Adrian

Last year we had one for the June launch and club BBQ, but perhaps that was an exception. I’m still shooting for being there at least Sunday morning, but I may be able to come out with the family in…   Read more»

I was poking around on thrustcurve.org, and I ran across a spec for a 38mm Aerotech J825 that said it passed certification last year. It’s on the combined TRA/NAR motor list, but I don’t see it on Tripoli’s site. It’s…   Read more»

I’m working on my next record attempt bird, and I’m going back to 29mm to see what I can do with an F10, the SSS, and the new Aerotech G80. I got some braided carbon sleeves, fiberglass sleeves, and carbon…   Read more»

Saturday’s launch logs barely fit into the box. I’m looking forward to finding out what the total tally was.Thanks everyone, for their patience as I learned the ropes on LCO late Saturday afternoon. (Especially when I pushed the wrong button)….   Read more»

More “learning experiences” today.The avionics bay for this 24mm record attempt birduses the same Li-poly cell to power the Beeline transmitter and as a source for the deployment charge. In order to make that work, it means I have to…   Read more»

Having a transmitter board at MHM is a good idea. (Thanks Greg)Taking it a step further, let’s post what frequencies we’re planning on using in this thread, so that those of us with adjustable frequencies can set theirs up ahead…   Read more»

(cross-posted from rocketry planet)I’ve been putting off ordering another batch of Parrot parts, Parrot batteries, Parrot circuit boards, etc. etc, but the time has come. I’m out of Parrots that have been calibrated for the standard baro range (0-30kft), and…   Read more»

After putting off my HPR certs for a few months now, I’m about ready to put my Thunderbolt 38 kit together and go for it. I’ll be able to make the March launch, if the weather cooperates.The Thunderbolt sims o.k….   Read more»

I’m happy to announce that the Featherweight Parrot altimeters are now certified by Tripoli for use for altitude competitions and record attempts!I just got the email from Tom Rouse last night.-Adrian

Short version of the story: The shock cord broke, so no record.Long version of the story:The launch was delayed first by my own technical difficulties and then by some serious wind. Just when we were getting close to wrapping up…   Read more»

As some of you may know, I finally finished the first production run of Parrot altimeters. I have about 20 of them ready to go now, and about 12 more that I’ll calibrate in another batch when the first batch…   Read more»

Some of you may have noticed I’ve been having some stability issues recently. With my altitude attempt rockets, that is.I’m looking for suggestions because I’m stumped. I had 2 unstable little rockets in the September event, which were both designed…   Read more»

I thought I would be there by now with Parrot altimeters for Warren and others, but I’m still working on the temperature-compensated calibrations. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now (after spending the whole week…   Read more»

In the muck at the edge of the new lake SW of the windmill I found and recovered the back end of a black and red rocket, about 3″ diameter, with triangular fins. The nosecone is still in the muck….   Read more»

It’s East of the launch pad (Way East), and has a fluorescent pink parachute and a Parrot altimeter. From the way it was arc-ing over on an F10 (8 second burn) I’m guessing it’s at or beyond the windmill. I…   Read more»

I love this. A Nikon Coolpix “launched” to the edge of space from what is clearly someone’s back yard.http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/balloon-in-space/ordinary-guys-send-picture+taking-balloon-2227-miles-high-293245.php%5B/url%5D

Radar estimates show that the North site got well over an inch of rain yesterday. Nearby locations got over 4″. That should help green things up for the September launch.

During a shake-down flight this morning for my new 29mm F record attempt rocket, I accidentally exceeded the club record for E, using a 24mm E15-7. The shock cord broke and the Parrot altimeter I’m using isn’t certified yet, so…   Read more»

Yesterday I tested my prototype Parrot altimeter in a little minimum-diameter rocket and got up close to 700′ (the club record for A is 300′).:D Soon I’ll have altimeters from the production run ready for sale, perhaps by the Wilkes…   Read more»