For those of you who went to the Rocketry dinner, you already know that the Smith family cleaned up on the raffle prizes! It has certainly given me renewed drive to get a couple of projects done, alter some others, and begin a couple of new ones. My workbench is full!
So I have a couple of thoughts, questions to share with you. I won a K1440 that needs a rocket to put it into. I had bought a couple of years ago a GL Liberty 4 with a 38 mm. I have already purchased a 54 mm and am installing that this week over Spring Break. I am looking to get my Level 2 cert this year (which I seem to be looking to do every year). I don't feel way comfortable launching a K for my first L2 flight and am looking at other choices.
I can go low and slow (K.I.S.S.) for an L2. I can do that on my well proven PML Arial, on a delay with a dog collar (haven't launched with the DC ever)
Or
I am still wrestliing with a DD on a 3"Blue Phenix.
So it is the old discussion about how many different variables do I want to throw into the mix for my first L2 flight.
I have read previous threads about the L2 cert flight. Some say it doesn't count without DD, while others exclaim get it over with, take the pressure off, then add the bells and whistles.
Perhaps finish the Liberty 4 (project name: Into the Vortex) and launch on some sort of 54 K. Or trudge through the DD on the Phenix (project name: Higher Vibrations) with potential needs for fiberglassing.
All comments of interest!
Dave,
I'm firmly planted on the KISS side of the fence. I went with a baby-J in my PML Miranda (and dog collar) for my L2 before I even understood all of the nuances of DD. That Aerial is almost identical to the Miranda - I'd stuff a little J210 in that puppy and let 'er rip. Let's face it,,, this hobby is mostly about the designing, planning, and construction. With the L2 out of the way, I've got several projects on paper (some kit, some scratch), 2 of which I've already got some of the parts and pieces for (1 of which will be my first DD). Having the L2 in my back pocket gives me a lot of flexibility in planning, re-designing, changing my mind mid-project,,,, yada, yada,,, in the I - J impulse range without the cert limitation to worry about.
I guess there are some purists out there,, but I got nothing but support for going low and slow for the L2.
Jack,
It was your thread regarding L2/plan B that sort of lead me in this direction. My Arial has 5 L1 launches and nary a scratch. Perhaps the gps should be added to a J launch, but so far I have had good success on recovery without going that far. I will run some sims to see what I come up with. I have some other 38mm that have been solid performers which I can use as well for a J motor.
Now I just have to study a bit for the test!
I'd go ahead and do that if I were you. I'm a Big fan of the KISS principle but also believe in punishing the sky. If you've got the tracking capabilities, use them a few times when they might not be needed. That way, you'll have a better idea of how they'll work when needed. Same with DD. Practice low to make sure you've got it figured out then let 'em rip. Just git er done!!!
Agree with Joe on using the tracking a few times to work the kinks out. I put up the Miranda 3 times on L1 motors with the tracking and never needed it. So I was comfortable with its functionality when it came time to put it up for the L2,,, and glad I had it. Caught some winds aloft and carried a ways (1.7 miles, if I recall), but walked right to it. Didn't help that I had up-sized the chute - don't know why, but it was a mistake.
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