|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
The next step
No secret that some of my more recent B6-4 Field launches have been less than successful from a launcher standpoint. I'd experimented with the usual suspects, melted ping pong balls and gunpowder, slutty colored nail polish, expensive batteries, but they've obviously only been band aids. I've been waiting for AC Supply to restock the Pro Series II Launch Controller and today was the day.
https://www.acsupplyco.com/estes-mo...unch-controller I figured the price was right and the potential for an upgrade was worth it based on what I've been told about this unit. Not much chance to be flying there anytime soon, but I'm anxious to try it out. Might have to prep a bunch of birds, put on my muckers and brave the goose poo and other slop to see what the capabilities of this unit are.
__________________
Bill Eichelberger NAR 79563 http://wallyum.blogspot.com/ I miss being SAM 0058 Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2 |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
I think you should go with six of these batteries.
__________________
I love sanding. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Sure glad that thing is strapped down!
|
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
High quality rubber bandage.
__________________
Bill Eichelberger NAR 79563 http://wallyum.blogspot.com/ I miss being SAM 0058 Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2 |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I love my PSII controller - only thing I’ve bought since starting all this rocketry stuff back up that’s been a better value was my Oddl Rockets Adeptor (it was only a couple bucks). Since I didn’t want to deal with LiPo batteries - I don’t do R/C aircraft or vehicles of any kind and have no interest in them - I went with straight replacement rechargeable NiMH C cell batteries from Amazon and a simple rack style charger from our local supplier of cheap tools from the exotic Far East, Harbor Freight. NiMH batteries, per the really involved article I found on a rather scholarly website about battery technology, like to be topped up after use so I don’t know how many total launches to failure you could get but I’ve never had the batteries die during a launch session. My success rate with Estes ignitors is well over 95% - I stopped tracking misfires after a few months of using my PSII controller with the NiMHs. I know a LiPo would produce more juice than what I’m using, the NiMHs are good enough so I don’t plan on swapping.
|
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Best launcher battery I've found-- car jumper battery pack. It's easy enough to make a cig lighter plug since most are equipped with them to run auxiliary stuff anyway) that adapts your launch controller to draw power from it, or set it up with a pair of battery charger clamps to clip the charger pack's clamps onto. Guaranteed plenty of power and SO easy to recharge in the vehicle on the way home from the launch. Plus it's something that's a good idea to have anyway; been more than once I launched rockets all afternoon and still had to use it to give someone a boost on the launch field because their SUV battery ran down with the doors and rear hatch open all day.
Later! OL J R
__________________
The X-87B Cruise Basselope-- THE Ultimate Weapon in the arsenal of Homeland Security and only $52 million per round! |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I like the idea, but I can't imagine that pulling my car down on the field would continue to not draw attention. I'd need some serious cordage.
__________________
Bill Eichelberger NAR 79563 http://wallyum.blogspot.com/ I miss being SAM 0058 Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2 |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
All I need now is a launch window. Single digit temps on the way, so the weekend doesn’t look good.
__________________
Bill Eichelberger NAR 79563 http://wallyum.blogspot.com/ I miss being SAM 0058 Build floor: Centuri Mini Dactyl Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Marauder, Shrike, SST Shuttle In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II, Xarconian Cruiser Semroc Cyber III Ready to fly: Estes - Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Groonie Der V 1/2 |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Single digits are fine. It's the 30 mph winds that get you.
__________________
I love sanding. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I have nothing of value to offer, but felt that your use entirely appropriate and on-topic use of the phrase "slutty colored nail polish" should not flash by without a hearty recognition of gratitude and appreciation. James |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|