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Steve, I was going to get some nylon bolts, drill a hole in the hex head, then scribe the circumference 1 1/2″ down from the head on the outside, in the threads. I was thinking of placing powder and two…   Read more»

I am unable to find my copy of Rocksim from several years ago, on CD, since I moved in Aug .. and so much stuff went into storage. I d/l’d a trial of the new version but it has timed…   Read more»

For the exploding bolts, I’d recommend Quest Q2G2 ignitors because we can run as many bolts in parallel off of one electrical output as we want.For the booster, I could make up a couple of small plywood sleds that have…   Read more»

As I recall we had 100% success with the exploding bolts on the Delta II project. We should use the same technology again.We didn’t actually use bolts on the Delta .. we connected the boosters using 2 pvc endcaps …..   Read more»

As I recall we had 100% success with the exploding bolts on the Delta II project. We should use the same technology again.

No need to reinvent the wheel on the bolts. Kevin Troj is sending me his well tested and flight proven exploding bolt specs so we’ll start with that .. and then test it thoroughly of course.Adrian has certainly showed an…   Read more»

If you want to bore and then tap them a lathe would be perfect. A simple easy operation. Grooving the outside on a lathe would also be repeatable.Edward

Steve wrote:”Yep .. if it’s too smooth the epoxy doesn’t grab and the charge blows out vs blowing apart the bolt. You can thread the hole with a tap to be sure.”You could also do something that I have been…   Read more»

I was reading about pyrotechnic fasteners today on wikipedia. It mentions that besides the bolts being hollow, they were scribed all the way around so there was a weak point. I have a drill press and a machinists vise where…   Read more»

From what I remember about the bolts, the more crudely they were drilled the better. A lathe was the least preferable tool to use to bore them out.EdwardYep .. if it’s too smooth the epoxy doesn’t grab and the charge…   Read more»

From what I remember about the bolts, the more crudely they were drilled the better. A lathe was the least preferable tool to use to bore them out.Edward

If you are going to use explosive bolts for stage separation, do you have a source where you can purchase off the shelf devices? I was looking and found hollow 5/16-24 bolts for $11.00 apiece. If we knew what size…   Read more»

If you are going to use explosive bolts for stage separation, do you have a source where you can purchase off the shelf devices? I was looking and found hollow 5/16-24 bolts for $11.00 apiece. If we knew what size…   Read more»

Thinking outloud here and thinking towards a worst case scenario, of the three main motors, only two ignite in the booster, and only three of the 6 outboards ignite, and they are all on basically one side so that a…   Read more»

Thinking outloud here and thinking towards a worst case scenario, of the three main motors, only two ignite in the booster, and only three of the 6 outboards ignite, and they are all on basically one side so that a…   Read more»

Thinking outloud here and thinking towards a worst case scenario, of the three main motors, only two ignite in the booster, and only three of the 6 outboards ignite, and they are all on basically one side so that a…   Read more»

To maximize the chances of all 6 outboards lighting, and minimize the consequences of one failure, I would use 2 Raven altimeters to give each outboard its own channel, battery, and arm switch. Then there would be 2 booster channels…   Read more»

O.k., so light all 6 outboards on the rail at first motion, then stage separation, then light the sustainer, right? What size for the outboards? Are you still plannnig for a K sustainer motor?I’m pretty sure the ban on the…   Read more»

O.k., so light all 6 outboards on the rail at first motion, then stage separation, then light the sustainer, right? What size for the outboards? Are you still plannnig for a K sustainer motor?I’m pretty sure the ban on the…   Read more»

What’s the current plan for the airstarts and electronics? I have a Rocket Tiltometer from Frank Hermes on the way that I should be able to loan for this if needed. But if the outboards are just going to be…   Read more»