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Re: Portable Launcher Project
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 10:35 pm
by bugwubber
nunopt wrote:Many thanks for your great suggestions posted here!
Unfortunately local stores give me limited options, nevertheless instead of the pvc tube I decided to use a fiber reinforced hose with a pvc tube outside. To fix the bike valve I was going to use a clamp but I saw another part that gave me an idea, it was a cable gland and I gave it a try. The bike valve fits very well inside the gland and I screw it to the hose (
not the best solution .. but just to try).
It worked at 70 and 100psi .. but was loosing 1-2psi/min through the screw zone. So I assembly it again using glue and after repeating the two 15 min tests, was loosing only 0-0,2psi/min. I think I have a launcher
Afterwards just did a few improvements on it and now I have to build a rocket to launch. I still do not have one ..
Congrats! Good job on finding a work around to limited options. I know I've left my local hardware guys scratching their heads more than a few times. Good luck on your rocket build!
Re: Portable Launcher Project
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 10:37 pm
by U.S. Water Rockets1
nunopt wrote:Many thanks for your great suggestions posted here!
Unfortunately local stores give me limited options, nevertheless instead of the pvc tube I decided to use a fiber reinforced hose with a pvc tube outside. To fix the bike valve I was going to use a clamp but I saw another part that gave me an idea, it was a cable gland and I gave it a try. The bike valve fits very well inside the gland and I screw it to the hose (
not the best solution .. but just to try).
It worked at 70 and 100psi .. but was loosing 1-2psi/min through the screw zone. So I assembly it again using glue and after repeating the two 15 min tests, was loosing only 0-0,2psi/min. I think I have a launcher
Afterwards just did a few improvements on it and now I have to build a rocket to launch. I still do not have one ..
Your cable gland looks a bit like another idea we used in the past when we didn't have any end caps and didn't have time to go the store. We had a reducer fitting that had 1/2" threads on one side and 1/4" threads on the other. The tire valve would fit inside the half inch side and the rubber flange that goes into the rim was too fat to pass out the 1/4 inch side, so it worked pretty well in a pinch and didn't look like there was any way it would come apart.
Plus, the more pressure that was put in, the tighter it would make itself.