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Apogee Rocketry Workshop #418:

Preventing Snapped Shock Cords

Advanced Construction VideoHave you ever had a Kevlar shock cords snapping mid-flight? In this video, we dive into the crucial role that shock cords play in model rocketry and share three effective methods to prevent these frustrating failures.

What You'll Learn:

  • Understanding Shock Cords: Shock cords are vital components that connect the rocket's nose cone to its body, ensuring the safe recovery of your rocket after it deploys its parachute. A reliable shock cord prevents damage to both the rocket and its recovery system.

  • Importance of Prevention: A snapped shock cord can lead to catastrophic failures, resulting in lost rockets and expensive repairs. By implementing the techniques we demonstrate, you can enhance the durability of your model rocket and enjoy worry-free launches.

  • Three Effective Methods: We showcase three distinct methods for reinforcing your Kevlar shock cords, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your rocket design and flying style.

Join us in this informative tutorial to keep your model rockets soaring safely! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more tips and tricks in model rocketry!

View this week's Rocketry Workshop Videos here. Tiime: 05:02 min:sec

Previous videos are found on our archive page.

 

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Newest Products From Apogee Components

Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves!

Featherweight GPS Tracker

Featherweight GPS Tracker

Tired of losing rockets? That is now a thing of the past with the state-of-the-art GPS Tracker from Featherweight Altimeters. It is specifically engineered for high-power model rockets, but small enough to fit into a BT-50 size nose cone (24mm dia). With the ability to track your rocket at altitudes of up to 262,000 feet, this compact device ensures you never lose sight of your investment. Plus, it also records flight data, so you can study the flight later. Get one today!


Featherweight Ground Station

Featherweight Ground Station for the GPS Tracker

This ground station allows you to receive the telemetry data from the Featherweight GPS Tracker (not included). It then transmits the data to your smart phone via blue tooth so you can view the rocket's position in real-time.

One ground station can receive data from any number of trackers, so you don't need to have multiple ground stations, even if you have multiple GPS trackers in the same rocket.

 


Valkyrie RotoFoil Parachutes

Rotofoil Spinning Parachute

The Rotofoil is a revolutionary 8-sided spinning parachute designed for model rocketry enthusiasts who crave excitement and performance. Made by Valkyrie Recovery Systems and inspired by original patterns published in Apogee Components' Peak-of-Flight Newsletter (issue #194), the Rotofoil is a true game-changer in the world of model rocketry. Crafted in the USA from high-quality thin-mil rip-stop nylon, the Rotofoil features unique cut-outs in each gore, allowing air to flow through and create an exhilarating spinning motion. This isn’t just a parachute; it’s a spectacle that will captivate audiences and elevate your rocket recovery experience! Available in four sizes, there is a rotofoil parachute for nearly every rocket and mission. Get one or two today!


Valkyrie Soft Links

Soft Link

The new Soft Links from Valkyrie Recovery Systems are designed to replace traditional metal quick-links. They have several key advantages over steel links for connecting your rocket parts together:

  • Stronger than Steel Links

  • Lighter Weight

  • Gentle on Other Components: The soft, pliable material of the Soft Link is less likely to damage delicate rocket parts compared to metal quick links, that can rattle around during launch.

  • Adjustable Strength: The strength of the Soft Link can be easily adjusted by creating more or fewer loops when attaching it.

  • Thermal Protection: The Soft Link's fluffy design offers increased heat shielding to help protect sensitive recovery system components, like the parachute.

  • Shock Absorption: The flexibility of the Soft Link allows it to stretch and flex, absorbing some of the force generated when the parachute rapidly deploys.

  • Versatile Attachment: The cord-like design of the Soft Link enables it to be connected to components with smaller attachment points.

Two sizes are available, so check them out today, you won't be disappointed.


Valkyrie Kevlar Shock Cords

Kevlar Shock Cord

These Kevlar shock cords from Valkyrie Recovery System are woven into a flat ribbon that is 0.75 inches (19.05mm) wide, and has a static test strength of 4500 pounds. They also come with the attachment loops pre-sewn into the ends of the cord. There is also an optional 3rd loop for putting the parachtue into the middle of chord. Three lengths are available at 20, 25 and 30 feet long. If you have a big high-power rocket, this is the shock cord you'd want to use.


 

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