N4KGL Radio Beacon Rocket Ready for Jan 8th Launch

My first try at a beacon rocket is ready. The 1 watt (powered with 9 V) 14.060 MHz transmitter, ID-OMatic II identifier board and a Par Endfedz match box have been assembled into the payload of a 2.2 inch diameter 5 foot tall rocket. A 33.28 foot wire half wave at 14.060 MHz will trail the rocket. The rocket will be powered by three D12-5 motors. The weight turned out to be 1 lb and 13 oz. The thrust of 36 newtons will be a 4.5 thrust to weight ratio. I would not launch with any less. So it looks like a replacement booster with a G77 motor would be a good idea for the future. I will head for the Southeast Alabama Rocketry Society (SEARS) launch in Samson, AL in the morning. If it is not too windy I'll do a first flight. I will post some QRPSPOTS messages giving about a 30 minute notice. I will also be on during the day operating as N4KGL /4 with 3 watts around 14.057 MHz. The rocket beacon will identify as N4KGL/B and be on 14.060 Mhz. Trailing a wire from my rocket is new territory so we will see what happens. I consider this a real challenge for reports from other hams as the flight time might be a only couple on minutes. But please give it a try.

N4KGL 20 meter Beacon Rocket

The payload section

Yes that is a 9v battery taped to the outside. It will be taped better for launch. It balances out with the coax right angle connector on the right. Of course the drag will reduce the altitude a bit.