This is what I have been working on this past week:
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Pneumatically Actuated Ball Coupler Launcher Prototype. Launch base has one axis of adjustment. Launch rod is easily adjusted to accommodate different diameter rockets and can be removed to allow for easy loading of rockets.
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Pneumatically Actuated Ball Coupler Launcher Prototype. Bottle is released by venting the lower chamber of the piston sleeve allowing the pressurized upper chamber to travel upwards, releasing the Bottle Collar.
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Nozzle Retainer with Ball Coupler groove. Allows for internal fixed nozzles or full bore capable. Internal threads match bottle neck.
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Pneumatic Launch Control Prototype. Left valve fills the rocket with gas and the right valve actuates the release mechanism. Gauge reads bottle pressure via hose.
I can look into that. I was originally concerned that the ring would bend under load an cause a premature launch. If I went the ring route I would replace the balls with with small latches to better distribute the point loads. I order some round bars of PET and polycarbonate to make the future rings from. I used aluminum on this one because it is easy to machine and cheap. This design is actually going to be a second stage release. I figured I would use the same design as the main launcher to be able to statically test the release. The second stage version will be completely machined out of plastic or carbon fiber. I am considering producing these if there is a demand.
Just finished making new launch tubes and nozzles. I will be trying out the 0.375" and 0.5" tubes/nozzles tonight. Launching the rockets @ 160 psi with the open neck was producing way too much thrust and causing my altimeter to error.
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Wow! Those parts are really well engineered! You do amazing work! Your designs are a great deal like those of another forum member called Batkiter. He does similar work. This launcher looks like it has a lot of promise. Please keep us posted on the progress of the design!
