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Doug, that is solid advice. The online calculators are a decent STARTING point, but that is it. I’d never dream of flying a bird w/o a ground test first — unless I had a very, very similar rocket that I…   Read more»

Okay, we’re definitely on the certified motor topic here. Wilkes provided the serial numbers of the AT G80’s that fail. I just remember seeing some of the numbers on mine, which is now embedded into my SSS rocket. The only…   Read more»

My thought is better hope its only the copperhead that fails J

Ironically, I’ve never had a Cra–uh, Copperhead fail. Just wait, the igniter that comes with the G80-T for the SSS is just that. 🙂 I have a feeling my time has come.

Also heard, or read in Canepa’s second book, that attaching (how? your choice) Blue Thunder propellant to the igniter helps get things hot enough quickly…I’ve seen guys put Blue Thunder shavings into the corner of a baggie, and then run…   Read more»

That definitely sounds right. I think that casing was AMW; I know it wasn’t AT. Also heard, or read in Canepa’s second book, that attaching (how? your choice) Blue Thunder propellant to the igniter helps get things hot enough quickly,…   Read more»

It is often advantageous to sand AMW grains to expose raw AP. IIRC this is in their instructions? When flying the old Kosdon loads, we always sanded with ~150 grit or a bit more coarse.I’ve never sanded AT grains, unless…   Read more»

Personally, I’ll always use motor retention if possible — and there are a lot of wonderful systems out there. Aeropack’s is wonderful, G-Leap systems are great, etc. That said, I have friction fit perhaps 40 of my last 50 flights,…   Read more»

My second failure going for L1 was not using sound positive retention. My motor ejection shot the motor casing past a steel hook! From that point on, for myself and anyone I’m up for certifying, you’d better have sound retention….   Read more»

Also remember, for most of us, the number of rockets on hand can be rather large. The clip method is cheap, and I have never had a failure when 2 clips were used. I use them on 18,24, and 29mm…   Read more»

Yes, Aeropacks are made for 29mm, and they would be my retainer of choice. Alternatively, the threaded slimline is a great choice, or one could go with the simple Kaplow Clips. Friction fitting is still an option as well, though…   Read more»

You have several options. PML makes a retainer using three threaded inserts and a metal retainer that fits over the rear enclosure. They are about $15. Giant leap sells a Slim line retainer that is epoxied to the motor mount…   Read more»

I don’t mind hauling them down but some weeks I’ll have 5-6 ideas I want to test out and driving up here would be much easier than driving to Hartsel, plus I don’t want to scare the buffalo.Edward

Aw, you don’t like hauling your toys down to play with us? We do like having you!

I agree about Doug, Art. He’s one of the few like James Russell, when they speak, you better listen. 🙂

You know, as far as the smoke altitude goes, seems kind of like something that depends on what kind of day it is more that anything. Probably a dead end conversation.Bruce, anything Doug says is definitely good advice and I…   Read more»

I don’t know about 30k, but you can easily see the smoke from an AMW motor (tracking smoke) through at least 25k…The rocket may be harder to spot, but the smoke trail will be there.

Denverdoc, how do you know the smoke goes “well over 30K”. I would be really surprised if you can still see it (the somke and rocket).

Con,Non issue there–AMW smoke is good well beyond 30K. Look like a jet contrail,J

I would agree with the smoke for great visabillity as well as an awesome effect. Nothing like a big round blast of smoke suuronding the launch pad before the long trek to the sky with a brilliant smoke trail following…   Read more»