Why no height record for class C?

[nspman327]

I am new to record attempts, and have been launching both water rockets (and air cannon projectiles, as I have recently found) for about a year and a half. No on board cameras, and only marginally successful parachute recovery systems.

I would like to know what height to shoot for, as the total time aloft seems to be entirely dependant on the recovery system. The rocket bodies I use are generally 20 or 24 ounce plastic soda bottles. I have been calculating height by using an inclinometer and math.

Without a reliable recovery system, my rockets come down as fast as they go up, and have a total elapsed flight time of around 8.5 to 9 seconds. Unoccupied soccer fields and launching upwind of the recovery area have been necessary. Nearly 100 meters to apogee, by my calculations.

Can I have some guidance?

[WRA2]

I am new to record attempts, and have been launching both water rockets (and air cannon projectiles, as I have recently found) for about a year and a half. No on board cameras, and only marginally successful parachute recovery systems.

I would like to know what height to shoot for, as the total time aloft seems to be entirely dependant on the recovery system. The rocket bodies I use are generally 20 or 24 ounce plastic soda bottles. I have been calculating height by using an inclinometer and math.

Without a reliable recovery system, my rockets come down as fast as they go up, and have a total elapsed flight time of around 8.5 to 9 seconds. Unoccupied soccer fields and launching upwind of the recovery area have been necessary. Nearly 100 meters to apogee, by my calculations.

Can I have some guidance?

You should work on getting your recovery system more reliable before considering any record attempts.

The list of current records can be found at:

http://www.wra2.org/WRA2_Standings.php

All world record classes require electronic verification (onboard camera and altimeter data)

http://www.wra2.org/WRA2_Class_A_Rules.php

http://www.wra2.org/WRA2_Class_B_Rules.php

Good luck and welcome to the forum our members would happy to help you solve any issues with your deplooyment system.

[nspman327]

As I read that chart, Team D&P Rockets has a personal best of 534 ft, and hold the record for flight time of 1.47 minutes? Is that 1min 47 seconds, or 1 min 28 seconds?

Not that it really matters, It is Awesome either way. And Second place is total flight time of 21 seconds?

I have used a NSA parachute, just not refined, and pretty heavy. Where do I get a camera and altimeter? And how expensive? Thanks.

[SaskAlex]

I wouldn't really worry about the camera and altimeter until you get a reliable parachute system. NSA is tricky. I don't know if anyone has ever done a real good job of one. I think the simplest way to get a reliable system is with a "tommy timer", the wind up motors from kids toys.

Once you do get your system nailed, the flycamone2 is a popular choice for video. Just google it. Personally, I don't see myself competing in the A or B class any time soon, so I just got a How High altimeter from http://www.wingedshadow.com. It's cheap, light and durable, but it doesn't record flight data for viewing on your PC, so it won't make you eligible to compete.

Alex

[U.S. Water Rockets1]

I wouldn't really worry about the camera and altimeter until you get a reliable parachute system. NSA is tricky. I don't know if anyone has ever done a real good job of one. I think the simplest way to get a reliable system is with a "tommy timer", the wind up motors from kids toys.

Once you do get your system nailed, the flycamone2 is a popular choice for video. Just google it. Personally, I don't see myself competing in the A or B class any time soon, so I just got a How High altimeter from http://www.wingedshadow.com. It's cheap, light and durable, but it doesn't record flight data for viewing on your PC, so it won't make you eligible to compete.

Alex

They are reportedly working on a newer version that records flight logs. You really need those graphs to get the true story and tune your simulations.