Some aluminum angles and clamps and the bottom fins are epoxied in. Time for more fillets.

I’ve been doing some research and I think I realized a problem. Where will the power switch go? My original thought was to position it behind the static port and reach in with a screw driver to activate. But reading on the port sizes (I was thinking of 3) it will be too small to do this.

Since the coupler will be removable, and I do not want the switch in the same area as where the charges will be (such as above or below the coupler section), I’m thinking of mounting them at the mid-point of the coupler. I will then make a hole in the airframe (either half on top and half on bottom (preferred) or one on just one of the tubes with a slot) where the switches will be. I am only planning on Altimeter on/off switches. I have seen suggestions to have additional switches to isolate the charges as an added safety factor, but I don’t think I will do it.

Since I plan to use #2 nylon shear bolts, do I need to worry about vent holes?

Also, what approach should be used to secure these shear bolts? Just push them in and then some tape? Tight hole? Threaded hole/insert (and then how do you remove the waste after a flight)?

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I’ve been a little slow in working/posting. All fins are on. Internal and external fillets are done (I used some 12 min epoxy with a little bit of micro-balloons added).

Installed the PML motor mount. I have an insert for the lower rail guide so I can remove it for painting.

I’m almost done with the AV Bay – it is assembled (all the parts are on) but not wired yet.
I’ll show it in a later post.

Right now the rocket weight is 10 pounds, without the motor/case, parachute or harness. The kit claims to be 9 pounds, so I’ve added 1 pound so far.

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I tried an ejection test of the main chute last night. I used an Estes igniter hot glued into a vinyl tube, 4F BP, and pieces of a cotton ball at top. Used some duct tape to secure the top. I attached some extension wires and ran them out through the static port so I could use my old trusty Estes controller to ignite the charge. I packed the chute, attached the webbing, Nomex protector, put in the #2 nylon shear bolts, and went outside. I hit the button and bang – nose cone out, but the chute stopped at the edge of the airframe.

The main is in a 4” tube that is about 22” long between the Av Bay coupler and the Nose Cone bulkhead. According to a calculator I found, about 2 grams (30 grains) should have been enough. I’m trying to figure out – did I get an incomplete burn (lots of black soot inside), chute too tight, or just not quite enough. I am going to re-try with 40 grains. This is why everyone suggests testing, right?

If it works with 40 grains, any suggestion on how many tries?

Pictures of my first Electronics Bay (well, really my second - my first try was so bad I junked it and started again)

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Here are the "naked" shots

The top airframe and nose cone already have the clear coat and I'll be putting on the decals from Mark

The bottom frame and fins I'm waiting for the fin color to fully cure before doing its clear coat.

I used the Rustoleum color shifting paint - depending on the light angle it shifts from blue to purple - very cool looking

The fins used the Krylon Red X-Metal over a Rustoleum Silver Metallic

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FINALLY!!!! DONE!!!!!!
Below are the pix.

Please note the super cool, holographic decals from Mark at Stickershock
His pattern included the name and the "fading" checkboard pattern on the top. He also provided spare squares that I put on to show how the X-Celerator was "blowing them right off the bird". (open the PDF for multiple angles)

I also included a few close ups

Now to wait to get to a club launch and get my L2!

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Attached Files

Xcelerator montage.pdf (152.3 KB, 64 views)

Very nice!

__________________
Jon
SAM #0396
BAR 02/07
NAR 86940
KF4GUL
Aim high, fly straight!