Tips for New Rocketeers
Igniter Installation
It can be frustrating when you press the launch button and the rocket motor fails to ignite. “Sorry, that’s a misfire.”
This video provides a quick tutorial on how to best install an igniter into Estes motors. This will help provide reliable ignition and avoid misfires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVRsgMY4G-I
Wadding
Wadding is used to protect the recovery device (streamer or parachute) from the hot gas of the ejection charge. There are two major types of wadding: 1) Estes wadding; and 2) “dog barf” wadding. DART provides “dog barf” free at launches. Please use this wadding at DART launches instead of Estes wadding.
“Dog Barf” wadding. No it’s not really dog vomit…it’s flame resistant cellulose. This material is preferred by some parks departments because it does not look like left behind toilet paper on the ground. It is more biodegradable than Estes wadding.
Best used on smaller model rockets with BT-60 tubes or smaller. Not recommended for those who have dust or lint allergies.
DART provides “dog barf” free at launches. Please use this wadding at DART launches instead of Estes wadding.
Estes Wadding. Estes wadding is toilet paper specially treated to be flame resistant. It works well, but it can produce litter on the launch field.
If you see any Estes wadding on the DART launch field, please pick it up and place it in one of the trash cans on the field.
Note: do NOT use regular toilet paper or paper towels as wadding. These materials have not been treated to make them flame resistant.
Prepping Your Rocket for Flight
This short (7 minute) video provides a complete description of how to prep your rocket, including techniques for folding the parachute.