All Rocketry Blogs

Rocket Dungeon: Multi-position launch controller (plans) (2009-11-20)

Make Magazine, Vol 20 includes plans for a 10-Rail Model Rocket Mega-Launcher .  The link includes a slide show and the schematic. I'm glad someone else noticed this because my subscription ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 1, Parts (2014-08-03)

  I picked this one up on Ebay. The build of the Centuri Screaming Eagle rocket will follow the launcher assembly. This PowrPad was part of the Eagle Power Starter Set introduced in 1973 ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 2, Internal Wiring (2014-08-04)

The metallic stickers are applied first. The blue plastic housing pieces were washed off first to remove any mold release. The edges were pressed in place with a Q-tip. I didn't want to take any ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 3, Internal Wiring (2014-08-05)

Unlike the old Estes Electro Launch controller, the wire ends had the insulation already stripped off. The wire strands are twisted and turned into a "C" shape around the screwdriver shaft. Twist ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 4, Safety Key (2014-08-06)

The continuity safety key is interesting. A larger plastic housing holds a standard style safety key. The Centuri name plate piece glues over the key with plastic cement. There are two small ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 5, Power Pad Tilter (2014-08-07)

I was always curious how the "Tilter" worked. Well, it doesn't! At least I couldn't get it to tilt.  You are told to screw the bolt 1/2" into the yellow top. It screws into what would ... [Read More]

Odd'l Rockets: Making Adeptors (2014-09-13)

I made up ten Adeptors on Sunday. The central bolt is originally 1 7/8" long, too tall on top of a blast deflector so it's cut in half. After cutting in two, the bottom is filed flat. The raised ... [Read More]

Odd'l Rockets: More Adeptors, More Adeptors! (2015-08-02)

Today I cut, filed, drilled and tapped 35 Adeptors! These will be going out to the vendors shortly. It takes almost a full day to get this many made. (It's just me - no other employees) My hands ... [Read More]

Odd'l Rockets: Rocket N00b Adeptor Picture (2015-10-21)

Daniel Petrie (rocketn00b.blogspot.com) submitted some launch sequence pictures for the upcoming 2016 Rocketry Forum calendar. Daniel is right, there should be some LPR pictures in the calendar! ... [Read More]

Odd'l Rockets: Adeptors!I (2016-03-26)

These are newly made Adeptors going to JonRocket.com. They're a handmade item and one of the hardest accessories to make up. The large bolts are cut in two and filed until the bottom is flat and ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: D.I.Y. Launch Controller Housing? (2016-09-28)

After a few years in the hobby, this is the controller I wish I could have had. Even as a "Lone Wolf" flyer I wanted the best. The Centuri Professional Firing Panel, $14.95 in 1972. It had a ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: A Cheap and Simple Boost/Glider Launch System (2017-04-29)

My return to the hobby of space modeling as a 'Born Again Rocketeer' has abruptly whisked me off into the realm of front engine boost and rocket gliders.  I knew ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: A Home Depot Launcher (2017-06-13)

  "You Know You’re A Rocket Geek If…."   This is a common type of thread subject that appears from time to time on the popular rocket forums, that usually garners a ... [Read More]

Blast From The Past: NAR 60 Year Reunion, Part 7 - Vintage Launch Controllers (2018-08-08)

Reunion attendee Jeff Jenkins (NAR 46879) brought along a very nice collection of vintage model rocket launch controllers for display.  Most of them were from Centuri Engineering, and also ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: Copper Micro Clips (2019-01-08)

On the Rocketry Forum, Babar asked about replacement alligator clips for his Pratt Go Box controller. isdemar posted: "Mueller BU-34C Micro Clip, solid copper. Around $1 each plus shipping." $4.98 ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: Launch Controllers and other malefunctions (2019-12-07)

The Thrifty Rocketeer continues... Now, it many come as no surprise to you that most people have some experience with an Estes Launch controller box and wires that they got as a kid. (I said ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: Launch Leads or whatever you call them (2020-03-06)

The Thrifty Rocketeer continues... As we approach Spring launch season in the mid-west, many of us are finishing up our winter build projects.  Some are painting, and others are beginning to ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: Low Power Launch Pads (2020-04-13)

The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... A couple of months ago, I posted a picture of a power cord that had been modified with alligator clips to be part of a launch cord lead. It was my ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: Blast shields (2020-04-16)

The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... Last entry, I mused about assembling a simple launch gear set, complete with a launch rod, launch pad wires, and alligator clips to attach to a battery. ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: The Simplest Tripod (2020-08-03)

    OK, here's a simple question.... What's the fewest number of legs a tripod can have?   Stumped at how obviously simple the question is?   Think again... ... [Read More]

Model Rocket Building: New Micro Clips (2020-12-29)

Along with my new heavy gauge blast deflector - I decided to replace my micro clips.    Copper is a better conductor than the steel clips included with my 6 volt Estes co ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: My First Pad (2023-04-21)

A lot of people have been posting about their first launch of the spring... or their first launch pad.    You've inspired me to think back to my first launch pad. I wasn't sure just how ... [Read More]

Thrifty Rocketeer: The Simpliest Launch Pad (2023-04-30)

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues... We return to my roots today, with an entry that focuses on saving money.  I'm always on the lookout for a way to save money, reduce costs, ... [Read More]