Water Rocket Release Mechanism

by monterreymachito in Outside > Rockets

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Water Rocket Release Mechanism

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Water rockets are loads of fun to experiment with.
The following instructable shows the construction and use of a zip tie based release mechanism.

Materials needed:

Length of fluorescent tube protector (source TAP plastics)

Zip ties, enough for the circumference of the launcher

Duct tape

The photos should make the construction steps clear.

This is my first instructable. All work creating this instructable was done on my Android device.

Water Rocket Launcher, Rocket,

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Rocket Detail

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sticker from my favorite record store

Sheath, Release Mechanism

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holds the zip ties in lock position

Zip Tie Based Release Mechanism Detail

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Detail of release mechanism. The zip ties are attached to the pvc launcher tube with duct tape

Zip Tie Mechanism With Sheath

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The sheath is what holds the zip ties in place.

Zip Tie Mechanism Detail

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Detailed view

Rocket and Launcher

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Rocket loaded on the launcher before securing

Rocket and Launcher Detail

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Detail View

Rocket View From Nose

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Rocket Loaded Detail

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Rocket Loaded Detail

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another detail view

Close Up Rocket Loaded Before Securing

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note how the sheath is not fully covering the zip ties

Close Up Rocket Secure

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note how the sheath covers all of the zip ties.

Video of Launch

The video shows usage of the launcher with the release mechanism.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yctt09rr3c&feature=youtube_gdata_player