I flew the unmodified version of this rocket for my Level 1 on an AT H128W - great reload and great flight! For my Level 2, I added a LOC 4" avionics bay and extended payload section. I used a PerfectFlite MAWD with Newton's Third canisters for drogue and main deployment charges. I used three 2-56 nylon screws for shear pins on the nose cone. The Horizon is one awesome rocket!
July 2011 update - I mounted a custom built GPS telemetry system in the Orzel. The rocket avionics portion consists of a GPS module, an Xbee wireless radio, and a 3.7v LiPo battery pack. The ground station consists of another Xbee wireless radio, an Arduino Fio, an LCD, and a 3.7v LiPo battery pack mounted in a plastic enclosure. Ground testing of the system has been completed and position data has been successfully validated with a handheld GPS. I plan to perform flight testing at the next Battle Park launch this fall.
| Flight Date: | 2011-11-12 |
| Rocket Name: | Orzel |
| Kit Name: | BSD High Power Rocketry - Horizon {Kit} |
| Flyer's Name: | Gene Wolski |
| Motors: | I211-ALT |
| Launch Site: | Battle Park |
| Actual Altitude: | 2,131 Feet |
Mixed flight - was supposed to test my home built GPS locator module, but the battery for the ground station was dead. I had decided to scrub this flight due to the windy conditions on the field, but later changed my mind. I built charges (more on that later) and continued to prep the rocket for flight. I loaded the rocket on the rail and waited for the flight - no continuity. After an igniter change out, the rocket roared off the pad on the I211W - straight boost. We could see the rocket separate at apogee, but the main never deployed. The rocket was in pretty good shape, although the payload section was damaged and needs to be replaced. The altimeter was beeping out 2131 ft. Post flight inspection revealed that both charges had fired. In hindsight, I may have switched the apogee and main charges. The apogee charge would've been too small to deploy the main. I will replace the payload section and prep the rocket for flight again in December.
| Stage | Motor(s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aerotech I211W-ALT |
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