Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.

  • 12 Replies
  • 1228 Views
Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« on: April 01, 2023, 09:01:04 AM »
I was using Aerotech 29 mm rocket motors with First Fire JR. starters (igniters)

The first try was with AEROTECH 29MM PROPELLANT KIT - F62T-14 and First Fire JR. starter (igniter).  The igniter made an audible phhhttt.  And didn’t ignite the motor.  It burnt itself up without setting off the rocket motor. 

I swapped out to another rocket with a AEROTECH 29MM LOADABLE MOTOR - G77R-7 with a FIRST FIRE JR. STARTER.

I only had the two igniters with me.

This attempt went phhht. Quiet fizzle.  Phhhtt.  Quiet fizzle.  Then finally ignited.  I had the button for the ignition system mashed down the entire time.



I was using two 6 volt lantern batteries in series to make 12 volts.  RAYOVAC Heavy Duty Lantern Battery, 6 Volt Screw Terminals, 945R4C



https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lighting-and-electrical/batteries/specialty-batteries/32760?store=18171&gbraid=0AAAAADtqLJGozWdzwsFmPu7GZvNS0zIG2&gbraid=0AAAAADtqLJGozWdzwsFmPu7GZvNS0zIG2&gclid=CjwKCAjwrJ-hBhB7EiwAuyBVXWusTS4FYZEy5KvWPa-oxKyo4T5-uw5isoOPoHOC24tD2EtyLdLAlxoCxqEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I was wondering with the First Fire JR. starters if it would be better to put three 6v batteries in series for 18 volts? 

Or I could use two sets of batteries.  Make two sets of batteries in 12 volt configuration, and then place them in parallel? 

Or buy a good rechargeable 12v battery.  I only launch two to three times a year.  And keep a battery maintainer on it?

Or use my cordless tool batteries by rigging something up?  However, the igniter when triggered is effectively a short.  A igniter will draw around 8 to 10 amps.  I didn’t know if this would damage my cordless tool batteries? 
« Last Edit: April 01, 2023, 10:21:30 AM by DataOverFlow2022 »

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2023, 04:21:12 AM »
So.  I decided to go with a sealed lead battery instead of risking trashing one of my expensive lithium batteries used with my cordless tools.

The old setup.



The two 6 volt lantern batteries in series with an Estes igniter.



The old lantern battery setup with an Aerotech First Fire igniter.



New battery and the battery maintainer.  Total cost was around 45 dollars. 







It seems the peak amps with the new battery almost doubled?

After the test.  I found one of the leads going to the igniter at the alligator clip was only attached with a few threads of copper wire.  Redid the connections with new alligator clips.

I wanted to use the same rocket.  But lost the retaining ring for the motor mount of the rocket, so used a Mad Cow Mozzie model rocket.  And just used the rocket motor kits I had on hand.

If you think I have the fuels misnamed, please let me know.  I can also take pictures of the motor kit documents and post them.

The white lighting fuel sputtered with the new setup.



View from camera taped to rocket.

Please ignore the time stamps on the videos.  Been too lazy to set the date with the computer.




The black Jack fuel showed no sputtering



Yes.  The rocket launch bent the three piece 1/4” aluminum thread rod at one of the threads.  Bought a solid 1/4” aluminum rod to replace it. 

View from camera taped on rocket.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2023, 04:24:28 AM by DataOverFlow2022 »

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2023, 04:34:29 AM »
So.  I have this little Estes Smoke rocket that I love.  I crashed it once and replaced the 18mm motor mount with a 24mm motor mount.

And has Survived two or three launches with the modification.

Until now…..

The motor was a Estes E12 motor.


Unfortunately the parachute did not pop out.  The charge for deploying the parachute went off, but I guess the wadding to protect the parachute and the parachute were packed too tight in the body tube.



This is how the rocket landed



The rocket had its last flight.  The rocket hit the ground and stopped.  Unfortunately the engine mount didn’t and tore away from the body tube and traveled down the tube.

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2023, 04:43:38 AM »
Since I’m wasting time.

The camera I have been using is actually from an Estes Astro Cam Rocket.  This is what it looks like when the video camera is mounted on the rocket it came with.


*

Alexei

  • レクシー
  • Flat Earth Believer
  • 3129
  • Over it.
Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2023, 02:31:52 PM »




The two 6 volt lantern batteries in series with an Estes igniter.



The old lantern battery setup with an Aerotech First Fire igniter.



New battery and the battery maintainer.  Total cost was around 45 dollars. 








I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

*

NotSoSkeptical

  • 8548
  • Flat like a droplet of water.
Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2023, 03:46:28 PM »
Insufficient Current.
Rabinoz RIP

That would put you in the same category as pedophile perverts like John Davis, NSS, robots like Stash, Shifter, and victimized kids like Alexey.

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2023, 11:36:15 AM »

I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

Dare you to click on this link…

Quote
Store > Propellant Chemicals
https://www.rocketmotorparts.com/browse/cat1577810_1455504.aspx

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2023, 11:45:00 AM »
Insufficient Current.

That’s what I think too.  But supposedly the Black Jack fuel should be the harder to ignite.  And I set the motor off last off the same battery charge. And it seems to show no hesitation?

Supposedly the Black Jack fuel is harder to ignite because of all the additives to make the black smoke. 

See
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/whats-with-blackjack-motors.21439/

I guess what my problem was “chuffing”?
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/chuffing-motors-what-is-going-on-there.162624/

*

Alexei

  • レクシー
  • Flat Earth Believer
  • 3129
  • Over it.
Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2023, 12:03:11 PM »

I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

Dare you to click on this link…

Quote
Store > Propellant Chemicals
https://www.rocketmotorparts.com/browse/cat1577810_1455504.aspx

NEVER!

Unless you allow me to spam rickroll links in your dms.

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2023, 12:21:49 PM »

I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

Dare you to click on this link…

Quote
Store > Propellant Chemicals
https://www.rocketmotorparts.com/browse/cat1577810_1455504.aspx

NEVER!

Unless you allow me to spam rickroll links in your dms.

Click on it.  Live a little.  Look at the prices for..

Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene Resin w/CAO-5 Antioxidant & HX-752 Bonding Agent 1 Gallon

Ferrocene Burn Rate Catalyst


*

Alexei

  • レクシー
  • Flat Earth Believer
  • 3129
  • Over it.
Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2023, 12:27:13 PM »

I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

Dare you to click on this link…

Quote
Store > Propellant Chemicals
https://www.rocketmotorparts.com/browse/cat1577810_1455504.aspx

NEVER!

Unless you allow me to spam rickroll links in your dms.

Click on it.  Live a little.  Look at the prices for..

Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene Resin w/CAO-5 Antioxidant & HX-752 Bonding Agent 1 Gallon

Ferrocene Burn Rate Catalyst

I clicked. Thanks for giving me the ingredients for my makeshift bomb.

Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2023, 12:43:28 PM »

I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

Dare you to click on this link…

Quote
Store > Propellant Chemicals
https://www.rocketmotorparts.com/browse/cat1577810_1455504.aspx

NEVER!

Unless you allow me to spam rickroll links in your dms.

Click on it.  Live a little.  Look at the prices for..

Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene Resin w/CAO-5 Antioxidant & HX-752 Bonding Agent 1 Gallon

Ferrocene Burn Rate Catalyst

I clicked. Thanks for giving me the ingredients for my makeshift bomb.

You did more than look?  You bought and put down a mailing address?  I might be the controlled opposition….

*

Alexei

  • レクシー
  • Flat Earth Believer
  • 3129
  • Over it.
Re: Trouble igniting AEROTECH 29MM - rocket motors.
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2023, 12:57:23 PM »

I think those images you posted might get you branded as a terrorist on some Government watchlist.

Dare you to click on this link…

Quote
Store > Propellant Chemicals
https://www.rocketmotorparts.com/browse/cat1577810_1455504.aspx

NEVER!

Unless you allow me to spam rickroll links in your dms.

Click on it.  Live a little.  Look at the prices for..

Hydroxyl-terminated Polybutadiene Resin w/CAO-5 Antioxidant & HX-752 Bonding Agent 1 Gallon

Ferrocene Burn Rate Catalyst

I clicked. Thanks for giving me the ingredients for my makeshift bomb.

You did more than look?  You bought and put down a mailing address?  I might be the controlled opposition….

Mmhmm. I have everything I need to finish my evil plan mwahahahahahahah.