Madcow Torrent
The following videos are for building the Madcow Torrent rocket.
All of the information on this page is duplicated directly from apogeerockets.com - specifically for the Torrent. This is their information entirely. Apogee Rockets are the authors and have the intellectual rights to all of this material. It is only copied here to accommodate students and our issues with internet filtration.
All of the information on this page is duplicated directly from apogeerockets.com - specifically for the Torrent. This is their information entirely. Apogee Rockets are the authors and have the intellectual rights to all of this material. It is only copied here to accommodate students and our issues with internet filtration.
Introduction to Dual Deployment RocketryWhat's "Dual Deployment"?Dual Deployment is very popular in high power rocketry, as well as high altitude low and mid power rocketry. The concept is that a small parachute, called a drogue chute, is ejected at apogee. This parachute keeps the rocket from going ballistic, but still allows a fairly rapid descent, which keeps the rocket from catching thermals or wind as much. At a significantly lower altitude, typically between 500 and 700 feet, a secondary ejection charge is fired and a full size parachute is ejected, bringing the rocket down to a much lower descent rate that will not damage the rocket upon hitting the ground.
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The whole point of this is to keep rockets that fly really high from drifting a long way from the launch site. If you eject a full size parachute at 7000 feet, it could drift three miles before it lands, depending on the wind. If you use a drogue chute for the first 6300 feet of that descent, it might only drift a quarter mile from the launch pad. Use the button below to learn more... |
Part 1 Motor Mount Construction
Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this first video, you'll see how to assemble the engine mount, which is the heart of the high-power rocket.
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. She really wanted to build a big rocket, so I said, "sure. But let's record it too, as I'm sure other people would love to see the process." So in this video, I'll give you a short introduction for Erin, and then she will proceed to assemble the rocket.
I'm always learning something new from these videos too. I can see you and our other customers as I watch Erin. She is going through the exact experience that you might go through when building a rocket. That gives me a new perspective on the problems that you might face when building a large rocket for the first time. I hope to use this information to help create better instructions, so that all first-time builders can have an easier time assembling rockets.
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. She really wanted to build a big rocket, so I said, "sure. But let's record it too, as I'm sure other people would love to see the process." So in this video, I'll give you a short introduction for Erin, and then she will proceed to assemble the rocket.
I'm always learning something new from these videos too. I can see you and our other customers as I watch Erin. She is going through the exact experience that you might go through when building a rocket. That gives me a new perspective on the problems that you might face when building a large rocket for the first time. I hope to use this information to help create better instructions, so that all first-time builders can have an easier time assembling rockets.
Part 2 Motor Mount Installation
Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this second video, you'll see how to tie on the shock cord to the engine mount, and then to glue the engine mount into the body tube..
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different.
Video Length: 6:25
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different.
Video Length: 6:25
Notes:
- Gluing Technique: When gluing the top centering ring of the motor mount, hold the glue bottle and let the glue drip into place. When there is sufficient glue, spread it out with your finger or a dowel to create the fillet and fill the seam between the ring and the inside of the tube.
- Gluing Technique: You don't need quite as much glue as I (Erin) used when gluing the bottom centering ring. Using too much will cause the glue to leak out of the slots in the tube and make it more difficult when it dries to get the fins in the slots. You want enough that when you slide the ring, the glue will push and when it dries creates that fillet on the top of the ring. Fortunately I was able to remove the excess with paper towels.
Part 3 Fin Installation
Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this third video, you'll see how to sand your fins and glue them in place. We're not done with the fins yet, though!
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different. <
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different. <
Notes:
- Removing the laser cut edge marks is not necessary, but the laser will sometimes leave a residue that can rub off on your hands or the laser can skip and leave a bumpy edge.
- Yes, I know I didn't round or airfoil the fins. :) The rocket will fly just fine without that detail (albeit not as high as if I had) and for photography purposes here at Apogee, the fins show up better if there is a defined edge to them, particularly if they are painted a dark color.
Part 4 Rail Button Installation
Putting together a high power rocket is actually easier than you might imagine. In this fourth video, you'll see how install rail buttons and the Aeropack engine retainer.
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different.
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different.
Notes:
- About 6" from the tube top (~2" from the base of the coupler/ebay) is the more recommended distance for the upper rail button. The 4.5" I used is fine, as long as the rail button does not interfere with the ebay's placement in the tube.
- You can use any sort of thread-lock glue to secure the rail buttons in place. Epoxy was my choice.
Part 5 Fin Fillets
Ever wanted to see how to make near-perfect fin fillets? In this week's video tutorial, Erin is going to add the epoxy fillets along the fins to enhance the strength of the fins. They will also reduce the drag along the corner of the fin where it meets the tube, so the rocket will fly higher too. The video starts with securing the rail button down with epoxy clay to prevent the parachute from snagging on the bolt that protrudes through the tube. Then you'll see the steps to creating fillets so smooth, that people will be begging you to tell them your secret. And it is easier than you'd think. See how it is done now!
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different.
We're trying something different in this series of videos. I'm personally going to move from being in front of the camera, to being behind it. The construction of the rocket is being done by Erin Card, who works here at Apogee Components as web designer and customer service representative. Since we're video recording the process of making this kit, we're taking a bit longer than normal. But that's cool. Every time you get to see Erin, she's wearing something different.
Part 6 Building and Installing the Altimeter Bay (step 1)
The high-Power rocket that Erin has been assembling in this series, is intended as an easy-to-build dual deployment rocket. That means it is going to carry electronics to fire off two separate ejection charges. In this week's video, we'll start assembling the electronic's bay (called the e-bay or an altimeter bay). The e-bay is the standard 4-inch Mad-Cow altimeter bay, so this video can also help you if you are interested in that product as well.
Additonal Construction Tips:
From Paul Wolaver:
From Paul Wolaver:
- When putting the ring on the outside of the payload bay, apply the glue a little bit off to one side of centered, then put the ring on from that side, twisting it and smearing the glue, as you center the outside ring - better glue coverage.
- When assembling the 2 disks to make the bulkheads - after applying glue, twist the 2 disks against each other to spread the glue.
- After the end-bulkheads fit well, remove them, and apply some CA to the ends of the cardboard tube - it hardens then end and really protects the ends.
Part 7 The Electronics Bay (step 2)
The high-Power rocket that Erin has been assembling in this series, is intended as an easy-to-build dual deployment rocket. That means it is going to carry electronics to fire off two separate ejection charges. In this week's video, we'll finish assembling the electronic's bay (called the e-bay or an altimeter bay) and install the rivets. At the end of this video, we have a nearly-functional rocket! The e-bay is the standard 4-inch Mad-Cow altimeter bay, so this video can also help you if you are interested in that product as well.
Part 8 Priming the Rocket
With the rocket body assembled, it's time to get color on the kit. We'll have to start with a few coats of primer in order to get that exquisite finish. In this week's video, you'll see a technique for using automotive primer through and airbrush. You can use the aerosol can primer too, if you like.
Part 9 Sanding the Primer
The next step is the most tedious in finishing your rocket, but a vital one. Sanding the primer and getting a smooth, bump-free finish is of utmost importance when a smooth, glossy topcoat is desired. The paint-sand-paint-repeat technique can be used for any rocket, low to high power.
Part 10 Finishing and Flying
This is the final video in the construction of the Dual-Deployment rocket. This time, the rocket is fully painted, and now you'll see Erin install the parachutes in preparation for flight. At the end of the video, you'll get to witness the first launch of this rocket!
A couple of notes: The actual painting of the rocket is similar to painting the primer, which was shown in Part 8. Therefore, we are skipping over that part in this sequence. Also, the installation of the electronics and the ejection charge holders is shown in our DVD on how to mount electronics.
A couple of notes: The actual painting of the rocket is similar to painting the primer, which was shown in Part 8. Therefore, we are skipping over that part in this sequence. Also, the installation of the electronics and the ejection charge holders is shown in our DVD on how to mount electronics.