caveeagle
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- Oct 9, 2013
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Hello folks! New to the forum, looking for some input on my first step into a Mid Power Rocket build.
Background: I built and flow tons of Estes rockets as a kid, until I got into flying RC models. I started back into rocketry as my boys got old enough. We ended up in a cub scout group that had an annual 'rocket day', so I have had another 10 years helping kids build and fly smaller rockets a couple times a year. Because we were located in HOT SUNNY Florida, I built a nice custom PVC triple launcher, that gets the rockets a couple feet up off the ground. (got tired of bending over all the time). The triple pads worked out great, because in a pack of 50+ cub scouts, there never seemed to be enough launchers for all the kids.
Anyway... We have moved up to the Chicago area, my 15yr old son is now in a Boy Scout troop (older than Cubs), and they have a "rocket" themed campout comming up. My son had had some trouble adjusting to the move, and I was trying to get him motivated for this event. We went off to the local Hobby Lobby, where I told him he could get whatever rocket he wanted!! (man would I have loved that as a kid!)
We picked up a Pro SeriesII 'Ventris' rocket. I could see that it was a big sturdy rocket, and the "Pro SeriesII" label looked real impressive. How bad could it be? Right? Well, its a nice kit. Much better than ANY rocket kit I have built before. I was determined to let the kid build this one!
My qustions are around the engine selection and setting up my launch system to handle this beast.
I have been looking at the Aerotech single use motors. It sounds like the single use motors can be ignited with a standars 'Low Power' ignitor system. Right? I think my current launch controller is powered by 4D cells. (6v). So hopefully that will work.
It sounds like the Pro-SeriesII rockets need a 1/4"x60" launch rod?? I know my current pad is large enough to handle this. Just wondering Where I can find a 1/4"x60" rod. estees does not seem to sell just the rod, and I really don't want to buy another pad. More about space that the $$. (too much stuff in the garage already). I know I can get 1/4" rod at the hardware store. Just not sure about the 60" length.
Any input would be appreciated. I hope I can pull this together for my kids scout event. He seems to be looking fwd to this.
Thanks....
mark
Background: I built and flow tons of Estes rockets as a kid, until I got into flying RC models. I started back into rocketry as my boys got old enough. We ended up in a cub scout group that had an annual 'rocket day', so I have had another 10 years helping kids build and fly smaller rockets a couple times a year. Because we were located in HOT SUNNY Florida, I built a nice custom PVC triple launcher, that gets the rockets a couple feet up off the ground. (got tired of bending over all the time). The triple pads worked out great, because in a pack of 50+ cub scouts, there never seemed to be enough launchers for all the kids.
Anyway... We have moved up to the Chicago area, my 15yr old son is now in a Boy Scout troop (older than Cubs), and they have a "rocket" themed campout comming up. My son had had some trouble adjusting to the move, and I was trying to get him motivated for this event. We went off to the local Hobby Lobby, where I told him he could get whatever rocket he wanted!! (man would I have loved that as a kid!)
We picked up a Pro SeriesII 'Ventris' rocket. I could see that it was a big sturdy rocket, and the "Pro SeriesII" label looked real impressive. How bad could it be? Right? Well, its a nice kit. Much better than ANY rocket kit I have built before. I was determined to let the kid build this one!
My qustions are around the engine selection and setting up my launch system to handle this beast.
I have been looking at the Aerotech single use motors. It sounds like the single use motors can be ignited with a standars 'Low Power' ignitor system. Right? I think my current launch controller is powered by 4D cells. (6v). So hopefully that will work.
It sounds like the Pro-SeriesII rockets need a 1/4"x60" launch rod?? I know my current pad is large enough to handle this. Just wondering Where I can find a 1/4"x60" rod. estees does not seem to sell just the rod, and I really don't want to buy another pad. More about space that the $$. (too much stuff in the garage already). I know I can get 1/4" rod at the hardware store. Just not sure about the 60" length.
Any input would be appreciated. I hope I can pull this together for my kids scout event. He seems to be looking fwd to this.
Thanks....
mark