Apogee Atomizer 05054 User manual

Made In USAKit #05054
Skill Level 2
Skill Level 2
Easy to Construct and Fly
The rst thing you’ll notice on the Atomizer is the ring-tail
at the base. This large annular wing provides extra stability
because it increases the amount of n area. The other thing it
does is to protect the ns from a hard landing and makes them
much stronger than traditional rockets. What’s not to love about
a stronger rocket that ies straighter?
The Atomizer is easy to build, although it is recommended to
those modelers that have previous rocketry experience in the
past. The additional ring on the rear of the rocket may require
sanding down the tips of the ns just slightly in order to achieve
a perfect t. The rocket has a very simple but attractive color
scheme that will remind you of a hot rod for outer space. You’ll
love the simple vinyl decals that give the rocket lots of appeal
with minimum effort. Your friends are going to love this model
too!
Needed Tools and Materials
Pencil
Ruler with a straight edge
Scissors
Hobby Knife with Sharp Blades
Wood Glue
Super Glue (CyA adhesive – medium viscosity)
Aluminum "Angle" to draw lines on the tube
Optional Tools / Finishing Supplies
Masking Tape
Paper Towels
Bowl of water with a little dishwashing soap
Paint Supplies: Spray Paint, Brushes, etc
Sandpaper 220 grit and 400 grit and Sanding Block
Sheet A - P/N 31072
Manufactured in the USA by:
Apogee Components Inc.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Visit us online at:
www.ApogeeRockets.com
Atomizer Parts List
Item # Item Name Qty
10068 AT-18/2.75" 1
10120 AT-33/9 etched tube 1
13029 CR-13/18 Blue Ring 1
13031 CR-18/24 Green Ring 1
13051 1/8" Launch Lug 1" Long 2
13304 CR-18/33 Cardstock Sheet 1
15553 Atomizer Fin Sheet ⅛" x 3" x 9" 1
19468 PNC-33mm 1
24043 Regular Crimped Engine Hook 1
29124 12" Parachute Pack 1
29518 100# Kevlar Shock Cord x 5ft 1
31072 Atomizer Instruction Sheet A 1
31073 Atomizer Instruction Sheet B 1
31152 AT-3.71"/1.5" 1
35592 Display Stand Sheet 1
39044 Atomizer Facecard 1
41098 Atomizer Decal 1
Page 1

Assembly StepsAssembly Steps
1. Fine sand the balsa n sheet with 400 grit sandpa-
per using a sanding block or Apogee’s Sanding Tee.
Carefully remove all the ns from the n sheet by free-
ing the edges with a sharp hobby knife. Also remove
the cardstock centering rings from the sheet.
2. Sealing and sanding the balsa ns reduces drag by
making the surface very smooth. It also improves the
rocket’s appearance. Apply a coat of sanding sealer
to the ns with a paintbrush. When the sealer is dry,
lightly sand the sealed surfaces. Repeat the sealing
and sanding procedure until the balsa grain is lled
and the ns look and feel smooth.
3. With a pencil, mark the engine mount tube in three
locations from one end: 3/8 inch (9.5mm), 2 ¼ inch
(57.1mm) and 2 ⅜ inches (60.3mm).
4. Using a hobby knife, make a small slit at the 2 ¼
inch (57.1mm) mark for the engine hook. Insert the
tang of the metal engine clip into the slot cut into the
engine mount tube as shown.
5. Using wood glue, glue one of the cardstock cen-
tering rings over the tube and engine hook as shown.
The ring is positioned along the 3/8” (9.5mm) line on
the tube.
Page 2
Step 1
Step 2
2 ¼”
(57.1mm)
2 ⅜”
(60.3mm)
3/8”
(9.5mm)
Step 3
2 ¼”
(57.1mm)
Step 4
3/8”
(9.5mm)
Step 5

6. Take the blue ring and glue it inside the front end
of the tube using wood glue. You can use a rocket
engine to push it in until it butts against the metal en-
gine hook tang on the inside of the tube. Remove the
rocket engine casing immediately, and wipe away the
excess glue on both sides of the engine block. Allow
the glue time to dry.
7. Pass one end of the shock cord through the
remaining cardstock centering ring and tie the cord
around the engine mount tube. Cinch the cord tight
to the tube. Run a bead of wood glue around the for-
ward end of the engine mount tube nearest the front
end. Slip the ring onto the forward end of the motor
mount tube so that the ring aligns with the 2 ⅜ inch
(60.3mm) line on the tube as shown. Pull the cord so
that the loop is tight up against the side of the center-
ing ring.
8. Cut a small notch on the inside of the green cen-
tering ring. This notch will be for the shock cord to t
under the ring. Pass the loose end of the shock cord
through the green centering ring and glue the ring
over the front of the engine mount tube so that it butts
up against the large centering ring. This ring prevents
the shock cord from being pulled off the engine mount
tube at parachute ejection. Apply glue llets to both
sides of all of the centering rings and allow to dry.
9. Cut out the tube marking guide. Wrap it around the
large body tube, and rotate it around so the launch
lug line on the wrap aligns with the etched line on the
tube. Tape it so it doesn’t slide around. Mark the tube
where the ns will attach, then extend those lines
along the length of both tubes using an aluminum
angle. Be sure to notate the launch lug line.
10. Loop the long end of the yellow shock cord
through the engine tube so it is temporarily out of the
way. Using wood glue, glue the motor mount such
that the aft edge of the motor tube (not the center-
ing ring) is ush with the aft edge of the body tube.
Once inserted, thread the yellow shock cord back up
through the tubes and out the front.
Sheet B - P/N 31047
Launch Lug
Fin
Step 9
Step 7
Step 10
Page 3
Step 6
Step 8

11. Using wood glue, attach the ns to the rocket
along the lines drawn previously. The aft edges of the
ns should be even with the aft edge of the body tube.
For straighter ights, check to make sure the ns are
perpendicular to the tube. Allow the glue some time to
dry.
12. Using wood glue, attach the two launch lugs to the
body tube on the rectangles etched onto the surface.
Double check to make sure the two small tubes are
straight. You can carefully thread a launch rod through
them to make sure they are aligned.
13. Apply a bead of wood glue to both sides of each
n-body tube joint and each launch lug where it
attaches to the tube. Pull your nger along the joint
to smooth out and remove the excess glue. Lay the
tubes horizontally while the glue dries.
14. Tie the free end of the yellow shock cord to the
loop on the base of the shoulder of the nose cone. Put
a little wood glue on the knot to make it permanent.
15. Cut out the parachute from the plastic sheet using
scissors or a hobby knife.
16. Place one reinforcement ring on each of the
corners of the plastic parachute canopy. Take a sharp
pencil or knife and poke a hole through the plastic in
the center of each ring.
Page 4
Step 16
Step 14
Step 15
Step 12
Step 13
Step 11 No Yes

Step 21
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www.ApogeeRockets.com
Step 17
1
2
3
Step 18
Step 19
Page 5
17. Find the white cotton shroud line and cut the string
into three equal lengths as shown. Tie the shroud
lines through the ring holes as shown. Put a little bit of
glue on the knots to secure them in place. Allow the
glue to dry.
18. Holding the parachute at the center of its top, pull
the lines together to even up the ends. Thread the
three looped lines through the plastic loop at the base
of the nose cone (1). Take the top of the parachute
and thread it through all three string loops (2). Finally,
pull on the tip of the canopy to tighten the knot (3).
This securely attaches the parachute to the rocket.
19. When all the glue has completely dried, you can
paint the components of the Atomizer rocket. Roll a
piece of paper and insert it into the motor mount tube
so you can hold the model while painting it. For best
results, paint the parts with primer before using the -
nal color paint. Follow the directions on the paint can,
and always paint outdoors with the wind against your
back. Let the paint harden at least 24 hours before
proceeding.
20. Test the t of the large ring over the ns. If nec-
essary, sand down the edge of the ns to achieve
a snug t. Once the ring ts nicely, glue it in place
using the CyA Adhesive (super glue - medium or thick
viscosity).
21. Allow the paint to harden at least 1 day before
applying the vinyl decals. We recommend removing
each one from the paper backing and then dipping
them in soapy water to lubricate them so they will
slide around and can be repositioned easily. Keep
them wet by occasionally dripping some soapy water
on the model if they start to grab the rocket too quick-
ly. When the decal is in the right location, press down
rmly, and squeegee out any water underneath. When
the decal dries, it will be permanently xed. The soapy
water will not affect the adhesion of the glue on the
back of the vinyl decal.
Congratulations! Your Atomizer rocket is now com-
plete!
Step 20

To launch your rocket you will need the following:
●A model rocket launch pad with a 1/8-inch (3.175mm)
launch rod and launch controller
●Rocket Recovery Wadding
●Several recommended 18mm Rocket Engines for the
Atomizer are listed in the motor chart.*
*Go to our website for a broader motor selection for this
kit at https://www.apogeerockets.com/Model-Rocket-
Kits/Skill-Level-2-Model-Rocket-Kits/Atomizer#motors
A. Fold the parachute as shown.
B. Crumple and insert 2 or 3 sheets of recovery
wadding into the tube with a dowel. Slide the folded
parachute into the tube behind the recovery wadding.
Then slide the nose cone into the main body tube.
Step B
Step A
Rocket PreightRocket Preight
Launch Supplies NeededLaunch Supplies Needed
*Atomizer Suggested Motor Chart*Atomizer Suggested Motor Chart
Manufac-
turer(s)
Engine
Loaded Motor Type Est. Altitude
Ft m
Estes A8-3 Single Use 92 28.0
Estes B4-4 Single Use 204 62.2
Quest C18-4 Single Use 390 118.9
Quest D20-4 Single Use 487 148.4
Aerotech D13-5 Single Use 650 198.1
Remove the display stand pieces from the laser-cut
sheet. Assemble the leg pieces together. Run a thin
bead of wood glue along all the joints between the
pieces. When the glue is dry, the stand can be painted
and a rocket can be placed on it.
Page 6
Display Stand AssemblyDisplay Stand Assembly

Step C
Page 7
Step D
 C. When you are ready to launch your rocket, slide
the rocket motor into the engine mount tube until the
engine hook clicks into place as seen below.
D. Insert and secure the engine igniter as directed on
the package the engines came with.
At this point, the assembly of the rocket is complete
and ready for ight. Continue to follow the countdown
and launch procedures.
Countdown and Launch ProcedureCountdown and Launch Procedure
The Atomizer rocket ies off of a 1/8” launch rod.
Fly your rocket on a large eld that is far from any
power lines, trees, or low ying aircraft. The larger
the eld, the greater your chances of recovering your
rocket. The launch area around the pad must be free
of dry weeds and brown grass. Launch only during
calm weather with very little or no wind and good
visibility.
10. Remove the safety key from the launch control-
ler.
9. Slide the rail buttons over the launch rail to place the
rocket on the pad. The rocket should slide freely along
the launch rod.
8. Attach the micro-clips to the igniter wires.
The clips must not touch each other or the metal blast
deector.
7. Stand back from your rocket as far as the launch
wire allows (at least 40 feet for E motors and larger).
6. Insert the safety key to arm the launch system. The
light (or buzzer) on the controller should come on.
Give a loud countdown! 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
LAUNCH!
Push and hold the button until the engine ignites. Then
remove the safety key and place the safety cap on the
launch Rod.
Fin
overlap
FinFin Fin
Launch Lug
Tube Marking Guide
1"

Occasionally the igniter will burn, but the motor will fail to ignite. If this happens, the cause is that the pyrogen on the igniter
was not in contact with the engine's propellant. When an ignition failure occurs, remove the safety key from the launch
controller and wait 60 seconds before approaching the rocket. Remove the old igniter from the engine and install a new
one. Make sure that the igniter is inserted fully into the engine and touches the propellant. Secure the igniter as directed on
the engine package and repeat the countdown and launch procedure. Always follow the NAR* Model Rocket Safety Code
when launching model rockets.
*National Association of Rocketry **Kevlar® is a brand name of E.I. DuPont for their selection of aramid bers. Only DuPont makes Kevlar®.
Page 8
Misre ProcedureMisre Procedure
Go online and order at www.ApogeeRockets.com or call us and
order at 719-535-9335. We’re available M-F: 9:00am-5:00pm MST
Need parts or Accessories to go along with this kit?