Success with the 38mm Raven Av-Bay

[Steve JensenParticipant]

I just wanted to give the Raven Av-Bay some props (http://www.featherweightaltimeters.com/Av-Bay_Components.php). It worked flawlessly with the directions provided. I did extend the length to accommodate a 4 inch coupler as my 38mm bird has a big derriere and I needed something beefier than the 2 inch coupler alluded to in the directions.

I used longer 4-40 rods and added a plywood bulkhead to to help hold the battery and Raven in place. I also put a small piece of balsa under the Raven to trap it in this configuration — I flew it with the terminals up.

Good news:

-All four charges fired.
-Got great telemetry data.
-The method of bolting Kevlar shock cords to the Raven bulkheads works well too (I was nervous about this one!)

On the other hand, the chute didn’t unfurl completely and to add insult to injury, my rocket landed in the power lines. Luckily I had a really long forward shock cord and was able to sever it losing only the piston, chute, and nosecone.

I’m happy getting the rest of the rocket back intact with no damage.

Thumbs up on the 38mm Raven Av-Bay!

[AdrianParticipant]

Thanks, Steve. I’m glad you liked it.

[Author]

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