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-   -   Good launch pad for composites? (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=14385)

Scott6060842 10-03-2014 07:26 AM

Good launch pad for composites?
 
Well, I launched my first single use composite yesterday (a Saturn V with an Apogee E9). All good except what a PITA to hook up on an Estes portapad.

Any advise on a good mid power pad? I looked at the Aerotech Mantis ($70+ and it does not seem to be rated very high).

Thanks!

Rich Holmes 10-03-2014 09:11 AM

Advice? Build one.

OK, I haven't done that (though I did combine pieces of an Estes Porta Pad with some lumber and hardware store finds once, when I couldn't find all the original PP parts). Mostly I launch with the local club and use their equipment... which is homemade. But if I needed my own, I'd definitely look into building one that has the features I want. For instance, our club pads are built on top of sawhorses, meaning you don't have to get down on the ground to hook up your rocket. I've seen others built on sturdy tripods.

A very quick Google session turns up these:
http://makeict.org/2013/03/25/rocket-fun/
http://makezine.com/projects/portab...ket-launch-pad/
http://launchpad.hofle.com/

For rockets beyond about E impulse I'd be starting to want something maybe more sturdy than wood or PVC, and somewhere around F or G is where I'd also be inclined to go with 1010 rail, so I'd probably at least look into commercial pads for that.

The Knight pads http://www.knight-mfg.com/folding_launch_pads look like good ones though I have no experience with them. They do get rather not cheap.

Shreadvector 10-03-2014 09:54 AM

Apogee makes (or sells) a composite E9 motor?

Scott6060842 10-03-2014 09:59 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shreadvector
Apogee makes (or sells) a composite E9 motor?



I bought it from a vendor at NARAM in Michigan .... something they were thinking of offering?

Shreadvector 10-03-2014 10:50 AM

They sold uncertified motors at NARAM???

http://www.nar.org/standards-and-te...rtified-motors/

http://www.nar.org/wp-content/uploa...rsByImpulse.pdf



Was it actually an Apogee E6 motor and not an Apogee E9 motor?



Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott6060842
I bought it from a vendor at NARAM in Michigan .... something they were thinking of offering?

Scott6060842 10-03-2014 10:57 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shreadvector
They sold uncertified motors at NARAM???

http://www.nar.org/standards-and-te...rtified-motors/

http://www.nar.org/wp-content/uploa...rsByImpulse.pdf



Was it actually an Apogee E6 motor and not an Apogee E9 motor?


No, it was a pure black case (no lettering) in a plastic baggie with a loose typewritten tag that said Apogee E9-4T. Paid $10 w/ Igniter.

I had no idea what I was buying at the time.

Joe Wooten 10-03-2014 11:51 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott6060842
Well, I launched my first single use composite yesterday (a Saturn V with an Apogee E9). All good except what a PITA to hook up on an Estes portapad.

Any advise on a good mid power pad? I looked at the Aerotech Mantis ($70+ and it does not seem to be rated very high).

Thanks!


I built one, using a 24" square piece of 3/4" plywood, 4 3' long 2X4's and 4 2' long 2X4's. I then mounted places to put a 3/16" or 1/4" and a couple of 1/8" rods. Saves a LOT of bending over/squatting.

Downside is that with the 1/4" or 3/16" rod, it takes two people to load a tall, and/or wide rocket - one to tip the table over and one to load the missile.

Rich Holmes 10-03-2014 11:56 AM

Adjustable rod angle is good, and if it adjusts down close to horizontal, loading up is easy even with a high pad.

Scott6060842 10-03-2014 12:35 PM

I think I may try to build something. I can drive my truck right next to my launch site so transporting a sawhorse type setup would work.

The spectators that have been exposed to my butt crack will thank you :)

Rocketflyer 10-03-2014 12:47 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott6060842
I think I may try to build something. I can drive my truck right next to my launch site so transporting a sawhorse type setup would work.

The spectators that have been exposed to my butt crack will thank you :)



Howze this? :chuckle:


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