Hello Everyone!
Here is what’s happening with Broward Area Rocketry.
Vista View Park has confirmed for our May 5th, 2012 launch date.
The Weather is looking very good so far for this Saturday!
Intermittent clouds Temp 87°F Wind speed: 7 mph SE Wind gusts: 9 mph
Whats Happening in South Florida Rocketry?
Well as they say “Timing is Everything.
As I posted over the last two months, I was hoping to have a BIG surprise for our group for this coming Launch.
Unfortunately it takes quite a bit of time to construct something like this and our vendor is still completing our BRAND NEW CUSTOM LAUNCH CONTROLLER!
One of my personal pet peeves has been the sometimes flaky operation of our current Launch Controller and for the last six months or so I had been searching for a qualified individual or vendor to build us a custom unit to my specifications. This was a lot harder to do than I thought possible.
Well I finally found Ron at Black Dog Rocketry and he has designed and built systems for many of the Clubs across the Country.
After speaking with Ron over a few weeks, we came up with what I think is the perfect Launch Controller for our Group.
Specifications:
Heavy Duty Aluminum and Steel construction
10 Pad Positions
100′ Cable between the Controller and the Pad Box
Separate Launch Controller and Relay Pad Box Ignition Unit
Arming is now done at the Main Controller Table
(No more “Did you Arm the Pad!)
Continuity checking can be done at both the Main Controller and the Pad Box
Nothing extra to do at the Pad Box end but attach your Micro Clips and check for Continuity!
Can use any type of Ignitor, high or low current
Hi-Intensity LED’s on the Controller and a very LOUD “Armed” Buzzer at the Pad Box
The ability to do “Drag Races” with all 10 Pads at once!
Master Arming Switches and Keys at the Main Controller for extra safety
Volt Meter to let us know about battery conditions at both the Controller and Pad Box
And we still have our BIG RED LAUNCH BUTTON!
To give everyone an idea of what to expect, here are some very early construction pictures.
I will post some updates as Ron gets closer to finishing the System.
When all of this is completed, we are going to have one perfect Launch System!
And again, as you can imagine, to get this type of quality it cost quite a bit (and the Launch Fund has some catching up to do) and I have to thank everyone who has donated to our Broward Area Rocketry Launch Fund. It is all of you who have helped to make this possible.
The good news is that we will definitely have the new Launch System at our June 2nd, 2012 Launch!
Back to Our May Launch!
As you can see from our headline, the next BARS Launch will be on Saturday, May 5th, 2012 starting at 9:00AM.
I usually get there between 8:00AM and 8:30AM to setup the Tent, the Launch Equipment and Pads. Your help is appreciated.
Vista View Park allows us to fly 1/4A’s to G motors.
Our Ground Support Equipment currently includes a custom 7-pad Launch Controller soon to be replaced by our new 10-Pad System, a newly updated and modified Six Pad Rack with 1/8″, 3/16″ and 1/4″ Launch Rods with individual aiming for each Pad and a Quad-Pod for those of you whose Mid Power Rockets need a Launch Rail or a 1/2″ Rod. We are covered for just about anything you can launch in our field.
Thank you to all of you who continue to donate to our Launch Fund. We will continue to offer a free Model Rocket Kit for a $10.00 or higher Donation. (If you want to donate and not take the kit that is OK too) Your voluntary donations help cover our equipment and permit costs and it also allows us not to have to charge Club Dues or monthly per person flight fees which most Rocketry Clubs have to. Your continued Donations helps to keep us going by making it possible to get new equipment and keep our current equipment maintained and upgraded.
All NAR and Vista View Park Safety Rules are in EFFECT! Let’s have a SAFE DAY!
We do urge you to join the National Association of Rocketry http://nar.org The NAR does a lot to keep our hobby alive and they can use your support as well.
If you do join the NAR, please let them know that NAR # 21632/NAR Section # 717 Sent ya! For every new NAR membership that is recommended by BARS, the club Launch Fund gets $5.00 from the NAR. Every little bit helps!
Also please remember that we are now using a new Flight Log Sheet to schedule each of your Rocket Launches. I worked out very well last month.
And please forward this E-Mail it to anyone you may think would be interested in joining us.
For Directions: https://narbars.org/launch-site/
For all Launches, please remember to bring water, sun screen and head covering to protect you from the Sun. As you all know, Spring is here, you will get fried! Chairs, small covered tents and tables are welcome as well.
If you need to purchase motors, please see Bernie who usually shows up at the local launches. Please email him in advance at BENBUZZBOY3@AOL.COM to make arrangements. Bernie is a dealer for Cesaroni and Aerotech Motors and Hardware. Bernie also carries some parts such as Launch Buttons and other accessories.
P.S. For anyone who is taking digital photos and would like them posted on this site, please contact Marc at info@narbars.org
P.P.S. Please check out our Vendor list at the top of the page. These Vendors support us and if you can, please support them.
That is all for now. Please keep an eye out for our emails which always lets you know of the local launches.
We will catch you all soon! Marc and Scott
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