» MAKE: NOISE — Discuss this article

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• Other Copter designs
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  You can also see other rocket copter designs here:
  Rocket Copter Recovery Guide
  

  Posted by lessgravity on January 12, 2011 at 07:57:37 Pacific Time

• Other Copter designs
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  Sorry -corrected URL
  Rocket Copter Recovery Guide

  Posted by lessgravity on January 12, 2011 at 07:59:28 Pacific Time

• HEY!
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  The design of the rocket is ingenious and the helicopter action is one of the best I've seen.
  
  But why the heck are you having kids light these off with a FUSE!?!?
  
  You can get buy a cheap "launch set" with an electrical launch panel for under $10 at Wal-Mart. Or whip one together from an extension cord and a doorbell button. I have a MAKE Project on how to make cheap igniters.

  Posted by sej@aol.com on January 11, 2011 at 16:08:00 Pacific Time

• HEY!
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  Correct. Never use a fuse to ignite a rocket motor. It is extremely dangerous especially in the event of a CATO.
  
  Also - It is against the law to light a rocket motor with a fuse in all 50 states.
  
  You can read further rocket regulation info at National Fire Protection Agency - NFPA -http://www.nfpa.org/index.asp
  
  Please follow these rocket launching safety guidelines:
  http://www.nar.org/NARmrsc.html
  
  

  Posted by lessgravity on January 12, 2011 at 07:44:52 Pacific Time

• Chill out...
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  The use of fuses is not illegal, though the Nat'l Fire Protection Association does not recommend it (hardly a law).
  
  Listen- I've been launching rockets for nearly 40 years, the most important thing is to get out of the 20 ft radius safely. A CATO in that case is identical for fuses or ignitors.
  
  Is there more risk- maybe- but the number of electronic igntors I've had fail- and the potential for someone pressing the button while at the rocket (can't happen with a fuse)- makes all things equal.
  
  As a society we are trying to get risk to zero (not possible)- and fret over the wrong things. NASA has been overshadowed by private launch companies because they can't deal with even small amount of risk.

  Posted by Beads27 on January 12, 2011 at 18:40:31 Pacific Time

• Chill out...
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  I remember reading about the fuses being against the law on the NAR.org site.
  Thats one of the reasons why they have the safety code -
  http://www.nar.org/NARmrsc.html

  Posted by bodie124 on January 13, 2011 at 14:07:50 Pacific Time

• Chill out...
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  Been launching for 45 years myself.
  Not trying to be contrary just safe
  
  But...
  OK - if you say so. Now find me a municipality or state that will agree with you.
  
  "All Federal and state legal codes recognize sport rockets as
  different from fireworks. Fireworks are single-use recreational
  products designed solely to produce noise, smoke, or visual effect.
  Fireworks are fuse-lit, an inherently dangerous ignition method that is specifically forbidden in the hobby of sport rocketry and accordingly all 50 states have regulations against fuse lit rockets.
  
  (NFPA) Code 1112 -1.1.1. 1.1.3 This code also shall apply to the conduct of launch operations of model rockets specified in 1.1.2. 1.1.4
  
  These regulations are written into regional and National Fire codes"

  Posted by lessgravity on January 13, 2011 at 13:46:09 Pacific Time

• HEY!
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  All true. Additionally, solid fuel burn design varies. Correct ignition is needed for correct burn/thrust.
  
  Back when I made the Heliorocket I also designed a briefcased launch controller that plugged, via a long cord, into the 12V socket of my car.
  
  It contained Safety, Arm (with alarm) and Launch switches, plus a swivel light (from my 1971 Capri) to illuminate my note pad. It was great, and a fun project.
  
  The briefcase was purchased at a Salvation Army, and it sported the monogram "ELF." Fellow rocketeers would see this engraved metal plate on my new launcher, and, hoping to pester me, would ask what it stood for, like I hadn't expected their needling. I'd look at them, feign disbelief, and reply, "Electronic Launching Facility," slightly shaking my head.
  
  Anyway, commercial ignitors and a long wire to a lantern battery (terminals capped until launch) is always nifty, offers cool teaching room for the kids (electricity=heat, in this case), and, of course, beyond offering correct fuel ignition, is way safer than fingers near lit fuses or thrust vectors.
  
  Those little hand-held launchers must still be available... mine was gray with an arming key, a Ready light and a launching button.
  
  (How I loved the D-12-7, where Estes stopped, and didn't the bigger Enerjets of the era stop the show? Wow).
  
  Reed Ghazala

  Posted by qrghazala on January 12, 2011 at 13:08:04 Pacific Time

• HEY!
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  Enerjets . . . they were the first commercially available "composite" motors.
  
  Yes, back in 1971 an F67 was a truly fearsome thing!
  
  If need be -- I'd be surprised if there isn't a cheap launcher on MAKE Projects already -- I'll submit a design for a EZ & cheap launch panel.

  Posted by sej@aol.com on January 12, 2011 at 14:01:40 Pacific Time

• HEY!
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  Very simple electrical launcher plans can be found HERE

  Posted by lessgravity on January 12, 2011 at 16:03:54 Pacific Time

• Helirocket!
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  Reed Ghazala here, a big fan of MAKE and making.
  
  Back in the 1970's I did a lot of home rocketry, including a rocket incredibly similar to the Helirocket in the current issue (which I think is very nice).
  
  My model has a simpler release device, which might help persons trying their own build. It is described here...
  
  http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonbear3325/5347660220/
  
  Great magazine. Great article!
  
  reed

  Posted by qrghazala on January 11, 2011 at 15:51:13 Pacific Time

• Helirocket!
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  Thanks for sharing this Reed!

  Posted by golim on January 11, 2011 at 15:55:46 Pacific Time