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Model Rocketry/Expert Profile
Expertise
I am a member of Tripoli Rocketry Association, and am certified to fly hi power rockets. I can answer questions anyone may have about design, materials selection, stability calculations, motor selection, altitude and performance predictions, and parachute and recovery options.
Experience in the area
I make my rockets from existing kits or parts readily made through commercial channels. I do NOT make my own motor propellants (they are challenging enough even for the companies that do this for a living), and I do not advocate making rockets using "typical household item" such as paper towel rolls.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerry | 08/26/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks a million! Great info. and great ..... |
| Eric Wichman | 06/01/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks James! I appreciate the answer. The ..... |
| jacob | 08/10/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thanks a ton! |
| chris | 02/18/08 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Jorge | 01/30/07 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | well thank you i am very sorry ..... |
Recent Answers from James Bell
2009-09-29 Number Of Rocket FIns VS Altitude:
Bobby - The main purpose of tail fins is to stabilize the rocket as it flies through the air. The minimum needed to provide stability is three. Four fins is another common configuration. I really
2009-09-28 level 3 certification:
Donovan - I really can't speculate on how well your smoking tracker might work. The design looks sturdy, but it's hard to tell how well it might work without actually seeing the device being tested
2009-08-25 kit modifications:
Kerry - With the exception of some additional fin area, the Mean Machine is not much more than a very long version of a Big Bertha. You could safely go down to a single tube length and still have a
2009-06-23 Model Rocketry:
Bobby - I'll do you one better. Download the following program ... http://64.41.64.113/home/rockets/altpred.zip It is an altitude prediction program. Input the diameter of the rocket, the loaded
2009-06-16 Starter:
Alex - Model rocketry is a great hobby, and you will quickly get hooked. My first was an Estes Big Bertha that flew on an "A" motor for its test flight, then quickly moved up to the C6-5, the motor
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