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… But reliably being in lock at apogee is still an issue. ….Adrian, I think everyone concurs that the GPS will not return the exact apogee of the rocket – it will almost assuredly return something a bit less, because…   Read more»

John,I agree that in the larger rockets, GPS isn’t a volume or mass problem, and if you’re flying over 30kft, the extra $150-$400 shouldn’t be a show-stopper, either. But reliably being in lock at apogee is still an issue. Maybe…   Read more»

Ed,I agree with your goal, and I agree that if you could get two identical flights to read within 1%-2% without worrying about absolute accuracy, that would be fine. No argument there. The problem is that the same issues that…   Read more»

Soooo much depends on the rocket being flown. Adrian, you made some comments about size, weight, etc. that are clearly appropriate to a 24mm rocket that weighs 100-200g. As one moves up the alphabet, size and weight quickly become less…   Read more»

I think we really stand at a crossroads in the altimeter industry. Small, cheap, and reliable altimeters have been probably the single biggest boon to the hobby. There are some incredible technologies coming out, and some incredible products introduced by…   Read more»

I’m definitely all for this. Conceivably the pot could end up well in the the thousands of dollars. Just within the club we had the SSS up to $380 a few years ago. While participation has been light this year…   Read more»

Trained mouse…… 😯

Adrian_AIt should be centering ring, just a typo.

That’s just Adrian’s tag line. He rarely builds anything that isn’t minimum diameter, thus the quote.Ken

Adrian_AIt should be centering ring, just a typo.

If it were me, I’d use a 4′ dowel, some lightweight leader string with a weight on one end and some putty to stick the string/weight on the end of the dowel. Use the dowel to get the weight through…   Read more»

Depending upon the diameter, you might try using an electrician’s fish tape, or even a coat hanger to get a lead through the eye. Then just pull the new shock cord through, tie a loop in the end, and feed…   Read more»

Meant to post a few days ago. I finally got finished redoing all the tube/coupler ends per your suggestions and it worked great! I tapered all the incoming and outgoing edges then hardened them with CA. I spread about an…   Read more»

I use rattle can spray paint to paint most of myrockets. I have found (after having some overspray)inside the tube) that after drying and a little sandingit makes for a nice firm fit.I also bevel the coupler slightly

I actually used a brush and painted on a coat of CA glue on one coupler and on another one I used some 20 minute epoxy painted on it. Both worked well, but I think the CA absorbed a bit…   Read more»

If you need graphite I’ve got it by the pounds at my house. Let me know and I can get you some. Byproducts of turning lots of graphite parts.Edward

I would second the suggestion on CA soak for paper/phenolic tubes.Also, if you go with a coat of epoxy, you could add graphite to the mix (I believe West Systems has an additive, but any graphite powder should work), to…   Read more»

Well, if they are paper or phenolic tubes, sometimes a bead of CA around the edges (still will need some sanding) helps keep the edges from fraying/tearing. Then tape can be used as a shoulder builder, if necessary, and painting…   Read more»

That’s a bummer. Isn’t that the way it seems to go.We had a cousin that moved to CO back in the gold rush times and had a Mackey Mine up past Central City…. No claim to it now days.

The funny part is, I am related to the Musselmans who started the company, but too damn distantly to do me any good! My grandfather’s uncle or something like that. They sold out to a big food corp back in…   Read more»

Heres a link to another carbon tube maker. I have bought nothing from them.http://www.carbonfibertubeshop.com/large%20tubing.html

I have bought from them but not the pretty stuff. I was happy with them and their product.Doug