pitsco Straw Rocket User Manual

Straw Rocket Launcher User Guide 45186 V0918 1
Materials Included
• Launcher base (preassembled)
• Angle plate (predrilled and slotted)
• 2 pan head screws (6-32 x 5/8")
• 2 knurled nuts (6-32 x 5/8")
• Piston assembly
• Spring
• Launch cylinder assembly (clear tube and enclosed graduated rod)
• Tube of silicone-based lubricant
Items Required (not included)
• Completed straw rocket
• Safety goggles (one pair per student near the launcher)
• Range paper (optional)
• Tape measure (optional)
Safety Tips
• Straw rockets should never be launched at people.
• Before launching a straw rocket, make sure that all people are clear of the rocket’s anticipated
ight path.
• Never attach sharp objects (needles, pins, and so forth) to a straw rocket.
Straw Rocket
Launcher
User Guide

pitsco Straw Rocket Specifications

General

Brand	pitsco
Model	Straw Rocket
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Materials Included

Items Required (not included)

Safety Tips

Launcher Assembly

Step 1: Align Angle Plate

Locate and slip the angle plate over the brass tube on the launcher base, ensuring markings face front.

Step 2: Secure Angle Plate

Align predrilled holes, insert screws, and hand-tighten knurled nuts to secure the angle plate.

Step 3: Insert Spring and Piston

Place the spring into the tube support mount and position the piston assembly over the spring.

Step 4: Attach Launch Cylinder

Slide the launch cylinder assembly over the piston assembly and tube support mount until seated.

Important Notes

Caring for the Launcher

Relubricating the O-ring

Gently separate launch cylinder, lubricate O-ring on piston assembly, and reassemble.

Making Straw Rockets

Rocket Body and Fit

Test straw fit on launcher tube; it should slide freely for optimal flight up to 50 feet.

Design and Experimentation

Design rocket with paper, determining fin shape, number, rocket length, and nose cone mass.

Attach Fins

Cut identical fins from paper/card stock (at least three) and attach using transparent tape.

Form Nose Cone

Create a nose cone from modeling clay and attach it to the top end of the rocket body.

Launching Straw Rockets

Adjust Launch Angle

Adjust the launch tube angle using the angle plate to align with the desired degree mark.

Load Rocket

Slip the straw rocket over the launch tube and ensure it is aligned with the trajectory angle.

Set Launch Rod Height

Raise the launch rod to the desired height in centimeters to control flight distance.

Initiate Launch

Release the launch rod so it falls, compressing air and blasting the rocket away from the launcher.