Monthly Archives: January 2016

Launch System

My Rocket Launch System

Image Leave a comment

As I have mention in a previous posting, I designed a Rocket Launch System which I named the Missile Command System,  AKA the Launch-A-Rama (my wife’s name for it).  Launching rockets goes way back in time for me and the biggest frustration was not having a ignition system  that would actually launch the rocket when I wanted it to launch.  I quickly learn that the cheap two-cell plastic units had a high-failure rate.  Being an engineer automatically means you have to design and build some thing that works.  So that, I did.

My First Really Good Version of a Launch System

Because the old AA batteries in a plastic holder were never adequate, I designed the system around the 7.2 volt Ni-cad battery pack and a good Radio Shack developer box.  One good characteristic of the Ni-cad battery is that it can deliver high amperage output, much more so than lead-acid gel-cell or alkalinepicture 3batteries.  They are also rechargeable with a simple charger.  The 1500mah battery packs I used were commonly used with R/C cars and trucks and they were fairly inexpensive.  One additional feature I designed and included was that two rockets could be setup on the launch pad and launch one after the other.  The circuitry checkedpicture 2the continuity of the igniter and indicated that the rocket was armed and ready to launch.   This was a great systems and I used it for many years and as  a backup while I developed the new Missile Command System.  If you are interested in this design I think I still have the circuit schematic and the PC board layout.
picture 1

Model Rockets

Strobee – my favorite rocket

Image Leave a comment

This rocket is a highly modified version of the Estes Big Daddy.  I  extended the main body tube by 8 inches and I added an 8 inch Nomex  chute protector.  But, best of all, I added my “Rocket Locator” device in the nose (I am tired of losing rockets).  The Locator adds three strobe lights in the nose and has a buzzer that starts after 2 1/2 minutes.  It’s particularly cool to launch just as the sun is setting.  You can see the lights in the second video and hear the buzzer come-on near the end.   The first video is Strobee being launched using my Missile Command System (more about it later).   This launch is using a AeroTech E20-4W single use motor.

Generally Speaking

Hello Everyone!

Leave a comment

Welcome to my new model rocket blog site.  My plan is to show you the fun and interesting things that I have learned while building rockets.  I have been building and launching model rockets for more than 45 years. I am a system’s engineer and have worked with solid rocket propellant on the Space Shuttle, most of the first-stage long-range missiles and other tactical missiles used for our national defense.   I love using my engineering knowledge and skills to advance this hobby.  I hope to excite you to join me in this great family activity.