new2hpr

I just like having a higher visibility plume for airstarts or upper stages. Just gives a visual confirmation. Call me a knob, but I like the sights and sounds as much as achieving performance goals.-Ken

I sense a resurgence in smokies for hi-visibility dynamic ignitions. 8)-Ken

Excellent question!Would airstarts or upper stages be allowed?-Ken

I’m considering swapping out the motor tube on my PR Comp3 for phenolic, justs to give another layer of insulation for such reasons.Anyone’s thoughts? I think we’ll probably be fine. Maybe do the root epoxy with JB Weld + chopped…   Read more»

If we lived in an area with appreciable humidity, I’d be concerned. Water is about the only thing that will mess with BP. It should be fine. Then again, if you’ve got plenty, it’d be cheap insurance to make up…   Read more»

Come on 6GXL Pro24! (in Imax propellant)-Ken

As long as you’ve got a good thick anodize, you shouldn’t have to worry about incidental contact between the plug and the closure, because it will happen, even with perfect o-rings.You could take it a step further and do the…   Read more»

Especially since they’re skids. I’d like to see that same launch with “traditional AMW” skids… 5,4,3,2,1,wait for it, wait for it, wait for it…-Ken

I think Tim used to carry M’s, but not anymore. I think I still have a few.-Ken

Wow, how are you going to attach your harness to that eye on your fincan? That’s tight, at least with anything but a stubby motor!-Ken

Do you “need” a drogue? No, probably not. But, depending on the weight of the motor, the weight of your av-bay, and the drag of the fins, it might help keep things falling in a stable manner, rather than tumbling…   Read more»

I worked with Vern briefly at my previous job. He’s a VERY smart guy and not afraid to come up with his own solutions to problems. He combined a number of commercial off-the-shelf components for his GPS system (5Hz update,…   Read more»

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

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»

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»

Excess in Moderation is a LOC Fantom EXL with G10 fins. I don’t know how it hit hard enough (it appeared to be coming in quite gently) to tear through the core and 6 layers of glass (3 t-t on…   Read more»

I’ll probably get overruled, but I’d recommend cutting the fin completely out and putting in a new one by the original method. I’ve had similar damage happen with my L1 (also LOC), and repaired with more glass and epoxy each…   Read more»

Just as long as it’s not right AT the flight line. You may NOT LCO from the throne! 8O-Ken

Tim,Did you find enough MW alts for your project? Never heard back from you on it. Let me know if you still need one more.-Ken

I’ve got one as well. Sent you an email.Ken