Why I don't use Jolly Logic Chute Release anymore

[jondub]

I am seeing JLCR used in more and more situations. We recovered my buddy Matt's rocket that went ~19k' on a CTI L265 (I think) and deployed with the chute release. We thought he lost the chute release but it was about 20' away. Then I flew my rocket to 34k' (sub-minmum on a CTI M840) and recovered it with a JLCR. Okay, someone else recovered it but the JLCR was not recovered. Small price to pay though for that flight

 

[Buckeye]

I am seeing JLCR used in more and more situations. We recovered my buddy Matt's rocket that went ~19k' on a CTI L265 (I think) and deployed with the chute release. We thought he lost the chute release but it was about 20' away. Then I flew my rocket to 34k' (sub-minmum on a CTI M840) and recovered it with a JLCR. Okay, someone else recovered it but the JLCR was not recovered. Small price to pay though for that flight

JLCR is not a disposable item for most people. You might want to improve your attachment methods....

 

[BSNW]

JLCR is not a disposable item for most people. You might want to improve your attachment methods....

It is a small price to pay because it was a safe recovery when considering the alternative. If your flying rockets that large, fast and high...your priorities tend to change a little. If I launched one of my larger projects (which I have) and I had a safe-successful flight, but lost it (which I have) I would say it all worked out. They are not disposable for me either, but all things considered, on that type of flight....it is a small price to pay.
It is too bad the OP does not use it anymore. I use it almost all the time...even on my large projects (I also use it for the release of my drogue chute just prior to the deployment of my main...that way I can go drogue-less but still orient the sections away from each other prior to main deployment.) all the way down to my Estes Pro-Series rockets and I have had near perfect results. The times it did not work....it was my fault.....and hey, what can go wrong? Its rocketry!
Andrew

 

[BSNW]

Just some antidotal observations from my perspective. I have seen no less failures in main deployment with regular altimeter bays than with CR. I have tested and used this product...I bet, hundreds of times. I still say....if you follow the directions the way Mr. Beans has it spelled out on his website and if you inspect your band after EACH flight and double check your work prior to stuffing it in your body tube....it will work nearly every time. But....there is more than one way to safely land a rocket...I give you that....its all good.
Andrew

 

[billdz]

They are not disposable for me either, but all things considered, on that type of flight....it is a small price to pay. I also think sometimes, even with the Kevlar attachment...it can still get stripped off on larger projects. It happened to me when I tested this product before it was sold to the public (I did find it though).

Not sure I understand, you lost the JLCR because the kevlar tether broke? Guess the stock kevlar could be replaced with something thicker if necessary, although the stock kevlar seems pretty sturdy.

 

[BSNW]

Not sure I understand, you lost the JLCR because the kevlar tether broke? Guess the stock kevlar could be replaced with something thicker if necessary, although the stock kevlar seems pretty sturdy.

Yes the Kevlar is plenty strong and the Kevlar did not break on that flight. I used a "nontraditional" attachment method and learned my lesson......ahem... (cable ties are not as strong as you think....put it that way).

 

[Wallace]

Cable ties tend to be hit or miss these days, no matter the brand. Half will snap on tightening..

 

[BSNW]

Not sure I understand, you lost the JLCR because the kevlar tether broke? Guess the stock kevlar could be replaced with something thicker if necessary, although the stock kevlar seems pretty sturdy.

Hey billdz- I did not word my post properly (#63). I edited my post. Thanks for catching that!
Thanks
Andrew

 

[Citizen Baslim]

I use my JLCR to fly my Wildchild and my Mini-Darkstar (38mm tubes) and my WildmanJr. (54mm) tube. With the guidance of a friend of mine, I've learned a couple of tips that have allowed me to go from a 1,000' opening altitude to my new standard of 300'. First, I use a JLCR protector: besides protecting the JLCR it helps to keep the altitude selection from being accidentally reset. Second, I ditch the tiny thread that comes with the JLCR, cut and use 1/8" kevlar string. I have to make a larger opening in the protector holes. Third, I stuff some dog barf and a small nomex cloth in the booster and THEN I burrito the chute in the JLCR and put them in.

 

[Citizen Baslim]

I like my JLCR and am confident flying it in my small rockets using larger motors. My aforementioned friend uses his JLCR exclusively in his 4" rocket despite having flown for years using BP DD. Did I mention his standard release altitude is 100'?
P.s. Strongly recommend a protector sleeve for the JL altimeters too.

 

[DeltaVee]

I've used my JLCR three times so far... had it over a year before I felt confident enough to risk losing it. Of course it's sheer idiocy to wait so long... but you have to wonder about why you'd risk a $130 product to recover a $35 rocket! The first time I actually used it was for exactly that use case. The wind was such that if had NOT used it... the rocket would have been gone... upper level winds were VERY stiff and the rocket landed just outside the perimeter of the field as it was!

At our last club launch I used it twice, first putting it into my AT HV-Arcas, which would cost at least $75 plus shipping (from some vendors) to replace. Well on THAT flight I had managed to pinch the chute apex under the folded over rubber band.... It did release, but the pinched chute didn't open of course. Luckily the Arcas is a very sturdy model which landed with an audible thud... didn't have to walk to far either! No damage... on the next flight I used it on (an Estes Sahara, list price: $35) it worked perfectly.

 

[MikeyDSlagle]

I have posted in other places that I have had a JLCR fail to open a chute twice, and in the same day. Both times the chute was bundled and the JLCR was laying open next to it. Ground tested both times and the second time I had a buddy witness the ground test. After the second failed recovery we ground tested again, and again, and again. worked fine. Off to Mr Beans it went. He returned it saying all was good. It was several test flights later before I felt comfortable enough to put it in one of my more expensive rockets. It worked fine.
I recently had one more failure. Rookie mistake. I bundled the chute the night before and held it with a rubber band. I simply forgot to remove that rubber band.
I'm a traditional DD kind of guy, if it is feasible I go that route. My L1 was DD, L2 redundant DD. But I also happen to love short stubby rockets, and the JLCR is perfect for those flights when HED isn't possible, which I have yet to do because I am cheap and opt for plastic nose cones. Lol

 

[BeyondEarth]

Just like DD electronics, JLCR takes practice to get used to. It also shuts off after a test, so don't forget to turn it back on!
I've used them probably 40-50 times now and am very comfortable with them, and yes, planning on using them in series. I'll let you know how it goes!