Ye Olde Rocket Forum

Go Back   Ye Olde Rocket Forum > Weather-Cocked > Current Kit Talk
User Name
Password
Auctions Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts Search Mark Forums Read


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-04-2020, 12:13 PM
BARGeezer BARGeezer is offline
Avid Builder
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 610
Default Estes Sidekick is here

https://estesrockets.com/product/007287-sidekick/

Looks like fun. Two engine cluster, first clustered model in a long while.
I may pick one up (sooner or later).
Gives me a chance to use my stash of Q2G2 igniters.
__________________
I like the unusual, the off beat, the avant-garde. No 3/4 FNC for me!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-04-2020, 12:38 PM
jeffyjeep's Avatar
jeffyjeep jeffyjeep is offline
Old Submariner
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Home of Wayne & Garth
Posts: 7,760
Default

That DOES look like fun! Gotta get one.
__________________
Never trust an atom. They make up everything.

4 out of 3 people struggle with math.

Chemically, alcohol IS a solution.

NAR# 94042
SAM# 0078
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-04-2020, 12:44 PM
BigRIJoe BigRIJoe is offline
Craftsman
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 164
Default

WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad with a 1/8 inch launch rod and Pro Series II Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).



Gonna be some disappointment here
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-04-2020, 12:49 PM
BARGeezer BARGeezer is offline
Avid Builder
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 610
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRIJoe
WHAT YOU NEED TO LAUNCH (sold separately): Estes Porta-Pad II Launch Pad with a 1/8 inch launch rod and Pro Series II Launch Controller, Estes model rocket engines, starters and recovery wadding. Four 1.5V high quality AA alkaline batteries are also required for launch controller (not included).



Gonna be some disappointment here


This is a kit, not a launch set. Most of us have the required launch hardware already.
__________________
I like the unusual, the off beat, the avant-garde. No 3/4 FNC for me!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-04-2020, 01:12 PM
BigRIJoe BigRIJoe is offline
Craftsman
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 164
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BARGeezer
This is a kit, not a launch set. Most of us have the required launch hardware already.

The point is this: This is the first clustered kit Estes has offered in awhile. Someone buying the kit for the first time and then following the recommendations is going to use 6 volts to light the cluster. He or she is going to have a launch failures. Not all of Estes' buyers or BARs or geezers
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-04-2020, 01:26 PM
BARGeezer BARGeezer is offline
Avid Builder
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 610
Default

Yeah, there is a typo in the recommendations. Pro Series launch controller is recommended, but that uses 6 "C" batteries, not 4 "AA" batteries. Also 9 v. is what I consider to be marginal, I would go with 12v. minimum. And with plenty of amperage. Maybe a PS II controller using the external connector to a 12 v. source.
__________________
I like the unusual, the off beat, the avant-garde. No 3/4 FNC for me!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-04-2020, 01:56 PM
Scott_650 Scott_650 is offline
Master Modeler
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 624
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BARGeezer
Yeah, there is a typo in the recommendations. Pro Series launch controller is recommended, but that uses 6 "C" batteries, not 4 "AA" batteries. Also 9 v. is what I consider to be marginal, I would go with 12v. minimum. And with plenty of amperage. Maybe a PS II controller using the external connector to a 12 v. source.


The only controller I’ve used since becoming a BAR for cluster - and two rocket simultaneous - launches has been my PSII controller. I’ve used alkaline throw away C batteries and NiMH rechargeables - both worked fine. I used alkalines for at least two school aged build and fly workshops where we did multiple two rocket simultaneous launches. Granted, those were 1/2A Estes BP motors in Art Applewhite paper rockets on the alkaline batteries - I had the NiMH rechargeables for the last one I did with ModelRocket.us Turbos on A8 Estes BP motors.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-04-2020, 03:14 PM
5x7's Avatar
5x7 5x7 is offline
Sometimes collector
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1,786
Default

There was a discussion somewhere that it flies ok if only one motor lights. The frustration will be if the controller can’t light either.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-04-2020, 05:26 PM
BEC's Avatar
BEC BEC is offline
Master Modeler
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 3,643
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 5x7
The frustration will be if the controller can’t light either.


THAT would be due to double failure to insert the igniters correctly or a combination of that and shorts.

Six C cells through the decently-sized wire on the PSII controller works fine.

That said, of the two PSII controllers I have, the one I use regularly has a 3s 1250 mAh LiPoly inside, connected through the provided port in the battery bay. That works even better (even though the internal port takes the little orange JST plug, which is not what I would choose for high current use). The duty cycle is so low, one gets away with it just fine.
__________________
Bernard Cawley
NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member
SAM 0061
AMA 42160
KG7AIE
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-05-2020, 09:58 AM
hcmbanjo's Avatar
hcmbanjo hcmbanjo is offline
When Pigs Fly!
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,102
Default

I've started a build of the Estes Side Kick on my blog today -

http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/
__________________
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!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:13 AM.


Powered by: vBulletin Version 3.0.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe © 1998-2024