MERLIN - THIRD FLIGHT

Prepping this rocket for a first flight on the new field. Not actually super great according my expectations but might change my mind when I see it. Thea's images of the field were actually very promising. So I hope Bernie will be there and I will fly this rocket with streamer to around 4K to 5K..... For now it's just prepping when I come back from my Atlanta trip.

For now motor selected K740 - 4 grain. Just keep it around 4 K and for the streamer. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

Update July 07, 2019 - Made the charges, for drogue 2.0 grams and 2.2 grams back up / for main 1.8 grams and 2.0 grams for back up. Will work on chutes and streamer later this week. Streamer is the new 130 feet from Rocketman ! Also altitude will be lower since the weight of the streamer verses a drogue chute. Will see how that works on the new NEFAR field.

Stratologgers tested, changed batteries, all ok now ! Also selected some more motors to stay under 4 K feet.

Update July 08, 2019 - Folded the streamer 135 feet, in 2 feet folds and than rolled it up tight ... It fits snug in the booster.

Update July 11, 2019 - Loaded the streamer and the main chute (X-Form chute) - Also made the Z-ties, for main and drogue. Installed the charges in Main and booster. Used baby powder for the nose cone separation. Almost all ready to go, need to charge all the electronics and batteries.

Update July 13, 2019 - LAUNCH DAY - Great day, high cloud cover and NO wind, hot / humid !!! Sweating like pigs on the field. Bernie did not have any great motors that I selected so I bought a SKIDMARK K454 SK, to keep it low. Dam would have loved to go higher !!! We had a very long first meeting and briefing. KEEP THE GATE CLOSED AT ALL TIMES !! Field seems to be ok actually no issues except some power-line sclose by. Prepping was easy, Impressive loud take off, the skidmark did his thing perfect !! Disappeared into the clouds for a brief moment and came out under streamer, Streamer worked great !!!!! Great view !!! Landed also close to the pads.Very happy with the launch and day. Will go every month. Bernie and Tom were both on the field and will be there every time! Price of motors went up a bit again !!! Didn't got the altitude that I wanted ! Dam, next time more ! Bought some motors from Tom for the next launch and he was giving away nice T-Shirts. thanks Tom ! Also a big thanks to Tim for my rocket pictures.

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