Estes Snapshot Flight Report

Daniel Cervantes · 2004-07-17T16:46:39+00:00

On July 15, 2004, we flew three (3) Estes Snapshot rockets as part ofa summer science camp for elementary school children. Previously, Irequested suggestions from this group for improving our success rate. I had planned to update the parachutes and shock cords, but mysupplier was late in delivering our requested nylon parachutes andkevlar cord. Therefore, we used the Snapshot unmodified (except fortape over the film door).Having never used an Estes camera kit, I can't compare this model toolder Estes camera rocket kits. The shock cord was connectedinternall to the launch lug. The shutter release consisted of abutton that extends out, tripping the shutter, when the noseconeleaves the body tube.The weather was partly cloudy with little wind. We used only therecommended C6-5 engines. I had developed "checklists" for thestudents (and for myself). The prepartion checklist was particularyuseful. We prepared the camera correctly on each attempt (wound thecamera, set the release mechanism, and unlocked the shutter).First round of launchesRocket #1 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedRocket #2 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedRocket #3 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, broke fin onasphaltSecond round of launchesRocket #1 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedRocket #2 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedThird round of launchesRocket #1 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedRocket #2 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedFourth round of launchesRocket #1 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, landed in tree, Icut shock cord to recover camera, no damage visible in body.Rocket #2 no malfunctions, parachute fully deployed, recoveredundamagedResults:Nine photos taken. Only two photos were ground shots. One groundshot was extremely blurry. One good photo!I have published our results atDaniel Cervantes

Jul 17, 2004 184 Replies

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

More specifically - east coast.

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

Things are different when the employee is part of a coproration that employes less than two.

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

I can see it now - Bob the Chairman & Jerry the Secretary.

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

ok. I'll admit it if you'll stop bringing it up.

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

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David Weinshenker 22 years ago

You know, I'd probably trust any test results they published a lot better than some of the "certification" listings to come out of TMT in the past!

-dave w

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

We even have different dialects in the same city.

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Jerry Irvine 22 years ago

It is a prequalification.

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

I'm not saying I wouldn't trust them. With all the complaining they've done about TMT, it's a funny image having them be part of it.

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Dave Grayvis 22 years ago

Sorry, unemployed.

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W. E.Fred Wallace 22 years ago

That's what happens, (DOT FINE) when you error with intent. You had ample opportunity to cease and desist, but you thumbed your nose at DOT and did it your way. I can't, for the life of me, figure out if you were just ignorant or stupid; I suspect the latter..

Fred

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Kevin Trojanowski 22 years ago

You missed a third choice, Fred -- arrogant.

-Kevin

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Bob Kaplow 22 years ago

I can verify Jerry's statement.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

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Bob Kaplow 22 years ago

Are you authorized to make that statement on behalf of TRA?

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

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Phil Stein 22 years ago

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John Stein 22 years ago

Ahhhh....Canada...the final frontier :-)

John

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Joel Corwith 22 years ago

"John Stein" wrote in

At least ~someone~ got it :)

Joel. phx

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Randy 22 years ago

Ever see Swine Trek? : )

Randy

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Jerry Irvine 22 years ago

"Jerry is a very knowledgeable guy, with strong opinions. He has a long history in rocketry, and a grey link to US Rockets (kits & motors). He's a fount of useful tech info. Others may have differing opinions of Jerry, and frequently drag up incidents from the distant past. I've done business with Jerry and had no problems, but have also had disagreement with him, so you get both sides of the coin here. In fairness, people either love or hate him - the polarity of opinion is that pronounced. Jerry isn't the biggest fan of TRA in the world. Recent events have forced people to re-evaluate their scorn of some of his predictions, which hasn't endeared him to them, for some reason. Just my two penn'orth. Your mileage may vary."

- Graham Platt

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