Modified Estes Nova Payloader
Since I am not going to finish Project Overkill in time for Saturday’s launch I decided to slap together a modified Estes Nova Payloader tonight. That’ll allow me to still fly the Muvi video camera.
The modifications I made were fairly minor, but being me I just can’t seem to build a kit as is. First, I made the payload section a pass through so the parachute will come up through the payload section instead of separating the rocket at the bottom of the payload section. Â I did this so that the camera will be ejected and hang roughly right side up after the parachute deploys. Â Second, I used a different shock cord. Â I used a very long kevlar string and tied it to the engine mount between the centering rings instead of gluing it to the inside of the body tube. Â Third, I used two 1/4″ launch lugs instead of the one 1/8″ lug that came with the kit. Â That means that I’ll be able to use the longer, four foot launch rods. Â Since I used two launch lugs, I could put one down near the bottom of the rocket, just to give those few extra inches of flight time before leaving the rod. Â I want this rocket flying as fast as possible when it comes off the end of the launch rod since the camera is going to make it way over stable. Fourth, I used bent picture wire as an engine retaining device instead of the standard engine hook. That will allow me to use the longer Apogee D3 motors if it is a really calm day while still being able to use the shorter Estes C6 motors on a normal day.
Once the glue is dry I’ll paint it. Once that is dry I’ll glue the payload section to the body tube, tie the shock cord to the nose cone and camera, and attach the parachute. Then it’ll be done. I should be able to complete it in two sessions if I don’t worry too much about the paint job. This one is more about flying the new video camera than making a beautiful model.