Can I use this Estes launch pad to fly E-series rockets too, besides rockets using a 1/8" rod? All I need is a longer 3/16" rod for E-series rockets like the Interceptor E right, or do I need the Porta-Pad E Launch Pad instead? I guess I'm hoping there is a system I can use gfor both A-D and E series rockets. Oh, are there any restrictions for flying E-series rockets from a school field for example? I've been out of rocketry for 30 years and want to return. I used to have a launch pad with a parabolic shaped ceramic blast defector that sat over the regular metal blast plate. Do they make that anymore?

Anyway, here is the launch pad description from the Estes website:

Porta-Pad® II Launch Pad
Product Number: 302215
Sturdy, plastic tripod design with tilt adjustment (up to 30 from vertical). Easy to set up and take down - no tools required! Comes complete with blast deflector and standoff, two piece 1/8" (3 mm) launch rod and safety cap. Porta-Pad II can accommodate a 3/16" (5 mm) Maxi launch rod (#302244) - not included.

Yes, the Estes Porta Pad can hold a 3/16" launch rod. I used mine with a 4 ft. 3/16" rod a little over a week ago.

From the model rocket safety code, which you should read in its entirety (http://www.nar.org/NARmrsc.html), when launching rockets with E engines, you have to be a minimum of 30 ft. from the pad. Also, flying E, F, or G engines requires a launch site with 1000 ft. minimum dimensions.

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John Thro, NAR #84553 SR
I was too old when I started! Now I'll *never* become a BAR!

Thanks for this link! Based on measurements from Google Maps, the high school field that I used to launch from 30 years ago is around 1000x750 feet. I'll check other fields in the area to see if there is something larger to use.

The regular Estes porta-pad and the porta-pad-E are similar, but the E version has a wider stance and is more resistant to tipping over. You can make your regular pad act as stable by simply placing a heavy object on one or two of the legs to stabilize it. A jug of water or a brick will work fine. The regular pad will accept 1/8" and 3/16" diameter rods, but not the 1/4" rod.


I strongly recommend a steel rod from Home Depot as they are longer than the Estes rods and will allow your rocket to build up more speed before it leaves the pad.

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-Fred Shecter NAR 20117 (L2)
Southern California Rocket Association, NAR Section 430

Yep, I used a 4 ft. stainless steel 3/16" rod with my Porta-pad. Weighing down one of the legs with a heavy object is a good idea. I didn't do that myself, though I probably should have.

Not all Home Depot's or Loweses (??) have 4 ft. steel rods. Some just have 3 ft. rods.

__________________
John Thro, NAR #84553 SR
I was too old when I started! Now I'll *never* become a BAR!

At my age laying down in the grass on my belly is just way too much of a pain and very undignified.

I got a cheap $19.95 camera tripod that works much better as a launch pad. You can prep rockets at eye level. The big handle loosens the top to tilt it down for loading the rocket.

Infinately adjustable.

You do have to "make something" to hold the launch rods but that's not hard..

I used a piece of hardwood with different size holes drilled in it and a saw cut through the center of the holes with a bolt horizontally through the wood block to "pinch" tight on the rods.

__________________
"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run"

http://sandmandecals.com/

I have a $20 tripod that I could adapt just like you did. That would save me money and I would just have to buy the E launch controller and maybe a blast plate and/or ceramic parabolic blast deflector cone that the rod went through like I had in the 70's!

I didn't actually lie down in the grass on my belly, but kneeling down is really hard and kind of painful, too. So yeah, a taller tripod would be great!

Are the launch rod holes in your hardwood block all lined up with one another? I'm trying to visualize exactly how you did it.

__________________
John Thro, NAR #84553 SR
I was too old when I started! Now I'll *never* become a BAR!

I used to use U-shaped stakes made from clothes hanger over each leg of the launch pad. They were almost identical to the stakes you buy at a home improvent store for holding down weed barrier cloth in your garden. Stakes are easy to carry in your range box.

-- Roger

I threw this drawing together.

I think it shows what I mean.

A ceramic flower pot makes a good blast deflector.

Attached Files

TRIPOD MOUNT.pdf (11.5 KB, 222 views)

__________________
"I'm a sandman. I've never killed anyone. I terminate runners when their time is up." Logan from "Logan's Run"

http://sandmandecals.com/