Archive-name: model-rockets/amateur
Rec-models-rockets-archive-name: rockets-faq/part14
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1996 June 3
URL: http://dtm-corp.com/~sven/rockets/rmrfaq.toc.html


Rec.Models.Rockets Frequently Asked Questions: PART 14 of 14

AMATEUR ROCKETRY
    

14.1  DISCLAIMER:  
    
    The following information does not constitute an endorsement of
    amateur rocketry in any way, shape, or form by the editor(s)
    of this FAQ, or the general readership of rec.models.rockets.
    Due to the number of requests for information on this form of 
    rocketry, the following information is provided.
    Pursue at your own risk.
------------------------------------------------------

14.2  How do I make my own rocket motors?

    We're glad you asked.  Read on...
    
    NOTICE:
    
    Many among the readership have an interest in this subject, and discussion
    threads about amateur rocketry activities always appear. 
    Even though the name of the newsgroup, rec.models.rockets, suggests that 
    the newsgroup is for model rockets only, this is not entirely true.  High
    power rocketry is a favorite topic among r.m.r. denizens.  And similarly,
    amateur rocketry is also discussed, albeit in a limited way.
    However, questions like:
                        
    "What should I mix together so that I can make my own rocket motors?"
    
    are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.  Discussion about rocket motor design and
    fabrication is beyond the scope of rec.models.rockets.  Most of the
    participants of rec.models.rockets buy commercially available model and
    high power rocket motors for use in their rockets.  Few have the expertise
    to instruct you on the intricacies of rocket motor design and construction,
    and most likely will not instruct you on rec.models.rockets.  
    Rocket motor construction is a non-trivial task.  It is a task that goes
    much beyond merely having a propellant formula with which to use.  
    You need to know much more than you might initially suspect, and even
    then you might make a mistake and get seriously injured or even killed.  
    Even knowledgable professionals have been known to have accidents.
    If you are having difficulty obtaining commercially manufactured rocket
    motors, and think that you can simply make your own, please think about it
    more, and please give these warnings some serious consideration.  Inquire
    as to the availability of commercially manufactured motors.  Check out the
    list of manufacturers in Part 2 of the FAQ.
    
    The questions keep coming up, and the answers are usually the same:
    
    "You're going to blow yourself up."
    "We don't want you to get hurt."
    "If you have to ask, then you probably don't know enough to try."
    "Ask someone who knows."
    
    If you are seriously determined to get into amateur rocketry, 
    the editor suggests contacting one of the organizations listed in 
    section 16.3.
    
    Have you read Part 1 of the FAQ yet?  Here are a few repeat items to
    consider:
    
    From Buzz McDermott (buzzman@netcom.com)
       "Finally, the editor of this document wishes to get on his soapbox for
   just one moment and add the term 'stupid rocketry' to cover all those
   who attempt to casually produce their own rocket fuel and/or motors
   without the benefit of very serious study, and implementation, of the
   processes involved and safety measures required. Especially note
   that this comment is NOT aimed at serious amateur rocketry
   organizations, college level research, etc. End of soapbox."

    The bottom line is that rec.models.rockets is primarily a newsgroup for
    discussing *consumer* rocketry (which covers model rocketry and high
    power rocketry). Some amateur issues are discussed, but these are not
    the primary focus of the group. Manufacturing your own rocket motors can
    be a very dangerous thing to do, unless done properly, and with extreme
    care. The odds are you will not make motors that are of any higher quality,
    total impulse, reliability, or cost less than pre-manufactured consumer
    rocket motors.

    It is the opinion of the editor(s) of this FAQ that you should NOT try
    to manufacture your own motors. If, however, you insist on partaking
    in amateur rocketry, then the editor(s) of this FAQ urge you to get in
    contact with an established amateur rocketry group for guidance and
    assistance.
------------------------------------------------------

14.3  My primary interest is in amateur rocketry.
      Where can I find information about amateur rocketry? 
      
      Aside from going to college and earning an aerospace engineering degree,
      there are organizations dedicated to the serious pursuit of research and
      development in the field of amateur rocketry.  The editor
      suggests contacting one of the organizations listed below.  These
      suggestions are not endorsements, and the author of Part 16 of the FAQ
      is personally unfamiliar with these organizations.
      
    Mojave Rocket and Technical Society
    WWW:  http://www.mrts.com
      
    Pacific Rocket Society                    Well-established amateur
    1825 North Oxnard Blvd., Suite 24          rocketry association.
    Oxnard, CA 93030                          Established in 1946.
    email:  cyberplex@aol.com
    WWW:  http://www.asesur.com/prs
    
    Reaction Research Society                 Well-established amateur
    P.O. Box 90306                             rocketry association.
    World Way Postal Center
    Los Angeles, CA 90009
      
------------------------------------------------------
14.4  Amateur rocketry on the Internet

    REC.MODELS.ROCKETS
    
      In case you haven't read any other part of the FAQ yet, amateur rocketry 
      on the Internet IS NOT rec.models.rockets.  Read Parts 1 and 16 of 
      this FAQ.
      
    REC.PYROTECHNICS
    
      Questions related to rocket motor propellant formulation, rocket
      motor construction, etc. should be posted on rec.pyrotechnics. 
      Discussion threads about these subjects always appear there.
      Get their FAQ for even more information.

    AMROCNET MAILING LIST
    
      The AmRocNet mailing list is for the discussion of all aspects of "amateur
      rocket and motor construction". This includes discussions relating to
      amateur rocket designs, making motors, safety, laws, events, experiences,
      news, reviews, commentary and other items which could be described as of
      general interest to amateur rocket people.
      To join the AmRocNet mailing list send the following Email:

      -----<begin sample Email to listproc>-----

      To: <listproc@vnet.net>
      Subject: .

      subscribe amrocnet Your Real Name

      -----<end sample Email to listproc>-----
    
    
    WORLD WIDE WEB
    
      
      From Tim Patterson (monoply@primenet.com):
       I have recently created a new rocketry web page. It has info and links
       regarding High Power solids, amateur liquids and other interesting
       stuff. Check it out at:  http://www.primenet.com/~monoply
       
       
------------------------------------------------------
14.5  Manufacturers, suppliers, publishers, and consultants

    The following addresses do not constitute an endorsement of
    amateur rocketry in any way, shape, or form by the editor(s)
    of this FAQ, or the general readership of rec.models.rockets.
    Due to the number of requests for information on this form of 
    rocketry the following addresses are provided as potential sources
    for more information. Pursue at your own risk.


    Aerocon                                  Information on hybrid rockets
    4450 Enterprise St., Ste. 110              and other amateur rocketry
    Fremont, CA 94538                          topics.
    (510) 226-6777

    CHRISTEN                                  Advertises plans for liquid
    15B Virginia Street                         fueled rockets and motors.
    Satellite Beach, FL 32937

    Commonwealth Displays, Inc.               Chemicals for rocket engine
    12649 Dix                                   production
    Southgate, MI 48195                       Catalog: $3.00
    (313) 282-1055
    email: hdhg18a@aol.com
    WWW:  http://www.commonwealth.net/rockets/cdi.html

    CP Technologies                           Data on making your own rocket
    4010A South Poplar, Suite 23               motors
    Casper, WY 82601                          Catalog: FREE
    (307) 265-8755
    email:  71137.2336@compuserve.com

    Firefox Enterprises                       Pyrotechnic supplies, amateur
    P.O. Box 5366                               rocketry supplies.
    Pocatello, ID 83202                     
    (208) 237-1976                            Catalog: $3.00

    Midwest Rocket, Inc.                      Liquid and solid rocket motor
    1628 East 5th Street                        design data.
    Dayton, OH 45403
    
    Prodyne, Inc.                             Solid rocket motor fuel grains,
    P.O. Box 10826                              chemicals, processing
    Ogden, UT 84412-2806                        equipment.
                                              Catalog: $2.00

    Propulsion Research Laboratories          Reports on amateur rocketry
    3439 Hamlin Ave.                            projects.
    Simi Valley, CA 93063                     Brochure: SASE
    
    Propulsion Systems                        Books and software on solid
    P.O.Box 130077                            propellant motor design and
    Edmond, OK  73013                         fabrication.

    Rosenfield Consulting Services            Consulting service for fuel
    1955 South Palm Street, Suite 15            formulations, gov't approval 
    Las Vegas, NV 89104                         processes, etc.
    (702) 641-9478 (voice)
    (702) 641-1883 (fax)                      FREE brochure and price list
    email: 73624.224@CompuServe.COM

    RPS                                       Rocket motor kits, tooling,
    207 Lewis Drive                             and info on making rocket 
    Richmond, KY 40475                          motors
                                              Catalog: $2.00

    Systems Solaire                           Plans for an amateur rocket
    4414 Notre Dame                             motor which utilizes
    Chomeday, Laval, Quebec                     gasoline as the fuel source.
    CANADA H7W-1T6

    Teleflite Corporation                     Information and supplies for
    11620 Kitching Street                       making your own rocket motors
    Moreno Valley, CA  92387-9978              Catalog:  $2.00
    
---------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 1996 Wolfram von Kiparski, editor. 
Refer to Part 00 for the full copyright notice.



