Water Rocket Release Mechanism

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.

Step 1: Water Rocket Launcher, Rocket,

Step 2: Rocket Detail

sticker from my favorite record store

Step 3: Sheath, Release Mechanism

holds the zip ties in lock position

Step 4: Zip Tie Based Release Mechanism Detail

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

Step 5: Zip Tie Mechanism With Sheath

The sheath is what holds the zip ties in place.

Step 6: Zip Tie Mechanism Detail

Detailed view

Step 7: Rocket and Launcher

Rocket loaded on the launcher before securing

Step 8: Rocket and Launcher Detail

Detail View

Step 9: Rocket View From Nose

Step 10: Rocket Loaded Detail

Step 11: Rocket Loaded Detail

another detail view

Step 12: Close Up Rocket Loaded Before Securing

note how the sheath is not fully covering the zip ties

Step 13: Close Up Rocket Secure

note how the sheath covers all of the zip ties.

Step 14: 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