tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48595845548099066572024-03-05T21:16:26.696-05:00U.S. Water RocketsThis Blog documents the various activities of the world record holding water rocket team known as U.S. Water Rockets.
Using media aggregation technologies, we will be including videos and photos taken by the team and spectators of their water rocket launches as well as tutorials and instructions for building and flying water rockets safely.
Additional information on where to find competitions and rules regarding our water rocket world records will also be discussed.U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-87949530423006395912017-05-04T01:26:00.000-04:002017-05-04T01:26:07.630-04:003D Printed Star Wars R2-D2 Astromech DroidHey, everyone! Today is International Star Wars Day! To celebrate, we have released the complete file set for our 3D Printed Star Wars R2 Unit! This nearly 1/4 Scale robot replica has been a long term project for us, as we perfected our 3D modeling skills and learned the techniques needed to be able to make highly detailed prints on a small 3D printer!<br />
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Since we're known more for our Water Rockets than our 3D modelling skills, regulars to this Blog will be pleased to discover that there is a definite Water Rocket related tie-in for this project. But we're not going to spoil the surprise. You will just have to watch the video we created to announce this project to find out what the secret is! Check out the video below, and let us know in the video comments what you think!<br />
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If you're interested in making your own print of our model, you can find the complete instructions for how to download the files from Thingiverse, print them, and assemble them, all on our build tutorial on our website. The following link will take you right to the instructions: </div>
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<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/3D_Printed_Star_Wars_Droid/tutorial.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/3D_Printed_Star_Wars_Droid/tutorial.htm</a></div>
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We hope you enjoy this model as much as we enjoyed designing it. And May the 4th be with you!</div>
U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-80103300105794781412016-06-14T14:00:00.000-04:002016-06-14T14:00:20.181-04:00Water Rocket Boosted Glider Experiment.<div abp="128">
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We recently discovered a way to easily adapt our Radial Parachute Recovery System so that it can be used to release a payload module carried along the side of the Water Rocket Airframe. Our first thought was to use this as a way to take a Paper Glider to a very high altitude, and then release it. </div>
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We improved further on this concept when we realized that a rubber band could be used to forcefully fire the Paper Glider away from the Water Rocket when it is released.</div>
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We took this concept and mocked it up and performed a number of ground tests on it to see how well it would work, before we did an actual test flight. With a number of really promising tests conducted, we then decided to perform a test flight.</div>
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We added several cameras to the rocket so we could see the plane from different angles, and with any luck some dramatic footage of the plane in flight. Then we armed the system and prepared for launch.</div>
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In this video, we show the concept in more detail, and then we want to hear your opinion. Do you think it will Fail or Fly? Post your ideas in the comments section of this video, and we may use your comments in the results video, which will be published at the end of the week.</div>
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Get your comments in now, and let us know. Will it Fail or Fly!</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-4727064770424561012016-05-24T18:36:00.000-04:002016-05-24T18:37:52.912-04:00How to design a competition Water Rocket<div abp="4" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Our team was recently asked to assist some students participating in a water rocket distance competition held by their school. We had never done any experiments in achieving maximum distance, so we were excited by the prospect of applying our experience in setting world records for altitude, as well as the chance to work with students in the STEM field.</div>
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We have published the first episode of our documentary series that covers our experience in this project. In this introductory episode, we jump right into analysis of the competition rules and our thoughts on designing the perfect water rocket for this competition.</div>
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The video begins with a history of our involvement in the competition, and how we became involved, and then outlines all of the rules for the competition which we had to comply with. The video concludes with a rough design for the ideal rocket, and a test plan for the design which will fine tune the rocket to maximize the performance.</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-33753844471510273942016-05-11T23:51:00.002-04:002016-05-11T23:51:23.150-04:00Free 3D Printable Soda Bottle Adapters<div abp="166">
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Many people have discovered that 2 liter soda bottles can be used to store compressed air and used in places where "canned air" is typically used. Dusting electronics and airbrushing are just some of the uses people have used homemade soda bottle air tanks for. Some of the more inventive people out there have created arrays of soda bottles to increase their tank capacity. Some of these people have even realized that they can increase the volume of their individual air tanks by joining multiple bottles together using our <a abp="1203" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGxOnuNxDoQ" target="_blank">bottle splicing technique</a>. </div>
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The usual method for making an air tank involves drilling holes in the bottle caps and then attaching a rubber hose fitting to the hole. This technique is time consuming and can leak air. Fortunately, people wishing to find a better way to do this have another option: the U.S. Water Rockets Soda Bottle to 3/8" NPT Pipe Adapter!</div>
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These adapters were created so that we could more easily pressure test our water rockets or for burst testing of bottles, and we still use them for this purpose. But these adapters are a great solution for making a soda bottle compressed air tank farm! You can use them for either of these purposes, and probably a lot more functions that we have not even thought of!</div>
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The files and instructions are available for download on our<a abp="174" href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1554940" target="_blank"> Thingiverse page</a>. Enjoy!</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-49251851385321061112016-05-05T00:30:00.001-04:002016-05-05T00:30:48.081-04:00Learn how to paint your water rockets and get professional looking results!<div abp="125">
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This week's video demonstrates a Water Rocket painting technique we have developed and tested for some time, and it has proven to give excellent results. This technique is very simple, and produces a finish that is as smooth and glossy as glass, without any buffing or polishing at all. Best of all, it's incredibly easy for anyone to get these results.</div>
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Not only does this method produce a great finish, it also is much more durable and will not scratch off from repeated use, nor will it peel away if you apply tape to the rocket. It is so tough, that you can paint the entire rocket, including the pressurized parts, and not even the pressure will affect it!</div>
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Check out the new video, and leave us a comment to let us know what you think!</div>
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Stay tuned for more exciting videos by subscribing to our channel. We have wrapped some really fascinating projects up, and will be publishing the results very soon! </div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-53142440275860466632016-04-27T00:46:00.000-04:002016-04-27T00:46:11.440-04:00Ultimate Tornado Tube for Water Rockets<div abp="161">
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Introducing the U.S. Water Rockets Ultimate Tornado Tube! This free downloadable 3D Printer object is our take on the classic "Tornado Tube", used for joining soft drink bottles together to create massively huge water rockets. </div>
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The "tornado tube" name comes from a science toy which is used to connect two bottles together to demonstrate a vortex when water moves from one bottle to another. Water rocket builders quickly seized upon this science toy and repurposed it as a water rocket bottle coupler. </div>
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However, the science toy version of the Tornado Tube is notorious for leaking air or water when under pressure, and it is also known for choking the flow inside the rocket, due to the small opening between the bottles that is formed by the seats for the flat washer seals.</div>
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Our design uses an external o-ring seal on each end, which we invented when designing our Gardena water rocket nozzle. Our seal design creates an unrestricted flow between bottles for optimum performance.</div>
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When you combine this design with <a abp="412" href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/bottle_splice/tutorial.htm" target="_blank">our technique for splicing multiple bottles together</a>, you can create gigantic water rockets that fly to incredible heights.</div>
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You can download the files for this design (and our other designs) from our Thingiverse page. <a abp="174" href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1522968">http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1522968</a></div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-81535848470859728892015-10-10T11:45:00.000-04:002015-10-10T11:45:22.823-04:00How to make High Pressure Water Rockets Part 2<div abp="167">
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Long ago we decided that if we could hold the Water Rocket World Record for 10 years, that we would publish the details of how we made our High Pressure Water Rockets, to help get more people interested in competing. Little did we know at the time we passed the 10 year mark that there was a group in Capetown, South Africa who were already secretly designing a rocket similar in design to ours. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">U.S. Water Rockets X-14 High Pressure Water Rocket </td></tr>
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Our very first World Record was 1,421 feet (433 meters), set on September 2, 2004. For qualification, we had to average two flights in a 2 hour time period. Those flights were 1,382 feet and 1,450 feet high. The average of the two flights was the 1,421 foot world record, surpassing the former World Record held by Anti Gravity Research of 1,242 feet. In the following few years, we incrementally raised the record multiple times, culminating in a record of 2,044 feet. </div>
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By September of 2014, no other team had surpassed our 1,421 record from 2004, so we began work on a series of videos explaining how we build these rockets. The videos are available on our <a abp="173" href="http://www.youtube.com/uswaterrockets" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a> along with many of our other experiments and tutorials. Additional information can also be found on our website at <a abp="224" href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/">www.USWaterRockets.com</a> if you are interested in learning more. If you'd like to compete against the new record holder, Ascention III, then visit <a abp="1099" href="http://www.wra2.org/">www.WRA2.org</a> to see what it takes to qualify your rocket!</div>
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Part 2 of the video series explains multiple methods we created to eject the parachute from our rockets. These designs date back over 12 years, and our early work seems primitive by modern standards, yet it was enough to hold the record for an astounding 11 years! </div>
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Check out the video here:</div>
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Part 1 of the video series discusses the most difficult part of the High Pressure Water Rocket, the Pressure Vessel. The video explains several methods for making this component and includes detailed animations and live action video of actual rocket builds, explaining the processes. Check out the video, and let us know what you think!</div>
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Important: High Pressure Water Rockets can be very dangerous. They can explode and cause great harm, or they could impact something and cause injury or property damage. Always follow the appropriate safety precautions when working with these kinds of rockets. Be safe!</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-79554989638773399912015-08-12T18:16:00.001-04:002015-08-12T18:16:57.150-04:00How to make a Water Rocket Launcher for Gardena NozzlesIn our <a href="http://uswaterrockets.blogspot.com/2015/02/3d-printed-custom-gardena-water-rocket.html" target="_blank">Blog Post from February 3, 2015</a>, we announced that we had created a 3D printable Water Rocket Gardena Nozzle and subsequently <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:781367" target="_blank">provided a link to the printable object on Thingiverse</a>. Several people wanted to know how to build a suitable launcher for this type of Water Rocket, so we created a new Tutorial set that explains the procedure in detail.<br />
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We have created a Video Tutorial that explains how to make the Gardena Launcher, and also a nice Web version of the tutorial that you can reference. The Web version of the tutorial is available on our website at the following link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Gardena_Launcher/tutorial.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Gardena_Launcher/tutorial.htm</a><br />
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If you want to view the Video version of the tutorial, you can see it <a href="https://youtu.be/hJf7DHApz2Y" target="_blank">on our YouTube Channel</a>, or in the embedded player below:<br />
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-40544702405249302252015-07-27T11:53:00.001-04:002015-07-29T17:23:48.278-04:00How to get rockets and other things down when they get stuck in a tree!Last fall, when we were hurriedly conducting some final experiments and recording some video from our onboard <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkZqvr6xhXA" target="_blank">Mobius 1080P Tower Camera</a> before the winter, our Water Rocket became stuck in a tall tree. The rocket, which was made from a large number of 1.5 liter <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGxOnuNxDoQ" target="_blank">bottles spliced together</a>, contained 3 onboard cameras and an experimental payload and one of our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG6LBraU-Qk" target="_blank">DIY homebrew parachute deploying altimeters</a> which had custom firmware with some new features in it. <br />
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We thought that with the increased popularity of multirotors and model rockets, that there would be a lot of people who could benefit from our years of experience in how to safely recover things which get stuck in trees. <br />
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We really wanted this expensive rocket and all of the video and experimental test data which it had collected back, so we attempted several methods for recovering the rocket. We threw things at it to try and dislodge it, we tried to toss a rope over it, but it was too high to reach. We had to drive all the way home and bring back our Tree Recovery System. This device was created about 10 years ago when our <a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/launch_reports/2004_9_12/flight_log.htm" target="_blank">World Record Setting X-10 Water Rocket got stuck in a tree.</a><br />
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In our latest tutorial, we show you how we built this device and how you use it to recover things that come stuck in trees. Check out the<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Tree_Rescue/tutorial.htm" target="_blank"> links to the web tutorial</a>, and watch the online video we posted to YouTube, which we link to below.<br />
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<br />U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-63980596804797561582015-04-04T20:48:00.000-04:002015-07-29T21:03:11.772-04:00Mobious Action Camera Water Rocket Tower Camera Project<div abp="2552" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_55b974d85a2e33985939685">
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Have you ever wondered what a Water Rocket launch looks like if you were standing on the nose of the rocket looking down? Well, we were curious to know how it w<span abp="2554" class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span abp="2555" class="text_exposed_show">ould look, so we created our "Tower Camera" made from a Mobius 1080P Action Camera installed in a custom made waterproof enclosure. We launched the camera several times and were able to create some spectacular onboard footage. </span></div>
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We have plans to use the Tower Camera in some of our future Water Rocket experiments, which we will be discussing in more detail in the future and of course we will be documenting on our YouTube Channel. If you don't want to miss any of the action, you should<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/USWaterRockets?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank"> subscribe</a>. We would appreciate your show of support with the subscription.</div>
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The YouTube video which we produced about this project is embedded below. Enjoy!</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-39173912937266960772015-04-01T19:33:00.000-04:002015-04-01T19:33:11.381-04:00Tutorial: How to Build a High Power Water RocketThis week we have published a lengthy tutorial that discusses a number of methods which we have developed over the past 12 years of building High Power Water Rockets. As the World Record holding Team, we have learned a lot, and we've decided that publishing a tutorial on the subject should generate interest in building more rockets like these, and will hopefully help generate more interest in Water Rocketry.<br />
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This is a very complex subject, and it involves a lot of techniques that have never been duplicated by anyone else. As this is such a involved subject, we have broken the tutorial into a number of different topics which will spread the material out over a multiple part video series. Each "episode" will explain in detail a specific aspect of High Power Water Rockets, and go into detail with instructions showing different methods for making the various components.<br />
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Each video will include detailed diagrams to show you the techniques and instructions as clearly as we know how, in addition to actual build and testing footage of some of our famous Water Rockets, which you may have seen on the internet or on Mythbusters. <br />
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The first episode of the series is linked below. If you appreciate the effort that goes into making these videos, please click on the like buttons, subscribe, and leave us some feedback with your comments and suggestions. Stay tubed for more videos and updates. <br />
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<br />U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-19033914822718618262015-02-03T19:13:00.001-05:002015-04-19T23:05:42.767-04:003D Printed Custom Gardena Water Rocket Nozzles<div abp="1438">
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Our latest video introduces a new method for making Gardena (Garden Hose Quick Release) Nozzles for Water Rockets which we have been experimenting with over the past few years. What we have been doing is designing and testing various Water Rocket components that can be 3D printed. We're really impressed with the quality and durability of these parts, and we're ready to share what we have learned about 3D printing with our friends in the Water Rocket Community. We hope that as 3D printers become commonplace, that some of our work will be helpful to others.</div>
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Perhaps the greatest advantage of the 3D Printer is in the time it saves. There was a time when it could take 30 or 40 minutes to make a single nozzle, and so if we were making multiple rockets or spare parts, it could take a whole day of work. With the 3D printer we just punch in that we want 6 identical copies and go away to work on something else (or sleep). We return later and collect 6 perfect and identical parts! It's amazing!</div>
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The complete article and the 3D files you use to print your own nozzles are available on our website here:<br />
<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/3D_Gardena_Nozzle/report.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/3D_Gardena_Nozzle/report.htm</a><br />
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Check it out and watch the video we linked to in the article and let us know what you think!<br />
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com2Galway Lake, NY, USA43.035401428978865 -74.08202778645545542.849732928978867 -74.404751286455451 43.221069928978864 -73.75930428645546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-40060315417450650942015-01-27T11:26:00.001-05:002015-01-27T11:26:27.111-05:00Slow Motion 3D Video Highlights<div abp="1198">
Last week, we published a tutorial and video showing how anyone can make 3D video using a simple 3D Camera Rig that anyone can build. This week, we take the concept to the extreme by mounting a pair of high speed cameras to the 3D Rig and recording 3D Slow Motion Water Rocket launch Videos!</div>
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We also put together a short video of 3D Slow Motion Water Rocket Launch Highlights, from various launches we have done over the past few years. You will be able to see 3D Camera Tests, Chase Camera Launches, and some good old fashioned bottle launching fun! Check out the Slow Motion 3D Video on our YouTube Channel here:</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-17274211789251239362015-01-21T21:52:00.000-05:002015-01-21T21:52:06.094-05:003D Water Rocket Video Tutorial<div abp="127">
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A while ago, we created a Dual Camera Rig, which is used to make 3D Videos and Photos, and we used it to take a number of 3D videos of our experimental Water Rocket launches. Since the weather has been too cold for conducting experiments, we decided to catch up on some of these older projects which we documented but never formally published. </div>
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On our website, we have released a new tutorial, showing you how we built the 3D Camera Rig, and how to use it. We also included some instructions for how to combine the 3D photos and videos you take with the 3D Camera Rig into stunning 3D images you can view with Red/Blue 3D glasses and YouTube Videos you can view with one of several 3D viewing options available on YouTube. They even have modes that you can use with no glasses at all (sometimes called "crosseyed" viewing).</div>
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You can read the tutorial at the following link: <a abp="288" href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/3D_Camera/report.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/3D_Camera/report.htm</a></div>
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We have also compiled a short video montage of High Definition 3D Video clips which we have recorded over the past few years using the 3D Camera Rig. Check out the 3D video samples on our YouTube Channel below:</div>
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We hope you enjoy the 3D Videos, and would love to see any videos that you create using our 3D Camera Rig concept.</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-39222125660582445482015-01-07T00:04:00.002-05:002015-01-07T08:15:58.248-05:00Staging Mechanism for Air-Start of Multi-Stage Water Rockets<div abp="578">
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Over the past few weeks, we've been engaged in a discussion on the <a abp="580" href="http://www.waterrocketforum.com/" target="_blank">Water Rocket Forum</a> after we posted a video we found on YouTube about a toy Water Rocket which we had never seen before. The toy had a unique launching system where the rocket is tossed in the air and a lanyard attached to your wrist activates a launching mechanism when the rocket reaches the end of the lanyard.</div>
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A forum member going by the name "Bugwubber" took up our challenge to reverse engineer the toy, and was able to figure out the system by analyzing the video frame by frame. He came up with some diagrams and a video showing how it operates.</div>
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We built on Bugwubber's work, by combining it with our own Radial Deploy System to create a concept for our own type of staging system, for which we have started a new project series to share our work. </div>
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A unique feature of the system is that it has the ability to be initiated while in flight at any point in time, simply by changing the time delay after launch. Instead of the typical staging system that will only fire at burnout, this new system is cable of delaying until a more favorable booster firing altitude has been reached. This ability is known as "air-start" in rocketry terminology, so we adopted it for this design as well.</div>
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We've linked to the first video to kick off the new project, showing our concept and an animation illustrating how it operates. We hope you will follow along as we continue to build and test this idea in the coming months! </div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-7663649429270714972014-12-30T00:23:00.002-05:002015-01-07T00:07:22.894-05:00New Hybrid Parachute Recovery Mechanism Tutorial and Video<div abp="127">
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This week, we are happy to announce a new type of Parachute Recovery System for rockets of all types, which combines the best features of an Axial System (large volume) and a Radial System (simple construction, and high reliability) to create a Hybrid system that is better than the sum of its parts. </div>
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The tutorial explaining how to build and operate the Hybrid Deploy System, as well as a detailed explanation of the advantages this new design can be found on our website at the following link: <a abp="1029" href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Hybrid_Deploy/tutorial.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Hybrid_Deploy/tutorial.htm</a></div>
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If you would like to see a video showing how we build and tested the Hybrid Deploy, check out the link below to the video on our YouTube Channel: <a abp="1033" href="http://youtu.be/_x7sSLBN8zk">http://youtu.be/_x7sSLBN8zk</a></div>
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Let us know what you think!</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-16432043596845224442014-10-18T00:38:00.000-04:002014-10-18T00:39:10.517-04:00PL Premium now available in 4oz Tube!Our friend Bugwubber on
the WRA2 Water Rocket Forum (<a href="http://waterrocketforum.com/">waterrocketforum.com</a>) recently discovered that PL
Premium Construction Adhesive is available in a small re-sealable tube! We
located the small tube at our local home improvement store, and confirmed it is
available from online merchants like amazon.com and others. The part number to
order is: Osi Sealants/henkel Adhesives #1451588.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBJ7AgA86rjDBdJs_-0v_00QH_tLnXNqqCH8pNcBNNzyyk9_mluGuyoaKeTDE_ahLo-UlyTXLe0PnAG2eKhwFag-vxQbKBzWlbTpeYavSu6le6iuSgQgOlqmqM3fJUwKjLkqtl1pHbFG5/s1600/PL_Tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBJ7AgA86rjDBdJs_-0v_00QH_tLnXNqqCH8pNcBNNzyyk9_mluGuyoaKeTDE_ahLo-UlyTXLe0PnAG2eKhwFag-vxQbKBzWlbTpeYavSu6le6iuSgQgOlqmqM3fJUwKjLkqtl1pHbFG5/s1600/PL_Tube.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This new packaging option may make it easier for Water Rocket makers around the globe to obtain this adhesive where it was previously unavailable or cost prohibitive to ship due to the large and heavy caulk cartridge container. This small tube is perfect for water rockets because the screw-on cap prevents the unused potion from curing when not in use.</div>
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You may find that the 4oz tube is too small if you follow the obsolete and wasteful splicing tutorials that have been copied over and over since the late 20th century, but this 4oz tube is perfect for the efficient splices that we created for our rockets. You can see our tutorial for splicing using our modernized technique on our YouTube Channel at the following link:<br />
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The new splicing method has been repeatedly tested and can hold around 200PSI if you take your tine and follow the splice instructions closely. Pressure testing of the new splice is available at this link:</div>
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Using this splice technique, this 4oz tube should be
enough to build more than 10 very large water rockets, similar to the one shown
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We hope that this new packaging proves useful to our friends overseas where PL Premium has been hard to obtain. Let us know what you think!</div>
U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-5486540265014646942014-09-22T20:52:00.001-04:002014-09-22T20:52:31.356-04:00Make: Rockets: Down-to-Earth Rocket ScienceU.S. Water Rockets is pleased to announce the publication of the new book: <span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">Make: Rockets: Down-to-Earth Rocket Science, by Mike Westerfield. </span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">This book is a must-have for anyone interested in model rocketry. It is an incredible resource for beginners and experts alike. This book covers every aspect of model rocketry and includes detailed step-by-step instructions for building and flying a vast number of different types of model rockets, from simple soda straws, to multi stage solid propellant rockets, and even water rockets with servo parachute recovery.</span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">The book is filled with an incredible amount of photos and illustrations, and tons of construction tips never before collected in a single place. Bolstering the value of the book is the amount of meticulously researched and documented science that is explained in plain English, which brings the highly technical aspects of rocket science within reach of everyone.</span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">And if you haven't guessed it by now by looking at the book cover photo, U.S. Water Rockets was involved with the creation of the Water Rocket chapters in this book! It was great fun helping to create this wonderful model rocketry resource, and to help introduce Water Rockets to a wider audience. Who knows, this book may inspire the next Air Command to take up the hobby, like our contribution to the Water Rocket segment on MythBusters did!</span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">Keep in mind that because of the long lead times involved in publishing a book of this scope, the book was finalized before we published our "Do It Yourself Low Cost Altimeter with Servo Deploy" (<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/documents/LaunchPad_AlTImeter/manual.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/documents/LaunchPad_AlTImeter/manual.htm</a>) and also before we completed our innovative new "Radial Parachute Deploy System" (<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Radial_Deploy/tutorial.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Radial_Deploy/tutorial.htm</a>), plus many other groundbreaking designs on our website (<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/">http://www.uswaterrockets.com</a>). Be sure and check out our links after you read the book for the absolute latest in Water Rocket research.</span><br />
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<span class="a-size-large">Show your support for the rocket hobby by reading this book, and remember that the holidays are fast approaching - this book would make a great gift!</span><br />
<span class="a-size-large"></span><br />U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-82080547979567807062014-06-26T20:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T18:33:37.135-04:00Low Cost Altimeter With Servo Deploy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
U.S. Water Rockets is pleased to announce the release of the LaunchPad AlTImeter, the Model Rocket Altimeter that you build yourself using the FREE plans and software that are available for download on our website! </div>
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The LaunchPad AlTImeter was designed to meet the needs specific to both Pyro Rockets and Water Rockets, and it is packed it with useful features. Even so, the designers worked tirelessly to keep the project cost very low! </div>
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Some of the main features of the LaunchPad AlTImeter design include:</div>
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<li>Peak Altitude Report (up to > 32,000 feet)</li>
<li><1 foot (30 cm) Altitude Resolution</li>
<li>Automatic Apogee Detection with Deploy Trigger Outputs</li>
<li>Configurable Deploy Output Polarity</li>
<li>Configurable Deploy Delay</li>
<li>Automatic Launch Detection detects slow acceleration (small nozzle water rockets)</li>
<li>Direct Servo Deploy Driver Output</li>
<li>~3.3V Digital Deploy Output</li>
<li>Visual and Audio Feedback</li>
<li>Low Power Texas Instruments MSP430 Microcontroller Core</li>
<li>Low Cost</li>
<li>Easy to build (Extensive Documentation on USWaterRockets.com)</li>
<li>Free Plans and Software Downloads</li>
<li>Operates from 3.7VDC to 10.0VDC (Max 6.0VDC if Servo is used)</li>
<li>Weekly Tutorial and Demonstration Videos <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/USWaterRockets?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank">(Click Here to Subscribe)</a> </li>
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To keep the cost to the end user as low as possible, we chose the Texas Instruments MSP430 LaunchPad development board as the core for the platform, and added a few simple components to create a very easy to build project. By using the MSP430 LaunchPad as a starting point, we have provided a path for those who are using our previously released ServoChron Servo Timer system to upgrade to a fully functional peak recording altimeter with servo motor deploy.</div>
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To lean more about the LaunchPad AlTImeter and find out how to make your own, please visit the new section of our website: <a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/documents/LaunchPad_AlTImeter/manual.htm" target="_blank">Click here for the LaunchPad AlTImeter Documentation</a>.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-59239988837431886012014-06-24T07:47:00.001-04:002014-06-24T07:47:35.148-04:00Water Rocket Chase Camera Mark IIWe've just posted an update to our Water Rocket Chase Camera Project which shows how we repaired and improved the Chase Camera Pod that was destroyed in the collision with the Rocket Thrust Water Column in the first part of the project. The new design was modified so that it would avoid meeting its demise in the same way, and we achieved some success in preventing the damage with the new style Chase Camera design, while obtaining some amazing exterior footage of the rocket through the entire flight.<br />
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The project update is available on our website at: <a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/chase_camera/report.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/chase_camera/report.htm</a> and the video for the new update is on our YouTube Channel at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nlwjnlZe6I">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nlwjnlZe6I</a>.<br />
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Don't forget that our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vo6ho60fNY" target="_blank">Big Announcement</a> is only 2 days away. You're not going to want to miss this one!U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-63211125460563250442014-04-06T01:16:00.000-04:002014-04-06T01:18:03.973-04:00All New Parachute Deployment System TutorialAnyone who builds and flies rockets knows how frustrating it can be when the recovery system malfunctions, and the rocket does a swan dive into the Earth. This almost always results in the total loss of the rocket, and anything that was aboard the rocket at the time. We decided to change all that.<br />
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The loss of the rocket itself can be quite painful, as some rockets are made from many bottles and a great deal of time was spent carefully joining them together. The loss of payload can mean an expensive micro camera or altimeter will need to be replaced. But the loss of the deploy system itself is perhaps the most frustrating result, since the commonly available deploy system plans are very time consuming to build.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7iyMIOnJA3D9tVB1ry4gKbHF41iv0GbeG1-8jNaAvgZTrjfQIZvl0V-DvA20sivRAybB2Jkcj_sQ0upn6lr3okPg5JmF8j-H8cR3nVPQkKJS_zy1MTqDJCzp0_XKUD8zYorxMfOL5REC/s1600/blogimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7iyMIOnJA3D9tVB1ry4gKbHF41iv0GbeG1-8jNaAvgZTrjfQIZvl0V-DvA20sivRAybB2Jkcj_sQ0upn6lr3okPg5JmF8j-H8cR3nVPQkKJS_zy1MTqDJCzp0_XKUD8zYorxMfOL5REC/s1600/blogimage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>Chances are that anyone building a Water Rocket Parachute Deployment system went on the internet and downloaded one of the many designs that have evolved from Robert Youens original Horizontal Deploy system, created over a decade ago. Back in those days Water Rocketry was in its infancy and parachute deployment was very primitive. The Youens HDTT system broke new ground and was a major step forward in reliability. <br />
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The idea was such an improvement on prior work that it became a de-facto standard and has been copied by many people, with only slight tweaks to personalize the design. The core idea has been copied so many times, yet the only refinements that seem to have been made are cosmetic changes adding complexity to the build that make it more difficult and time consuming and less reliable.<br />
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After witnessing the frustrations people were having building these increasingly complex plans circulating the internet, we decided it was time to start over and come up with a clean slate approach that was more reliable, since we wanted a high reliability system for some expensive experimental payloads we plan on launching.<br />
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We eventually developed a new concept that is extremely reliable and turned out to be much easier and less costly to make than any other system ever devised. We have named out new parachute system the U.S. Water Rockets Radial Parachute Deploy System.<br />
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We have recently completed a complete new tutorial that shows how we developed and built this new system, but we also have documented how the system works, and how it can be adapted to multiple types of water rocket designs.<br />
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The new tutorial can be viewed at the following link:<br />
<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/construction_&_tutorials/Radial_Deploy/tutorial.htm" target="_blank">U.S. Water Rockets Radial Parachute Deploy Tutorial</a><br />
<br />U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-29446725309264712212014-03-01T13:41:00.002-05:002014-03-01T13:42:51.611-05:00Water Rocket Selfies with a Chase Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8exOT_HQJeNX3_7nW0-F0xCXqn1ecOK3kmpO4vZTIJT-ABoziIXd3sYyxKHYq77KZIsSoCQP6npqkl4koyo9dh3Lz9bxJoxYtVT310q7zYLfOWssmT_4_ypUyZWVtzEdMyJEGHaaG7yp/s1600/chase_view_blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8exOT_HQJeNX3_7nW0-F0xCXqn1ecOK3kmpO4vZTIJT-ABoziIXd3sYyxKHYq77KZIsSoCQP6npqkl4koyo9dh3Lz9bxJoxYtVT310q7zYLfOWssmT_4_ypUyZWVtzEdMyJEGHaaG7yp/s1600/chase_view_blogger.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Our team has a reputation for being fond of aerial photography. We once did the math and found that we have flown at least one camera on over 99.6% of our launches. We've also been keen on finding new and unusual ways to record video and photos of our water rockets in flight. We have invented a lot of concepts that we are very pleased to see are being emulated and expended upon by others flying rockets of all types.<br />
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We've recently announced our latest idea for a new and unique way of viewing water rockets in flight. Click on this article link to see the all new <a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/research_&_development/chase_camera/report.htm">Water Rocket Chase Camera Project!</a>U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-10252688239871771462013-11-12T21:03:00.000-05:002013-11-12T21:38:55.335-05:00How to make your Water Rocket fly higherWe have added a new section to our website that contains the first in a series of articles which share many of the tips and tricks we have learned over the years that can help you make your water rockets go higher and/or make your water rocket go farther.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C_yKVH1RkZyTM4ngK4Z5ooAXWx_hP5dRUjEUxmW3xU2ZigHsFx1Or7fvLZdHWnWo3SNWf9yqZBlqFeokiy5-Mgj-IcMpRxiqWjdTZCdVdsrtLYpLs58aMT-H4AXxLG6vm_r43jWffQK2/s1600/X-12_vertical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5C_yKVH1RkZyTM4ngK4Z5ooAXWx_hP5dRUjEUxmW3xU2ZigHsFx1Or7fvLZdHWnWo3SNWf9yqZBlqFeokiy5-Mgj-IcMpRxiqWjdTZCdVdsrtLYpLs58aMT-H4AXxLG6vm_r43jWffQK2/s400/X-12_vertical.jpg" /></a></div>
The first article in the series explains many of the weight reduction techniques which we have employed in the fabrication of the MSP430 based electronics payload and parachute deploy module of our X-12 advanced ultra high pressure water rocket. These weight reducing methods can be applied to any water rocket design to improve the performance by shedding unnecessary mass, which will cut down on the amount of wasted energy.<br />
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Accompanying the new performance tips article is a new water rocket video which shows how the new payload module is set up. The video also includes a step-by-step explanation of our water rocket arming and launch procedures, from rocket preparation through launch and landing. <br />
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Many people have been curious about what it takes to launch one of our advanced rockets, and we thought it would be a great place to show the process, because it ties in very tightly with the new reduced mass payload module. The video illustrates the very same launch procedures which were used to set most of our Water Rocket world altitude records.<br />
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Our performance tips section will be expanded over the coming weeks with additional articles and videos showing specific construction tips and launcher designs which you can use to your advantage in your own rockets. <br />
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The first article in this series is available now and can be found at the following link: <a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/tips/weight_saving/tip.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/tips/weight_saving/tip.htm</a><br />
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-46052665812653153412013-10-29T23:05:00.000-04:002013-10-30T09:45:41.873-04:00ServoChron Firmware and Documentation UpdatesU.S. Water Rockets has released the newest ServoChron: the MSP430 LaunchPad based dual time delayed Servo controller for rocketry and other applications.<br />
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The newly enhanced ServoChron functions as a dual programmable delay timer that can move up to 2 servomotors between defined positions after a programmed time delay has elapsed from the moment a trigger input changes state. This functionality is intended for use with model rockets to deploy one or two parachutes at programmed intervals after launch has been detected. However, the device can be used in any situation where a servo needs to change position when some event triggers an input. <br />
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New in this version is an immediate trigger override input which can be used to read an apogee detect circuit (like a digital output from an external altimeter) and deploy the parachute immediately. Combine this feature with the built in timer feature and you have an apogee triggered servo deploy system with a timer backup.<br />
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The ServoChron will run on any MSP430 LaunchPad, including the early MSP430G2231 based versions. A custom software UART was developed for this variant which allows it to send the same diagnostic messages across the MSP430 Application UART backchannel while still driving the servos, just like the MSP430G2553 based Launchpad version. <br />
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A key feature of the ServoChron is the clever user interface, which allows the time delay and the servo positions to be configured without any external switches, and saves the configuration in the nonvolatile memory of the MSP430.<br />
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The software also includes an automatic polarity detect on the trigger input, so it will work with Normally Open or Normally Closed trigger circuits. <br />
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The ServoChron is demonstrated in a real water rocket launch and parachute recovery in the following video:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uezqy85jiQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uezqy85jiQ</a><br />
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Instructions for making a simple servo operated Parachute deployment system are shown in this tutorial video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqTKXXpD9IU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqTKXXpD9IU</a><br />
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The configuration of the ServoChron is demonstrated in the following video:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_C4v0zYUuY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_C4v0zYUuY</a><br />
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Along with the newly improved firmware, we have also reworked all of the instructions and manuals to make them easier to navigate. The new instructions for assembly, programming, and operation of the ServoChron are available at the following link: <a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/documents/ServoChron/manual.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/documents/ServoChron/manual.htm</a><br />
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<br />U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4859584554809906657.post-9615821088158551552013-07-15T22:00:00.000-04:002013-07-15T22:00:01.588-04:00Launch Report: Test Flight with 7 Onboard Cameras Sets Unofficial World RecordOn Novermber 25, 2011 U.S. Water Rockets was finishing some development work on our newly invented Axial Deploy Parachute Recovery System, and modifications to our Free MSP430 LaunchPad based ServoChron Servo Parachute Deploy Recovery System. To document all of the tests, we needed to attach multiple onboard cameras to the rocket.<br />
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We decided that we had a accumulated a large number of cameras over time, and it would be fun to try and set a record for the highest number of cameras on a single launch.<br />
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The B-2 Water Rocket was test flown with an unofficial word record of 7 onboard cameras, and while the flight did not go as planned, the cameras recorded the entire chain of events, which allowed us to diagnose and correct the issue. Plus, the flight did succeed in setting the unofficial world record.<br />
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The Launch Report and accompanying documentary video containing all of the details of the launch and the results of the flight, including failure analysis and data logs can be found at the following link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.uswaterrockets.com/launch_reports/2011_11_25/flight_log.htm">http://www.uswaterrockets.com/launch_reports/2011_11_25/flight_log.htm</a><br />
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Note: The Launch Report article linked above also contains the video proof of the unofficial record.<br />
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U.S. Water Rocketshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18327593396850137814noreply@blogger.com0