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-   -   MR antennae replication (http://www.oldrocketforum.com/showthread.php?t=16962)

jeffyjeep 11-21-2017 07:35 PM

MR antennae replication
 
3 Attachment(s)
Now that the Estes MR kit is again available and John Pursley offers those fine wraps, I'm going to add even more detail to this MR that's almost finished by replicating the (4) antennae --of which I've already completed one.

The materials for the antennae are Evergreen styrene .040" rod and Evergreen styrene .040" x .080 strip.

TBC

jeffyjeep 11-21-2017 08:05 PM

5 Attachment(s)
I've cut the parts for the remaining (3) antennae: (9) 1" pieces of the .040" rod and (3) .75" pieces of the .040" x .080" strip.

Next I use a pin vise and a .030" drill bit to make (9) more holes at the designated details of the MR's upper wrap. I wiggle the bit in each hole for a slip fit of the .040" rod.

I then insert (3) of the rods approx. .5" into the BT and apply epoxy to the inside protrusions of the rods. As the epoxy sets I brace the rods with (2) pieces of soft balsa and a clothespin.

While the epoxy was hardening "The Vixen" called me into the kitchen to sharpen the Santuko and I cut my right thumb pretty bad in doing so, so this will have to continue tomorrow. :o

TBC

jeffyjeep 11-22-2017 08:59 AM

8 Attachment(s)
The bleeding has stopped.

Now for some techniques:
The reach of the .040" struts is .080"--the same dimension as the width of the antenna outer strips--so I take (2) long pieces of .080" strip stock, glue the ends together, and then spread the unglued center slit and insert the (3) uncut stubs through it. This serves as a fence to gauge the cutting of the (3) struts.

Using the tracheotomy scissors I cut the (3) struts as flush as possible with the fence. I then use the mahogany sanding block to sand the struts flush with the fence.

I then position the .75" long .080" x .040" antenna piece and touch it with a brush that's been dipped in Styrene Tack-It (the ONLY plastic welder I've found to be as good as Tenax7r.) Once the strip is in place I use more welder on all (3) joints.

2 down, 2 to go!

TBC

jeffyjeep 11-23-2017 05:42 PM

Final steps!
 
7 Attachment(s)
I've constructed and mounted the (2) remaining antennae onto the booster.

To shape the antenna "blades" I cut the corners of each with the tracheotomy scissors.

The inside of the BT70 is bristling with the glued parts of the antenna struts, and I scarf them off with an Exacto #17 blade.

Lastly, "The Vixen" paints all (4) of them metallic silver and MR8 is ready for telemetry!

Thanks for watching.

Joe Wooten 11-23-2017 07:47 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffyjeep
The bleeding has stopped.

TBC


How many pints???

jeffyjeep 11-23-2017 09:03 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Wooten
How many pints???


Less than one, but I replaced it with a pint of something else. :D


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