Clusters

[Bret PackardParticipant]

I built a LOC Starburst that is finally ready to fly, and I’m hoping to try it out at the April launch. I have never flown cluster and I’m not sure what safety precautions, if any, are appropriate to consider when choosing motor combos and igniter hook ups. Unfortunately I bought the kit before I knew that 2x24mm motors were way too little to shred the rocket, but that’s what I’m stuck with. Anyway, I’m was planning to fly it on AT reloads, and I was hoping someone could advise me the best way to hook up the igniters to make sure they both light. The rocket would fly OK on one F24 or F39, but the delay would be way off. So I’d really prefer they both light.

If anyone has advice or is interested in helping me at the april launch that would be awesome. I don’t expect that it’s very hard to do, but I figure it’s better to ask and be sure than not ask and mess up.

Also, does anyone know if those roadrunner single use motors come in 24mm? They would be another good option for this rocket.

[Conway StevensParticipant]

Not sure about the Roadrunner engines. But here are what my advice is.

As far as the ignitors I recomend using 2 of the same make of ignitors. So like use 2 first fire ignitors from AT. (dont use the copperheads) or have someone that makes or or sells ignitors get you 2 of the same. You will want to hook the wires up in Parallel not series. If you hook up in series one motor will light and the other will not. You need them to both go off at the same time. Also pick motor formulas that are easy to light and are well within the thrust to weight range. Like Blue thunder or redline or white lightning. Start of simple as possible with clusters then go with it.

[Tim Thomas]

8) Batman, there will be plenty of flyers at the April Launch that will be glad to help, including myself. I would be glad to show you how I hook up clusters. I am launching my 2.6 Hawk on 4 X 24mm F39″s. I will also be flying a Semroc SLS Laser-X on 2 different clusters. As for the 24 reloadables, I carry D-15, E-18, E-28, F-12, F-24, and F39 loads for that case. I also carry several 24 single use. So there are a pile of options for your Starburst! 😛 I also use Fuddrucker igniters, these bad boys have never failed me in over 150 launches. I have used them to fire everything from D’s to K’s. And they are only a buck each! I will have a few with me if you like, and you can order more from him direct. So bring a chair and let’s launch clusters! As for Road Runner you would have to ask Jon Scuba at coolrocketstuff.com about 24mm. I shot off a pile of 29mm F and G motors last week and I can say first hand, they are fine motors. And that G80 is flat badass!! Way fun. See ya at the launch, Tim T. Giant Leap Rocketry 8)

[Doug GerrardParticipant]

If you hook up in series one motor will light and the other will not.

Not true Conway. I don’t recommend using ignitors in series but I have done it on a cluster of 4 motor and they ignited within 0.1 sec from first to last. (I have the high speed footage to proove it). You have to be very careful and know what you’re doing but it can be done.

Doug

[new2hprParticipant]

Batman, hook up with Lawndartman. He got me set up with 3x F39 Blue Thunder reloads and loaned me 3 cases to boot. Those Fuddrucker igniters worked like a charm.

Hopefully, I’ll be up for the April launch with the Suppository. Maybe 3x F24 White Lightnings for something different?

Trying to get my L1 done for MHM. Tim, how do you think the Fudd’s would do for airstarts running off either a Perfectflite or Missileworks timer and 9V NiCd? (3 motors at a time) for a 1-3-3 punch? Or are they purely a ground system ignitor?

Thanks,
Ken

[Ken PlattnerParticipant]

Since we are on the topic of clusters, Tim, Nathan is ready to fly the kit you gave him. How ’bout b6-4’s for the first drag race?

Ken.

[elviss_boy]

Talk to Dale 😆
He has done clusters forever so i would talk to him.

Kyle-

[Conway StevensParticipant]

If you hook up in series one motor will light and the other will not.

Not true Conway. I don’t recommend using ignitors in series but I have done it on a cluster of 4 motor and they ignited within 0.1 sec from first to last. (I have the high speed footage to proove it). You have to be very careful and know what you’re doing but it can be done.

Doug

Sorry, thanks for the correction Doug. I should have said that a series wired cluster will have a higher chance of failure and not having all the motors light or light at the correct times. Much more difficult and not something I recommend. As a beginer as well his focus should be on make it simple to begin with then with experience he can add more complexity.

So Doug are you coming out to MHM? I know my Daughter and I both will be out and Camp this year both Friday and Saturday nights.

[Doug GerrardParticipant]

I agree about clustering in series. I did it mostly to see if it would work but I’ll re-iterate, its not something I recommend.

Yes, I’ll be there showing movies on Friday night. But I’m not sure what I’ll be flying yet. I have a few ideas thought…

Doug

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

I also use Fuddrucker igniters, these bad boys have never failed me in over 150 launches. I have used them to fire everything from D’s to K’s. And they are only a buck each!

Amen on the Fudd’s! Always wire in parallel, not that series can’t work, but you’re asking for trouble and need to inform the RSO to actually do it on a flight–test fine, flight, no.

[Author]

Posts