Using Up A8-3s
 

Happy 2020,

Since I have a bunch of A8-3s, I decided to build a bunch of BT-20 rockets to use the bunch. I am cloning Estes Sprites and Centuri Vector-Vs along with RDC moon-glo kits.

Astrosaint

Wizards, Vikings and Sky Hooks are also great A8-3 birds. :cool:

Build a cluster rocket in addition to all those little minimum diameter birds. A pair of A8's will give you a good approximation of the fabled B14. If all you have are 3 second delays, the rocket will need to be fairly heavy. You could do something like a long Bertha or move up in diameter if you don't like tall rockets. In other words, any rocket that you've flown on a B6-4 and thought a B6-2 would be better, that's a good size for the twin A8-3. It's perfect for larger demos on small fields if you ever do anything for a school, scouts, or church and the field size is limited.

Greetings:

Well, I inherited about a 1,000 of these little motors from a closed out rocket education program. I gave out 2/3 of them for free to deserving kids and adults and will use the rest. They were all Pistco samples. I have done clusters but ignition using the new starters is a question mark these days.
[IMG][IMG]Atlee.gif[/IMG][/IMG] [IMG][IMG][SPRITE 20[/IMG][/IMG]

I do clusters with up to 4 motors all the time. The modern "starters" are no problem. Just make sure they are not damaged and use a 12v source instead of these little 6v or 9v Estes and Quest systems. If you are still paranoid about them, you can dip/paint them in nitrocellulose lacquer (nail polish). A visual inspection and individual continuity check will go a long way in successful clustering with modern "starters".

Cheap lawnmower batteries, gel cells, etc are good, even when they won't kick over an engine anymore.

BTW, I've got a big stash of A8-3's and C6-7's from Walmart closeouts over the years. I've done a bunch of C6-7 clusters because of that. Three C6-7's give you that D20 (actually a baby ~E15 with a peak thrust of about 45N) that a lot of people want Estes to produce.

I'm in the same boat. I have about 500 of them that I need to use up. I looked at Quest and Custom and found a number of interesting rockets to burn up some A8-3 and A8-5's

I'm also in the painting stages of building a Semroc Ranger clone from a Big Bertha but added the 3 motor cluster. Should fly nicely on a trio of A8-3's .

Host the Cub Scouts at a launch. Hand out the A8-3s like candy.

I dip the new starters in nitrocellulose lacquer. I bought a pint can from Firefox Enterprises, but used to make my own by dissolving ping pong balls in acetone. You want the dip “syrupy” thick so it clings, and not run.

I have dipped them “as-is”, and they work very well, but now prefer to soak in water for 30-45 minutes to partially dissolve the clear coating on the tip. It will loosen up and easily wipe off, leaving the bare nichrome bridge wire. This gives a direct contact between wire and coating.

Dip in the NC lacquer to lightly coat the tip. Too heavy, and they may not fit in the nozzle.

I hang them tip down to dry by taping them to the edge of a shelf over my workbench. At ignition you”ll get a nice flame, rather than just a glowing wire.

I have not had any issues with ignition using dipped starters.

I've started dipping all of my Estes igniters in Testors Silver paint. Nothing fancy, Just dip and let dry. Haven't had a failure since.

Three A8-3's will give you about a C30-3 with about 7Ns. Mortar shot. :cool:



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