.266 seconds, ignition.
.600 seconds, liftoff.
.733 seconds, rod cleared.
.800 seconds, on its way.
This was a just for fun launch using the reliable T-2 motor. This was also the first launch of my new electronics bay. The rocket was my standard 3.25" diameter PVC with a previously flown lower engine section. The upper section of the rocket was lengthened to accommodate the 13" electronics bay. The electronics bay included two timers, of which I only used one, and a FM tracking transmitter. The finished rocket was about 2 pounds heavier than the previous rocket used with the T-2, so I reduced my timer from 15 seconds to 11 seconds. This was also my first launch using my new controller and test stand/launch pad. Weather conditions were fair, clear skies, 45 degrees and wind about 10 mph. The launch was performed at an uninhabited farm acreage.
|
.266 seconds, ignition. |
.600 seconds, liftoff. |
|
.733 seconds, rod cleared. |
.800 seconds, on its way. |
|
1.733 seconds, motor burn out. |
Who says sugar motors don't have a wow factor, listen to this wav file, it's amusing, rated PG-13 for language.
Everything went as planned. Deployment occurred at the set 11 seconds. The parachute was a little undersized for the increased weight of the rocket, on landing the upper and lower section coupler was damaged. The motor and all electronics were still working after touch down. In fact, the FM transmitter was still beeping away after the rocket was packed away in my car. The transmitter was not needed to recover the rocket, as it landed on open, tilled ground and was quickly sighted about 1/4 mile from the launch site.
