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Estes Interceptor - Parachute & Shock Cord Question
Hi Folks -
My name is Christian; joined the forum some years ago, but now finally getting back into rocketry with much enthusiasm. I started in 1971 (Age 10) with Vashon Cold Power, by '73 into solid fuel, and launched throughout the '70s. Dabbled again in the mid '90s, and now back in full force. Like so many "Kids my age", I went nuts over the Interceptor, and have a new one almost ready to fly. I see more and more, folks hooking up their parachute swivels a few inches down the shock cord, as opposed to the nose cone...would I be smart to do this on the Interceptor? Jeff Smith also installed an extra long, kevlar cord, BTW Is there a special, particular way to form this loop knot in the shock cord, to accept a snap swivel? Please pardon my gross stupidity...it's been awhile! I assume this mounting helps keep nose cones from tanglng/fighting the shroud lines upon ejection/decent? I notice no one talks about putting talcum powder on chutes anymore pre-launch..new chute materials, just not needed? Thanks! Last edited by craviola990 : 09-13-2019 at 08:38 PM. |
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I always use a length of shock between the chute and nose cone roughly the same length (or a tad bit longer) of the nose cone. And yes, in my experience it helps keep the nose cone from entangling itself in the chute shroud lines.
As for the knots to attach a snap swivel (and yes, I use those too), I just do a double overhand knot and a little dab of glue to keep the knot from unraveling. And chute powder...I still use it, if it is a brand new chute or it hasn’t had any chute powder applied in some time. Generally, the powder residue sticks and provides ‘protection’ for a number of flights. But, if you are needing some extra spotting dust for high alt flights, then maybe another decent dose. But yes, basically, I still use it on chutes. Good luck...and welcome back!! Earl
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Earl L. Cagle, Jr. NAR# 29523 TRA# 962 SAM# 73 Owner/Producer Point 39 Productions Rocket-Brained Since 1970 |
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Hi Christian,
Welcome back! I agree with Earl, tying the chute away from the nose cone can prevent most tangles. Here's a few blog posts on Kevlar to shock cord ties: http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot...ips-part-1.html http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot...ips-part-2.html A simple overhand knot to attach the chute is shown in the second picture: http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot...ent-tip_28.html
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Hans "Chris" Michielssen Old/New NAR # 19086 SR www.oddlrockets.com www.modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com http://www.nar.org/educational-reso...ing-techniques/ Your results may vary "Nose cones roll, be careful with that." Every spaceman needs a ray gun. Look out - I'm the Meister Shyster! |
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Quote:
I still use talcum powder on polyethylene parachutes. You have to, IMHO. Many people don't, and wonder why their rocket comes down under a "para-wad." Earlier this year it seemed that talcum powder (real talcum powder, not corn starch) was quietly being phased out due to a consumer scare. I stocked up, though I now no longer believe that talcum powder was being phased out of consumer products. -W
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-Wolfram v. Kiparski NAR 28643 - TRA 15520 MTMA Section #606 President |
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Guys, thanks so much for the replies, really appreciate the help!
I'm replacing the Estes chute with this nylon one from Apogee...any talc needed for a chute like this? https://www.apogeerockets.com/Build...Path=42_309_81& Thanks! Last edited by craviola990 : 09-14-2019 at 05:22 PM. |
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No, not needed on nylon chutes.
Earl
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Earl L. Cagle, Jr. NAR# 29523 TRA# 962 SAM# 73 Owner/Producer Point 39 Productions Rocket-Brained Since 1970 |
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Great looking 'chute BTW.
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You can use Carpenter's Marking Powdered chalk on chutes too.
Placing a bit directly on the top of chute before installing the nose cone results in a colored "smoke" puff at ejection which can aid recovery on high altitude flights.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC ! |
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Quote:
Since I have a BIG shaker bottle of talc based baby powder leftover from many years ago I still powder my nylon chutes - it just isn’t a rocket prep session without that new baby smell! |
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Thanks guys for all this valuable info. Been poking around the forum a bit more, a real wealth of information here.
Thanks again! Chris |
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