Anyone have any tricks or suggestions for "fluffing" the cooling mesh in Aerotech's Labryinth system? How often should it be done? Does it need to be cleaned of soot at any sort of interval?
My first attempt at a mid-power flight was flawless with an E18 RMS. Reloaded with an F40 I believe for my second attempt, and it was like a $60.00 lawn-dart!@!!! No ejection of the parachute. Once at home (it ruined the rest of my day), I tore what was left apart and noticed the the metal mesh was quite dirty for 2 shots (in my opinion), and it was mashed all the way up to the top of the baffle (could partially be from the sudden stop at the bottom).
Any info would be greatly appreciated. A new assembled rocket sits next to me awaiting launch, but I want it to last more than 2 flights.
I have never had an issue with the cooling mesh getting plugged up. I do know that Aerotech recomends that you use a piece of wire such as a section of a wire coat hanger with a small right angle bend at the end and use it to "fluff" the mesh "periodically". What "periodically" means is not clear, I've flown my "HV Arcas" a number of times now on everything from F-20's to G79's without any issues, but now that it's been brought up I think I'll make a "fluffing" tool and keep it in my range box and "fluff" the mesh in my"Arcas" before I fly it again just to be safe. As far as what happened to your rocket, I do believe that the mesh did "pack" forward when it made that sudden stop at ground level. Are you sure you didn't put it in packed too tightly to begin with and it got too gunked up with ejection debris on the first flight thus not allowing enough gas to pass through to eject the chute on the second flight.
-- Edited by rubbnsmoke on Friday 20th of March 2009 11:36:15 PM
