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RocketSmith |
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HISTORY I am the classic BAR (born-again-rocketeer). I was first introduced to model rocketry in 1969 by my cousins in Nebraska at their farm when I was 12. I immediately went home to Massachusetts and started my own club. The crowning achievement of which was a school project I built and flew during a summer school class – a Centuri Saturn 1B. Alas, on its maiden flight it was lost in some high trees bordering the school track and field. The launch and flight were most impressive and were the talk of the school for months afterward. In my junior year, I moved to Colorado and continued my model rocket activities. After I graduated college in 1979, there followed an 18 year hiatus in which I did not even think about model rocketry. In 1997, I overheard a conversation with an associate at work about rocketry. My brother and I were intrigued so we attended several launches. This was not the model rocketry we grew up with! At the 1997 Summerfest in Flagstaff Arizona, we both certified level-1 on our first project – a Loc Precision Caliber ISP with the thought of using it later for our attempt at level-2. My brother certified first on an Aerotech H180W using a 29-180 case. I certified second on an Aerotech H220W using a 29-240 case. My flight, although successful, ended up hung in the only high power electrical lines within a mile of the launch site (there is a recurring theme here). My brother thinks I am jinxed. In the intervening years I have had enumerable successes (some failures) so I believe I have put that concern to rest. My brother has since moved on, but I continue to test my skills. Due to my son’s interest, I have transferred my national membership and certification to NAR, so my level-2 will be completed under NAR rules. Prior to my level-2 certification attempt, I had determined that I would pursue my own electronics design. Virtually every flight I do tests some aspect of the electronics I have been working on. Update(5/06) - I have achieved Level 2 using a LOC
Caliber ISP (replacement), my own electronics with a J350 on April 8th,
2006 at the local SSS club launch. The flight attained an altitude
of 4699 feet and reached 778 miles per hour. Update (2/07) - My 14yr old son successfully certified NAR Jr Level 1 at SARA's Desert Heat 2007 launch. My father was in attendance and has been bitten by the HPR bug! Update (4/08) - My father successfully certified Tripoli Level 1 at SARA's Desert Heat 2008 launch. |