Water Rocket Forum

anoymous wrote:How many launches have you used the battery? With us, after four or five launches the battery was low. We never had an error because of that, tough.

Battery level was unknown. It was unable to reset the servo so I imagine it was flat.

Ready to go again!
So anyone else built one yet? These things are fun!

well, I didn't build it yet, but if I find the parts and have time this summer, I'll try to make some different rockets. Sadly, I don't think I will have enough time: first we go two weeks to France, then I have some time, and in August I need to do a hollyday job. In september I have to get ready for the schoolyear.

Yep just plugged the altimeter Launchpad into a different servo and power supply and it worked like a champ. Wish I'd thought to just switch out batteries at the field...

One of the things I learnt with our research competences: always have spare parts when you are in the field. It's unbelievable how much time we lost because we didn't have spare parts. And if something goes wrong, try changing the battery before you do something else .

bugwubber wrote:Here is the new upperstage. The rocket has been named Paso Doble

IMG_20150622_215834.jpg

That looks really good! It looks like a rocket from one of those 1950's science fiction movies!

bugwubber wrote:We have success!

And I have no idea where the upper stage is!

We had a false launch detect and then the alTImeter reported an error condition and wouldn't reset. So we launched with just the bare upper with no parachute, no beeping launchpad, and no blinking lights.

Did you get the altimeter wet? That kind of error usually happens when the altimeter gets wet. A low battery can cause this situation as well.

U.S. Water Rockets wrote:

bugwubber wrote:We have success!

And I have no idea where the upper stage is!

We had a false launch detect and then the alTImeter reported an error condition and wouldn't reset. So we launched with just the bare upper with no parachute, no beeping launchpad, and no blinking lights.

Did you get the altimeter wet? That kind of error usually happens when the altimeter gets wet. A low battery can cause this situation as well.

Definitely a low battery. Well pretty sure since it couldn't move the servo back to start position. Upper stage cargo bay was assembled after the pressure vessel had be loaded so no chance of it getting wet.

U.S. Water Rockets wrote:

bugwubber wrote:Here is the new upperstage. The rocket has been named Paso Doble

IMG_20150622_215834.jpg

That looks really good! It looks like a rocket from one of those 1950's science fiction movies!

Thanks! Guess I get to build it again. :-)

bugwubber wrote:

U.S. Water Rockets wrote:

bugwubber wrote:Here is the new upperstage. The rocket has been named Paso Doble

IMG_20150622_215834.jpg

That looks really good! It looks like a rocket from one of those 1950's science fiction movies!

Thanks! Guess I get to build it again. :-)

This time put your name and email or phone number on it. We lost one in 2004 and never got it back. It likely landed in someone's back yard or on a roof and they found it some time later and had no clue where it came from. We put our contact info on it and even a reward notice ever since.

Another launch!
This time the drag shroud stuck perhaps on tape on the upper stage? Not sure.
Anyway, something happened that it never dropped so second stage didn't launch. It depressurized before impact through the tiny hole.


Regardless, the lower stage was unharmed and is ready to launch again. The upper was a quick build and made a good cushion. ;-)

Too bad it failed to separate.

Lesson learned- failure is always an option!

Here is the next stage i have managed based on all the threads...
Has anyone actually launched one yet?
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I have published a bit more info on my blog. http://waterrocketsbrisbane.blogspot.com.au/
Would love a reply even if you think its crap. Just like to know this thread is still live?

Quick test in back yard to make sure mechanism works.... just at 30psi. Will be dropping non return valve and using simpler idea on next version. Merry Christmas and clear skies.
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