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I am preparing to fly my first Level 1 flight since well since Loc first released the I-Roc lol. That's got to be a decade or 2. Anyhow I was wondering what anyone would recommend for my very first re loadable motor casing. I have never had a reload before and figured since I can only get 1 level per year I'll need something to last me awhile.
The rocket is a prototype designed for H I and J motors so I should be able to get more then one level on it over the next few years. It's a 38mm mount on this one so I will need a re-load kit for the 38mm. Anyone have any ideas and price wise of a kit? Me and Angelo of Sunward will both need one as we fly together being my boss and all. Does Level 1 have to be an H or can I use an I motor. It's been awhile. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
First, why do you think you can only do one level per year? There's nothing in either TRA or NAR rules that prevents from going from level 1 all the way to level 3 in a year or less. The only thing that dermines how fast you want to progress is you! I did my L1 and L2 within three months of one another, then did my L3 3 years later - just this last November.

As for reloads....there are two manufacturers for a first time reload user. Aerotech or Cessaroni. The Cessaroni are by far the easier of the reloads to assemble. Their casings are cheaper than Aerotech, but the reloads themselves are a bit more. Aerotech's casings are more, but the reloads are cheaper compared to Cessaroni. Reload prices are about $30-$45 for H and Is, depending on manufacturer and size.

Take a look at the Aerotech (https://www.aerotech-rocketry.com) and Cessaroni (https://www.pro38.com) websites for more information on the casing sizes and reloads. Lots of choices for your L1 ranging from differences in total impulse, to low or high thrust motors, to motors with different flame colors.


If you have an on-site dealer, go with what they carry.

Level 1 certs can be done with either an H or an I, so an I perfectly fine.
 
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The deciding factor for HPR reloads is likely to be what your local vendor carries. Or what club members have if they'll sponsor your flight. Have you talked to the local club yet about recommended reloads? I think that would be a good first step.

All that aside, https://www.lokiresearch.com/ has a nice 38mm lineup.
 
In my case I dont think I can go more then one level per year unless the CAR has changed its rules? I know its under Tripoli but I still have to abide by the CAR. I only know 2 flying sites thus far one Calgary the other Gagetown NB so even if I am allowed to get more then one level per year it wont be possible sites way too far away.
 
You didn't give us much size info to work on other than the 38mm mount. So the 38/240 would be an H class motor.

What brand you select should be based on what you local or launch vendor can provide.

If your so inclined take a ride to the states. Several launches per year at Geneseo. Vendors on site at most launches. Try marsclub.org for a schedule.

Also LDRS is in NY this year as well. Plenty of vendors. And a 15K+ wavier.


Al
 
I'm pretty sure that AeroTech has more different loads for each case that they have than any of the other manufactures. Along the lines of up to 5 per case, I think, for certain ones with the varying impulse that that entails.
 
Hi Sac,
welcome back!

I've got a few suggestions for you:
First, you happen to be located in prime rocket territory! Take advantage of it!
https://www.napas.net/
https://marsclub.org
https://www.pyro.ws
https://www.metrarocketclub.org
https://www.ottawa-rocketry.org
https://www.tripoli-quebec.org/
https://www.mdrocketry.org/
Check out these clubs, some are only a couple hours drive or less from you. Go down to some launches this spring and make some new friends.

Another thing you need to remember is, rocketry folks are all invariably some of the coolest and most generous folks you'd ever want to run in to- right gang? and we take care of our own.
Its the only place in the world you can walk up to a perfect stranger and say "Excuse me, could i possibly borrow a (small) cup of black powder?" and for sure the answer is yes. ( well, it helps if you dont look *too* demented:rolleyes:)
If your just getting into reloadables, and especially for a cert flight if you own no hardware, its quite common and acceptable to borrow a casing for the occasion. often, on-site motor vendors do this as a matter of policy and extra service for their customers.
In fact if you're unsure which system or size is best for your needs, try a loaner from all manufacturers and decide for yourself which is best from that experience. then you will be much happier with your purchase.

Hell, you may run into me at some of those launches and i'll gladly loan you one of my cases myself, either AT or CTI.

You also might consider certifying in the US, its not impossible as several CAR folks go to these launches regularly. or you can do it under Tripoli.

Cheers
Frantz

Ps my favorite 'H' motor so far is the CTI H400 - just a suggestion, but it would make for a very impressive Lvl1 cert flight in any rocket. :cool:
 
I'm pretty sure that AeroTech has more different loads for each case that they have than any of the other manufactures. Along the lines of up to 5 per case, I think, for certain ones with the varying impulse that that entails.

Some have more than that - the 54/852 case has the J90W, the J180T, the J250FJ, the J275W, the J315R, the J460T, and the J1299N, for a total of 7 loads in just that one case.
 
...Ps my favorite 'H' motor so far is the CTI H400 - just a suggestion, but it would make for a very impressive Lvl1 cert flight in any rocket. :cool:
Mine too. That what I used for my L1. A very fast ride to ~1500'.

Bob
 
You have to understand I work for Sunward and can only go where Angelo goes, at least until I move back to Nfld which will be awhile. I dont drive or own a car so if I cant walk to it or take public transit I'm out of luck. The Newfie Bullet II (MK-5A and MK-5B) variants are designed to go around the 10k foot range. In Newfundland I could pretty much fly anything anywhere as long as I'm not near Gander.
We dont have a rocket club there yet though. Only 2 RC Aircraft sites that I know of. I use to have a rocket club in Toronto many years ago until Ralph killed it. He ended up working for Cesseroni for a little while but I havn't seen em since. I dont think I have flown HPR since I got my IROC from Loc when it first came out and that got left behind at a hobby store I use to work for. I believe its hanging from their ceiling today. So I dont remember much about the motors. All I remember is me and Ralph going all the way to Loc to fly our rockets in the late 80's? I was hoping there was something closer then Ohio. I guess I will have to let Angelo deal with the motor. I dont think he has ever flown HPR before though and I plan on going a lot bigger then an I motor.
Danny Williams said I have to achieve 50k feet before the Government of Newfoundland considers helping me with my micro satellite launch vehicle program.
 
.... I dont drive or own a car so if I cant walk to it or take public transit I'm out of luck.....

Not quite- you can also get in touch with other rocketeers in the area and see if you can get a lift with them when going to an out-of town launch.
 
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