Introduction: Transform the Water Rocket Launch Pad Into a Pyro Rocket One... in Seconds!!!
Previously, I've built a PVC Water Rocket Launch Pad.
https://www.instructables.com/id/PVC-Water-Rocket-...
and this project was chosen as a finalist, in the PVC contest promoted by Instructables.
I just wanted to use the same launch pad, creating a swappable module, that allows me to launch water and pyro rockets (using a proper module), I can change in a bunch of seconds.
Step 1: Attaching the Metal Lid to the 1/2 Litre Water Bottle
Remove the handle from the metal lid.
Mine had 2 holes and luckily I've been able to use one of them, to slide into it the metal rod/rail.
To secure the lid to the bottle, I had to drill another hole at the centre of it.
After that, I used a screw for wood and the large washer (placed at the centre of the lid).
To close the hole of the handle I used a nut, a bolt, and another small washer.
It's important to close any hole of the lid properly, otherwise you'll damage the launch pad.
For the same reason underneath I placed a metal bar, to withstand in a better way the heat generates by the pyro motor during the launch.
Last but not least, I've screw an old male Gardena connector that wasn't sealing properly my water rocket.
(to make yours, please follow the links suggested in my previous tutorial)
https://www.instructables.com/id/PVC-Water-Rocket-Launch-Pad-With-Gardena-Connector/
Step 2: Preparing the Metal Rod/rail
Again, I wanted to use as many parts as possible of my previous PVC Water Rocket Launch Pad, therefore I've decided to use the same base of the rail, to insert the metal rod inside of it.
I basically put a cork top inside the small piece of PVC pipe (that matches perfectly the height of the 1/2 Litre water bottle when slotted into the launch pad).
After that, I drilled a 3mm hole and I've inserted the metal rod inside the PVC pipe.
Step 3: Final Assembling
You now have the metal rod, inserted to the small PVC pipe and the 1/2 Litre water bottle, attached to the lid.
Slide the metal rod inside the hole of the lid and connect the pipe to the previous rail (used for the water rockets).
Slide into the female connector your water bottle with the lid attached.
At this stage it's very important to secure the rod, using the metal part of an electrical connector (picture 3).
When you are outside, secure the launch pad to the ground using 4 (at least), camping pegs.
Last important thing, when you are positioning the rocket on the blast deflector (lid), be sure the motor is aligned with the large washer. In this way the blast will be direct at the centre of the lid and, eventually, after a few of launches, you can replace just the washer.
You are ready to launch your pyro/model rocket.
Step 4: Have Fun... Always Being Safe!!!
3... 2... 1... Go!
Again, please follow the model rocket safety code, as model rockets may be very dangerous if used inappropriately. https://www.nar.org/safety-information/model-rock...
If you prefer to build a portable metal launch pad for less than 20$, please take a look at my "ible" #38...
