Choosing Motors

[@paulromsky9527]

I have built a few Estes Rockets over the years. On most I put on a Center of Gravity symbol and mark the distance to the tip, the bottom, and dry (no motor) weight of the rocket. By the way, little known fact: Estes was founded by Ted Estes, he wanted to call the company "Testes", but he didn't have the balls.

[@robertreynolds9228]

Hey john thank you for all the info. Im wanting to get back into rockets. It's a load of fun im looking forward to introducing to my grandson.

[@knightingalesaid]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[@edwinvarela4779]

What is the chemical composition of the motors?

[@JohnLCoker]

Most of the motors used in high-powered hobby rocketry are made with ammonium perchlorate: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_perchlorate_composite_propellant

[@frankdeangelo1208]

I have learned a lot from your video series. Your methods, workshop and tools are something that most people have access to, nothing really exotic. I wonder what you do for work? I'm guessing a mechanical engineer or perhaps a finish carpenter.

[@JohnLCoker]

Thanks for the kind words. Actually, I write software for a living. But I like to think of myself as a craftsman so whether it's code in the virtual world or rockets in the physical doesn't make all that much difference.

[@frankdeangelo1208]

@@JohnLCoker It's good to have a hobby that is different from your job. My hobby was computers until it became my profession. Then rocketry became my hobby since 2003.

[@Lord_RavnFar_Tannerwise]

can i run a 38mm G motor without a class1 certificate

[@JohnLCoker]

All G motors can be flown without certification. The cut-off is level 1 required for H & I motors.

[@jonathancrutcher678]

Not all g motors. The g-80t is the biggest g you can use without l1 cert in the 29mm size. The g100 is a level 1 cert motor

[@Srenfrow424]

is there a a simpler way to make a recovery system? In other words is there anything wrong with using a black powder charge despite motor size and Rocket size

[@JohnLCoker]

Black powder charges are the most common way to recover hobby rockets of all sizes. Note that model rocket motors use built in charges and HPR motors use separate charges, but they're all black powder. There are other options, such as CO₂ systems, but they're less common.

[@Srenfrow424]

John Coker thank you for the prompt response. the reason I ask is because I make sugar Rockets with delay grains and black powder charges. but I've noticed on large herb Rockets they use apogee detectors. for the record they do not make the g-wiz flight computer anymore the company went out of business.

[@JohnLCoker]

Yes, but there are other makers of flight computers in business so there still are plenty of options. A good starter unit is the Missile Works RRC2.

[@DFX2KX]

Wow, motors are WAY cheaper then I remember them being, even for the H and I sizes. right, if I get into HPR, I'm getting a reloadable motor....