From: snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com Newsgroups: rec.models.rockets,rec.answers Subject: rec.models.rockets FAQ Part 00 - Introduction and TOC Followup-To: rec.models.rockets Reply-To: snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) about Model and High Power Consumer Rocketry
Archive-name: model-rockets/intro Rec-models-rockets-archive-name: rockets-faq/part00-intro Posting-Frequency: irregular Last-modified: 2023 Dec 8
INTRODUCTION TO REC.MODELS.ROCKETS AND THIS FAQ
Rec.models.rockets (r.m.r) is a Usenet newsgroup created for discussions and topics related to model and high-power rocketry. The purpose of this newsgroup is for the exchange of information between anyone wanting to build, fly, or use model rockets or high power rockets. These are viable alternatives to amateur rocketry. The term "model rocket" is defined based on non-metallic structural components, weight, propellant and total impulse restrictions, electrical ignition, recovery devices, and factory-made, solid propellant engines. The term "High power rocket" refers to any rocket using model rocket technology (as described above) except without the weight, propellant, and total impulse restrictions of model rocketry. Amateur rocketry, pyrotechnics, rocket motor-making, and "EX rocketry" are topics that fall outside of the scope of this newsgroup.
Rec.models.rockets like most of the Usenet newsgroups, has fallen out of favor with the public after the rise of the World Wide Web, browser-accessible rocketry discussion forums, and social networks such as Facebook and X.
This FAQ (list of Frequently Asked Questions) is an attempt to compile a number of questions and suggestions that were repeatedly posted to r.m.r into a single, quickly readable document. This document was NOT meant to be a 'how to' on any form of non-professional rocketry It's hoped that it might be of use in answering some of the more commonly asked questions, summarizing some good tips and suggestions, and directing the reader to other documents, books, sources, etc., where more information may be found. The FAQ had evolved into something monstrous (and very informative). The current version is much smaller.
This FAQ is organized as a list of primary topics (see the Table of Contents below) with a number of questions and answers under each. The majority of this document deals with, but is not limited to, consumer rocketry in the United States and Canada.
Most recently posted version of the FAQ:
This entire 4-part FAQ is copyright (c) 2023, Wolfram v.Kiparski, editor. Portions of this FAQ may also have additional copyrights. Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this FAQ, provided that you conspicuously and appropriately include on each copy an appropriate copyright notice, including those portions of the FAQ that have additional copyright notices.
Changing, editing, or otherwise modifying this FAQ by any means, manual or mechanical, for redistribution is not allowed without written permission from the editor of this FAQ.
Distribution or publishing of this FAQ for profit, promotional, inclusion as "content" on an ecommerce website, or other commercial use is not allowed. -------------------------------------- POSTING FREQUENCY
The entire FAQ is posted to rec.models.rockets irregularly.
-------------------------------- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This document was originally compiled in 1992 (with help from many others) by Buzz McDermott and Jack Hagerty. This document was maintained and edited by Wolfram v.Kiparski since
1996. This FAQ would not have been possible without the flow of tips, suggestions, and sound advice from the one-time readership of rec.models.rockets.
Comments, corrections and suggestions for additions are still welcome, and someone might even use them.
Please send your suggestions to:
rmrfaq rmrfaq2 at-the gmail period-symbol com
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***** PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING *****
Many of the tips and suggestions included in this FAQ include references to particular companies and/or products. Opinions expressed are those of the submitters. Several submitters have asked that readers do not request the company names and addresses from them. PLEASE refer to Part 2 of the FAQ or a recent issue of one of the rocketry magazines. Check this FAQ first.
----------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS REC.MODELS.ROCKETS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
### PART 01: GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 What is a 'model rocket' versus a 'high power' rocket?
1.2 NFPA, FAA, DOT, ... Who are all these organizations and how do they affect the rocketry hobby?
1.3 What is the current legal status of model and high power rocketry in the U.S.?
1.4 What do the letters and numbers on a model rocket motor mean?
1.5 What is a CATO? Is it CATO pronounced KAY-TO or CAT-O?
### PART 02: NAMES AND ADDRESSES
2.1 National rocketry organizations
2.2 Rocketry manufacturers and suppliers 2.2.1 Model and High Power Rocket Manufacturers kits/motors/supplies/etc. 2.2.2 International (outside U.S.A.) rocketry sources
2.3 Rocketry books
2.4 Rocketry magazines
### PART 03: ROCKETRY ON THE INTERNET
3.1 How do I get to the r.m.r archive site?
3.2 What is available from the r.m.r archive?
3.3 How do I upload files to the r.m.r. archive?
3.4 I have read-only access to r.m.r. Is there any way I can still post articles to the newsgroup?
3.5 What are some neat rocketry web pages to check out?