Pitsco Education R2K Rocket Kit User manual

R2K
Rocket Kit
User Guide
56367 V0622

2
Materials Included
• Paper body tube
• Ping-Pong ball
• Fin material
• String
• Sandpaper
• Transition Cone Template
• Fin Pattern Template
• 2 plastic inserts
Items Required (not included)
• 16-ounce, 20-ounce, one-liter, or
two-liter plastic soda bottle (do
NOT use bottles for noncarbonated
beverages such as water)
• Cool-melt glue gun and glue
• Permanent marker
• Transparent tape
• Scissors
• Paints
• Masking tape
Tip: Read all assembly instructions before
beginning to build your rocket and then go
back to the beginning and start the step-
by-step instructions.
Assembling the Rocket Body
1. Optional: Pressurize the rocket body
by pumping up the plastic bottle.
Ask your instructor for the“zz
keeper”type bottle pressurizer
(Figure 4). This ensures a rigid body
surface while working on the rocket.
2. Cut out the appropriate tape
measure from the Fin Pattern
Template according to your bottle
size and shape. You will use it to
determine the placement of the ns.
Place the measuring tape around
the bottle, just above where the
circumference tapers. Secure the
measuring tape to the bottle using transparent tape.
3. Follow the instructions on the Fin Pattern Template to
determine the location of each n according to your bottle
size. For example, if
you’re using a one-liter
bottle, the placements
would be at the 0-, 3.4-,
and 6.8-inch marks. Using
a permanent marker,
make a dot on the bottle
at each n location.
Then, remove the
measuring tape.
Cautionary and Warning Statements
• This kit is designed and intended for educational purposes
only.
• Use only under the direct supervision of an adult who has
read and understood the instructions provided in this user
guide.
• Read warnings on packaging and in manual carefully.
• Always exercise caution when using sharp tools.
Recycling at Its Best
Start by rescuing an empty 16-ounce, 20-ounce, one-liter, or two-
liter bottle made for carbonated beverages that was destined
for the trash. You’ll use it to form the body of a rocket. Note: Do
not use a plastic water bottle. These thin plastic bottles are not
intended to hold pressure. All the remaining parts needed to
assemble a rocket are included in this kit. Templates for different
sizes of transition cones and fin
patterns are included in the kit.
The following instructions show
you how to build a rocket using a
standard one-liter bottle.
The process might need to be
modified for bottles of different
sizes and shapes. For example,
fin shape and placement might
vary. We encourage you to
experiment with different bottle
shapes and variations in design
(Figure 1). However, with any
design, you should first ensure
your rocket is flight worthy and
safe before launch.
Before You Begin
Check your bottle. We know you’re eager to get started, but this
step is important because different
soda brands have bottles that vary
in size and shape. The bottle should
be installed onto the launcher before
it is used to ensure it will fit on the
launcher. Without a proper fit, the
completed rocket will not launch
successfully.
Insert the pressure plug of the
launcher in the mouth of the bottle
(Figure 2). If the plug does not fit into
the mouth of the bottle, the bottle
should not be used.
Figure 1
Some experimentation might be
needed to achieve the optimum
ight performance in bottles of
different shapes and sizes.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5

3
To make straight vertical lines for
for fin placement, hold the bottle
against a door frame (Figure 6).
Make 2" marks just below the taper
of the bottle. Note: Some bottles
might vary in shape from the one
pictured.
4. Sand the marked areas where the
ns will be (Figure 7).
5. Lightly sand inside each of the
bottle feet where the body tube
will t (Figure 8). The sanding
is done in preparation for the
attachment of the plastic insert
and body tube.
Final Assembly
1. Using the cool-melt
glue gun, mount one
of the plastic inserts,
centered between
the bottle feet
(Figure 11). Align the
insert vertically with
the bottle.
2. After the glue sets,
slip the paper body
tube onto the plastic
insert (Figure 12).
3. From the
Transition
Cone
Template,
choose the
appropriate
size
transition
cone
according to
your bottle
size and cut it out. Crease the
transition cone along the tab
(Figure 13).
4. Roll the transition cone across
the edge of a table or workbench
(Figure 14).
5. Roll the transition cone
somewhat tightly in your hand
(Figure 15). Then, carefully
unroll it and align the edge so it
overlaps the tab on the opposite
side. The small opening will be 1"
in diameter. Tape the cone along
the seam using transparent tape.
6. Slide the transition cone over the
body tube that is connected to
the bottle (Figure 16). It should
t snugly. If it does not t snugly,
spot glue the cone to the body
tube using the cool-melt glue
gun. Smooth the glue as much as
possible. Allow the glue to cool
before nishing the R2K.
Figure 6
Adding the Fins
1. Choose a n pattern from
the Fin Pattern Template
and cut it out. Place the
pattern on the n material
and trace around the edges
of the pattern. Cut the n
from the material. It may
be necessary to sand the
edges of the ns where
they will attach to the
bottle.
2. Using the cool-melt glue
gun, run a thin bead of glue
along the base of one of the ns. Press
the n into place along the mark on the
R2K body. Make sure the n is perfectly
aligned along the mark. Let the glue set
for a minute. Then, run a bead of glue
along both sides of the n. Repeat this
process for the other two ns.
Note: While you are gluing the base of the fin,
it may tend to move out of place if the bead of
glue on the other side has not set.
Figure 7
Figure 9
Figure 8
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 13 Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 12
Figure 16

4
Adding Final Touches
1. Remove the pressurizer from the R2K. To spruce up your
rocket, you can spray paint or brush it using acrylic paints.
Pitsco sells decals that can also add pizzazz to your rocket.
Protect the inside of the bottle neck by covering the end
with masking tape.
2. The Ping-Pong ball is the nose
cone for the R2K. Using the cool-
melt glue gun, glue one end of
the string to the ball (Figure 17).
Why the Ping-Pong ball?
Compared to other types of
nose cones tested, the Ping-Pong ball has proven to provide
the best overall performance for the ight of the R2K.
Also, the ball, with its attached string, functions as a
recovery system. During the rocket’s descent, the ball causes
the rocket to tumble. This creates drag, which slows the
rocket’s descent and allows it to land intact.
3. Using a sharp point, enlarge the small hole in the closed end
of the plastic insert.
Thread about a half-
inch of the string
through the plastic
insert (Figure 18).
Use a spot of glue
to secure the thread
and seal the hole.
Be sure the hole is
completely sealed
by the glue.
4. Carefully, ease the plastic insert
into the end of the body tube
(Figure 19). If the plastic insert
ts loosely in the body tube, put
some tape around the insert to
make it snug.
Note: Do not paint the plastic
insert.
5. Make sure the string attached
to the Ping-Pong ball is not
tangled. It should hang free for
several inches.
Launching the R2K
Before launching your rocket, follow all safety
guidelines, launcher instructions, and your
teacher’s instructions.
Make sure to fill your bottle about half full
of water and then place it on the launcher.
Make sure the Ping-Pong ball is on top of the
body tube and insert before pressurizing and
launching (Figure 20).
Figure 20
Figure 19
Figure 18
P.O. Box 1708 • Pittsburg, KS 66762
shop.pitsco.com
Toll-Free Orders 800-835-0686
Figure 17
R2K Rocket Kit User Guide 56367 V0622