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.
Estes QCC Explorer Build
This is my first build in a few years. I found the QCC Explorer model very appealing, with it’s retro-futuristic look. It’s not too hard a build, although it’s a Skill Level 4 kit, probably for the complex engine intakes.
Motor Mount
I decided to install a replaceable shock cord, fed from the front of the motor tube and tied around the motor tube in the back
Lasso the motor tube with the Kevlar cord. The only way I see to reach it is by making the exhaust nozzle removable.