Though my first attempt level-1 attempt with a LOC/Precision Hi-tech H45 failed at the September 27th launch, I plan to try again. So, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a kit they used as a starting point for level-1 certification.

Overall, I was not impressed with the quality of the LOC kit. The fin slots were not evenly spaced, the shock cord was to be attached to the airframe with a string and glue, the coupler tub was very thin, and there was no mechanism for absorbing the heat of the ejection gases. I ended up making a lot of modifications, including a motor retention system, strong bolts for the cord, and longer motor tube with a baffle. In retrospect, I wish I had also replaced the shock cord provided with something stronger, because it snapped in two places.

Fred, was the rocket trashed, or is it repairable? The kit should be adequate for a L1 flight with a couple of modifications. First, replace the elastic with 1/8" tubualr kevlar which can be had from Pratt Hobbies. While there, get yourself a nomex heatshield...they can be moved from rocket to rocket, and seem to work really well.

You seem to have upgraded the attachment although for a rocket of this size the mylon string and epoxy actually works pretty well.

You other option is probably a PML kit...maybe an Io or Callisto. Nice kits, but also lacking in motor retention. You could also scratch build.

Mark Koelsch

A fin was broken off, and the cord was broken at the connection point on the motor tub deep inside the airframe. Looking inside, something was wrong with the baffle.

Basically, I decided to use this as a learning experience. I cut hatches into the side to see what went wrong with the baffle and to look for other signs of damage. I'd used two nails arranged like a cross to block the end of the motor tube, but the force of the ejection charge nearly forced the mesh through. So, though 6" section of motor tubing was dedicated to heat absorption, all of the material was crammed into the last two inches after ejection. This might have caused a failure on a later flight anyway. So, if I use this technique again I'm going to divide up the mesh into 2" sections and use sets of three nails to separate the sections.

Was looking at the PML kits...what do you think of the 1/4 scale patriot?

PML kits tend a be a several steps up from LOC kits in quality, but like all kits you usually find something you want to modify. Shock cord attachment and engine retention are two areas that always need attention. PML usually has you epoxy the tubular nylon recovery strap to the motor tube. I always change it to some type of U bolt in the top CR and quick links so I can replace the strap when it wears out from ejection charges.

Lately I've been looking at kits as a packaged set of parts to use in building "my" rocket.

Steve

Agreed. I'll most certainly add an engine retention system, sturdy bolts for the cord, and a better cord. Was thinking of two cords, one elastic and one a longer piece of a more durable rope for a backup. Also, the women in my life are telling me that rather than knotting the cord to the bolts, they can make a much better connection by sewing the pieces together. :)

Although the kits are not bad designs, bad things can happen in the field, and it's good to consider that when building "your" rocket.

Most PML kits that I've bought use good quality tubular nylon strap for the recovery system. It has some elasticty, you don't want too much in your recovery system or you wind up with "Estes Dents". What you want is lots of line to give drag and allow the nose to decellerate after ejection and take up any shock from the chute opening.
The best way I've found for putting loops in my straps is to fold the end over and make a modified box stitch with nylon thread on the sewing machine. What you do is sew the long ends and then make diagnal stitchs from one long side end to the other side and don't close the short sides of the box at the top and bottom. Leave enough room in the loop to fit your quick links.

So, forget the elastic and rope and use tubular nylon that you can get from Al's or from any place that sells climbing gear. 15-30+ft of 9/16th's works great.

Steve

At what level do you want to start considering multiple chutes? Not necessarily dual deployment, but perhaps a small chute near the nose and a larger chute closer to the airframe. Might serve as a backup, but I'm also thinking additional things could go wrong with this configuration.

The only things I can think of for using multiple parachutes are:

Rocket is too heavy for a single chute.
Main chute is packed into deployment bag that uses smaller drouge chute to pull bag free.
Drouge chute used to insure recovery system is pulled from body.
Various forms of dual deployment.

Steve