Virtual NARCON 2022
Virtual NARCON will be upon us soon. The list of speakers and the agenda is set. Visit: https://www.nar.org/narcon-2022/ for more information.
Registration is open to all rocketry enthusiasts; NAR membership is not required. Events include VIP speakers, a manufacturer’s forum, breakout sessions, virtual social hours, and tours. The NAR Board of Trustees is meeting on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Tickets are $25 for an individual or $45 for a family (3 attendees). This fee allows you to attend all 3 days of NARCON, plus you will have access to the content for 30 days after the event.
Not sure which session to attend? Want to attend multiple sessions that are scheduled at the same time? You can watch, and re-watch, all of the content for 30 days.
Virtual Rocket Contest!
- Contest Is Now Closed – Results Are In! St. Augustine Rocketeers is proud to announce its partnership with Discount Rocketry to bring you our first Virtual Rocket Contest
Using OpenRocket, a free, fully featured model rocket simulator, build a rocket that meets the contest and rocket requirements and we will have a virtual ‘flying’ contest on January 8, 2021.
Nostalgia for Infinity – Interstellar Rockets
This is Nostalgia for Infinity, the first kit prototype from Interstellar Rockets. It was not easy figuring out the kit and build sequence, but it’s finished. Will try to fly soon to test against design expectations.
Estes QCC Explorer build – Air intakes, papering fins, payload section
Used Avery Labels to paper the fins. They are thru-the-intake; not thru-the-tube.
Kevlar to swivel to 3/8 nylon inside the booster tube, to minimize ‘zipper’ damage chances.
A little safety cord for the nose cone.
Fin alignment will suffice.
Payload section coupler/attachment point
Wireless Launch Controller project
The box at the pad is powered by a Mighty Max 12v, 5 Amp battery, and includes a safety on/off switch, bright LED indicators for continuity and short, and the relay board.
Using lamp cord and alligator clips for the launch pad leads.
Testing the wireless controller
Need one more modification before complying with NAR Safety code. Need to include a second (momentary) switch in series with the switch on the FOB.
Need to break this (+) plane from the battery power and insert a small momentary switch, somehow. Thinking of something like this:
The Chute Spool – Low Cost ‘Delayed’ Deployment
From an article by inventor Mr. Michael Moran (Peak of Flight Newsletter#531)
It’s as simple as a tube (plastic straw) around a mounted dowel and string (Kevlar in this case) and polyester fabric. Had everything laying around; dollhouse shop supplies, fishing tackle, Christmas ribbons, and miscellaneous eye hooks, etc.
Here’s the first incantation. flimsy plastic bulkheads for testing
Here it is with balsa bulkheads and all rolled up, just as the article describes: 14″ of fabric, then 50″ of streamer. Fits nicely in the QCC Explorer. Cant wait to test it (maybe in a coupe of weeks)
Launchpad Build
It will also sport our club wireless launch controller, also in the works.