#1
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Latest Estes Pro Series II Kit
I just received the new Estes Pro Series II Kit, Star Orbiter.
It's the closest to 'minimum-diameter' of any of the PSII kits released so far. The kit uses BT-60 diameter tubing and nose cone, balsa fins and a 29mm motor mount. The balsa fins are 'through-the-wall'. Estimated maximum altitude with an F15-8 motor is 1800 feet. I think that may be a little low, especially with a listed empty weight/mass of 5.9 oz. Going on the build pile.
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Bob S.A.M. # 0014 |
#2
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I've been tempted to get one. Interesting that it has one more body tube than a Big Bertha kit, a motor retainer included, and it costs $2 less!
Estes information says nothing about chute type, only that it is 15". I assume plastic, which is perfectly fine for a BT-60 model in this price range.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#3
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I'm pretty much done building mine. It's straight forward and I think it's a bargain for the price. Yes, the chute is plastic.
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#4
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Hmmm....that Big Bertha nose cone must be made of some exotic alloy or something! I just added a Star Orbiter to my shopping cart at AC Supply. At a buck less than the BB you can't beat the Orbiter - especially since I already have a spare BB nose cone...
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#5
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It's gonna need a Jolly Logic Chute Release for sure.
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A dark night in a city that knows how to keep its secrets. But high above the quiet streets on the 12th floor of the Acme Building, one man is still trying to find the answers to life's persistent questions. Guy Noir, Private Eye. Fox Valley Rocketeers: http://www.foxvalleyrocketeers.org |
#6
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Quote:
I did the sanding and sealing of the fins and body tubes before I started assembly of the model. Tonight, I am gluing on the fins. Should be good for the first primer coat on Thursday.
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Bob S.A.M. # 0014 |
#7
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Quote:
Buy and use a $125 device to make recovery of a $23 rocket more likely. That does not make good economic sense to me.
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Bob S.A.M. # 0014 |
#9
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I'd rather be buying five more $23 rockets.
It's a good concept but to me, too pricey for what it does, especially for use in rockets that (even with it) have a good chance of going missing.
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Rich Holmes Camillus, NY Secretary / newsletter editor Syracuse Rocket Club http://richsrockets.wordpress.com |
#10
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Bumping up this Star Orbiter thread.
Just got this kit and saw the chute release comments. I have my own solution to a motor ejection and delayed chute release system that is costing me about 12 bucks to 40 bucks each......but you need an RC transmitter on 2.4Ghz. This kit will get one. I have developed several sizes of what i am calling the RC Chute Sled. Currently have versions that fit BT-50, BT-60 through 2.2" tubing, 2.6" to 3" and any size over 3". Basically a small ply and basswood box that contains a 2.4 RX at 4-8 grams, a small servo ranging from 2 grams to 9 grams and a small single cell Lipo. Servo arranged to release an elastic band that keeps the chute bundled togather tight to the outside of the box. So far, the 2.6" - 3" version is 5 for 5 on G motor flights to 1300-1800 feet. It gives me the ability to completely control the altitude of the chute release, which is fun. So far, I get a full chute in less than a second after actuation. Unit cost depends on RX chosen. The current version uses a low cost aftermarket Spektrum compatible 2.4 RX that costs 6 bucks shipped when you buy 5 at a time. Range is st least 3000 feet or more. I also use the $25 Spektrum AR400 if I need range of up to a mile. Servo cost is $3 to $5 and Lipo battery cost is $1.29 to $4. This way you can put a $20 motor eject dual deploy system in a $20 rocket, if you have a decent RC TX. Photo shows the 2.6-3" version packed (except for tucking away the small lipo) and ready to go into my venerable 2.6" NCR Eliminator.
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Tom Blakeney NAR 52002 L1 AMA 28682 TRA 2150 (lapsed) |
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