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Yes, this is rocket science (on a small scale) and things can go wrong, people can get hurt. Please read this entire page before clicking on any other link.
If you are an idiot, or suspect that you are an idiot, please do not enter into this hobby. To find out if you are an idiot, click this link and answer a few questions:
Am I an idiot? A quiz.
Are you returning from taking the idiot quiz? If you are, and you didn't read this entire page first, you may be an idiot. After all, it says in the second sentence to read the entire page first before clicking on any other link!
Here are some points to remember that should help keep you safe, and more importantly, keep those around you safe:
- Inspect the rocket. If you suspect that the main container has been crimped or dented, then dicard it. Get another bottle to act as your rocket. They are cheap and an unsafe bottle may explode sending pieced in unknown directions.
- Once your rocket is compressed, don't allow anyone to touch it. Decompress the chamber before touching the rocket. Turbulence in the water can lead to unpredictable results including an explosion.
- Make sure that everyone in the launch area knows what is going to happen. This includes making sure that no vehicles are approaching. All living things are beyond the 10 foot (20 foot preferably) safety zone.
- Audibly call out a countdown. This helps with the line item above.
- Do not take the container above acceptable levels. 2 liter bottles will explode starting at about 150psi. I never take mine above 100psi. Most of my launches are at 60psi.
- Do not try to catch your rocket. On its way down (without parachute) it will be travelling over 50mph.
- Do not launch in high winds. Here in Georgia, we are priveledged to have calm winds most of the time. Launching in wind makes the landing site more unpredictable in a sometimes unpredictable hobby.
- When it doubt. Decompress, and check stuff out. I've mistakently forced some launches and the rockets have veered off course. I've vowed never to do that again. Stop, decompress, check the system out, then recompress when all is ready.
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