Launcher History
2024
2024-07-12: Website redesign.
2024-06-01: Added PDF safety instructions.
2024-05-20: 1) Retired PVC Legs; moved to Retired remix. This is a project milestone; the first launcher was mainly PVC pipes and plumbing with a few printed parts to hold all parts together. Summer 2023 introduced fully-printed Legs, and since then all Makes have used printed Legs. PVC Legs are retired to increase design latitude for Legs, Pegs, Base, and Carrier. 2) Base text changed to reflect new name; version update v1.21 to v1.22 but otherwise identical. 3) Updated Leg from v1.03 to v1.05 to fix a situation where a Peg could slip through the oval hole. Updated text for improved high-speed printing and Arachne slicing. Updated Peg from v1.2 to v1.41-L with 2cm longer length for more secure anchoring. Plan to make this the standard. 4) Added link to Mehrwegflaschen Core B remix by @TomTom_1424482.
2024-04-08: Site and name migration to marimolabs.com/water-rocket-launcher
2023
2023-12-16: Updated Leg v1.03. Thinner top layer decreases chance of problems from filament overextrusion; also saves filament!
2023-11-20: Added note re: Mehrwegflaschen and link to Clamp remix by @LucasF_62480.
2023-10-03: New www.magicsmokestat.com website, fully updated.
2023-09-20ish: Build Instructions and 23 Launches video posted to YouTube. Reddit teaser video posted on Reddit.
2023-09-01: Clamp updated to v1.44; width adjusted to account for printer variability causing increased friction (10.6→10.4mm)
2023-08-31: Migrated legacy and deprecated designs to Retired Water Rocket Designs remix to simplify page. Removed link to design notes on https://magicsmokestat.com/water-rocket-launcher/ as they are out of date (v1.2) and will not be further updated. Payload parachute beta demoted to to prototypes page.
2023-08-26: Posted Clamp v1.43, an improved clamp based on feedback and testing by @BrettSilva_480717. Improved clamping action across a range of bottles.
2023-08-15: Instructables page updated to v1.4. Work on payloads: standardized on 84mm payload system. Uploaded v1.0 interlocks, promoted Mount and Mount Shroud from Beta to v1.0. Parachute module is in alpha development; will be siloed as a remix and developed there until design has matured.
2023-07-31: Added assembly instructional video. Added Schrader valve removal tool. Updated Foot Sch 40 to v1.30 (better fit; amenable to scaling; minor adjustment to make Leg stowage easier.
2023-07-28: PETG pressure stress test with Core C Sch40 and Clamp successful to 150psi (max recommended for launch is 60psi). Clean release with regular-thickness rubber bands. Deprecated old ledge fin mounts (ring style). Too heavy/draggy for provided stability compared to swept fins.
2023-07-16: Fins v1.0 for Polar Seltzer 1L bottles uploaded in 3 sizes. Optimized for universal clamps.
2023-07-14: Introduced Core TypeC PN16 beta. Renamed Std clamp to just “Clamp” – it now fits all bottles with 33mm flange diameter, which is all bottles for carbonated beverages to my knowledge.
2023-07-12: Core TypeC Sch40 updated to v1.13, adjusting a few dimensions to accommodate a) thicker hose extensions and b) scaling up to 103%. PETG pressure-stress-test successful to 120psi (max recommended for launch is 60psi). Clamp Std v1.42 improved to reduce required collar pull force. Removed thickening from v1.3 as it is no longer required with the v1.4 aligning rail. Added Gauge Sch40 v1.0.
2023-07-07: Core TypeC updated to v1.1, redesigned from scratch to optimize launch tube holding and printability. Clamp Std v1.41 now covers flange heights 15-21mm, covering all common bottles. Minor updates to Collar v1.42 (text), Carrier v1.31 (text), Leg v1.02 (corner fillets for fit, text change). Recommending Core C over Core A. Updated Parts Selection chart.
2023-07-03: Collar v1.41 (removed lower nubs, improved gripping area)
2023-06-22: Core TypeC tested to 100psi, promoted from beta. Collar and Clamp Std 17to21h33d uploaded as v1.4. Clamp Std works with both PCO-1810/1881 and adds an aligning rail for better bottle lock and rigidity.
2023-06-20: Promoted Clamp 21h33d beta (thickened) to v1.3. Updated Core TypeC beta to 2023-06 version (raising O-ring height by 4.5mm; prerequisite for common PCO-1810 and -1881 clamps). 3D printed Base/Legs in PLA tested to over 80kg dynamic load with no failure. This fully replaces all PVC legs and Feet. Deprecating 20.0mm PN16 models using pipe for legs, along with associated Foot/Peg parts for simplicity. Keeping 21.4mm options available to save filament. Declaring 21.4mm ASTM models as “Universal”. Future PVC pipe localization will focus on Launch Tube designs.
2023-06-14: Uploaded Leg 21.4mm v1.0, a fully-3D printed replacement for the PVC pipe+Foot. Allows for eliminating PVC pipe entirely with a Core B build. Also uploaded Collar Universal v1.3 and Carrier v1.3, which have notch cutouts to fit the Leg geometry. Removed old Polar Seltzer 1L chunky fin beta (poor performance). Removed Core Type C betas for UKovf and AS/NZS (expected to require too much refinement effort for low yield; no expressed interest; simplification of build options). Uploaded betas of fins, inspired by @HowToHomemade and @DaveTheYellowDart.
2022
2022-09-01: Uploaded improved feet (less retraction, simpler wye geometry). US version (ASTM) is tested; others (AUS/NZ, UK, EU) need verification.
2022-07-25: Uploaded beta versions of Polar Seltzer 1L bottle fin/payload parts and additional 20.0mm EU parts.
2022-07-11: Added folders to file structure. Added Base 20.0mm EU beta.
2022-05-18: Downgraded Core Type C to beta status.
2022-04-27: Uploaded beta payload/parachute mounts models.
2022-04-26: Uploaded Base 21.4mm v1.21 (updated model file reference to Printables); Changed names of Core TypeD (now Type C AUS-NZ) and Type E (now Type C UK); minor edits to file descriptions
2022-03-25: Linked DaveTheYellowDart’s bottle lid fin retaining ring model
2022-01-02: Betas for UK and AUS/NZ pipe Core and Foot added
2021
2021-12-31: Uploaded fin betas 33d: 200mm, Custom Mount, Mount Only 64mm
2021-12-21: Published Version 1.2. Base K v4 2021-12A; Clamp H 15h 29to33d v3 2021-12B (Previously Clamp 15-29 to 33); Clamp H 17h 33d v12 2021-12B (Previously Clamp 17-33); Clamp H 21h 33d v3 2021-12B (Previously Clamp 21-33); Collar H v6 2021-12A; Core TypeA Center J v7 2021-12A (Previously Tube Core); Core TypeA Valve Backstop D v6 2021-12A (Previously Valve Backstop); Core TypeA Valve Retainer E v4 2021-12A (Previously Valve Holder); Core TypeB D v9 2021-12A; Core TypeC A v9 2021-12A; Foot H v5 2021-12A; Launch Pin G v4 2021-12B; Peg ASTM F v8 2021-12A (Previously Peg)
2021-11-22: Updated several items to v1.1. Base J v15 2021-11B; Clamp H 15-29 to 33 v2 2021-11A; Clamp H 17-33 v11 2021-C; Clamp H 21-33 v2 2021-11A *Untested; may need thicker upper profile to match 17-33; Peg F v7 2021-11A; Tubeless Core D v7 2021-11A. Migrated to PrusaPrinters.org.
2021-11-05: Uploaded Tubeless Core beta 1. Tubeless Core beta 1. Dev name Tubeless Core D v2. (becomes Core B).
2021-10-01: Initial v1.0 release. Development namesBase H v12 2021-09D; Carrier J v4 2021-09D; Clamp G v4 2021-09D; Collar G v9 2021-09D; Foot H v5 2021-09D; Launch Pin F v8 2021-09D; Peg E Long v11 2021-09D; Peg E Short v1 2021-09D; Tube Core H v1 2021-09D; Valve Backstop C v2 2021-09D; Valve Holder D v3 2021-09D; Wrench qtr-20 A v4 2021-09D
2021 Type A Launch Tube Testing
SN017-020. 2021-12-11: O-ring change and PETG testing. O-ring changed to 15x22x3.5mm to match Tubeless core. New “Center”, previously known as Tube Core. New lower tube dimensions for 7.0cm. New valve backstop. SN020: New O-ring. PETG all pieces. 20cm upper. => tested to 85psi. SN019: New O-ring. PETG core, PLA valve retainer. 15cm upper. => tested to 95psi. SN018: New O-ring. PLA. No cement on upper tube. 15cm upper tube. SN017: New O-ring. PLA. TypeC A v9 2021-12A tests: Tested to 85psi
SN013-016. 2021-10-21: Single tube and boltless design exploration. SN016: Boltless with 40mm crenellated internal lower section of tube core; no backstop. SN015: Boltless with 25mm internal lower section of tube core, crenellated backstop. SN013-014: Lower tube only prototypes with 3mm tall groove, 17.0mm groove diameter
SN011-012 and old tube mods. 2021-10-13: Further general launch testing and pressure burst testing. SN012: Yellow/yellow. 2mm ht, 17.0 groove. New valve holder. SN011: Yellow/yellow. 2mm ht, 17.0 groove. New valve holder. SN009-mod: Attached PVC elbow for pressure testing to upper tube. => tested to 140psi SN008-mod: Attached PVC elbow for pressure testing. Upper tube came loose after twist; re-cemented => tested to 140psi. SN004-mod: Attached PVC elbow for pressure testing = tested to 140psi
SN007-010. 2021-09-11: Investigating Tube Core dimension changes. Changing to a standard 2mm O-ring setback and ring groove 17.0mm for more reliable separation. Change in Valve Holder (larger central hole) for ease of assembly. SN010. 2mm height, 17.0 groove. New valve holder. SN009. 4mm original height. 17.2 original groove diameter. New valve holder. SN008. 2mm height; 17.0mm groove. Cresline. => launch tested, no issues >80psi SN007. 4mm height; 17.0mm groove. => launch tested, no issues >80psi
SN004-SN006: 2021-09-04. Investigation of PVC pipe variation between two brands. Cresline (ID15.6-8; OD 21.3) and JMEagle (ID 15.5-6; OD21.4). Both are fine. SN006. Red core, red VH. Cresline. Q-tip prime. SN005. Red core, red VH. Cresline. Prime w/ ball applicator, valve inserted over primed pipe. => cut open for testing => looks ok. SN004. Blue core, black valve holder. JM Eagle 3″ lower. Valve inserted before priming w/ Q-tip.
SN001-SN003. 2021-07-28: Investigation of TR413 vs TR414; valve backstop. SN003. 3″ upper; 3″ lower. 17mm backstop. TR414. Q-tip for priming. Repeatedly launch tested, no issues. SN002. 3.5″ upper; 2.5″ lower. TR413 with backstop. Q-tip for priming => cut open for testing => good valve holder retention. SN001. 3.5″ upper; 2.5″ lower. TR414 with no valve backstop. Q-tip for priming.Initial convention: 4mm O-ring setback; ring groove 17.2mm
2020
2020-08-23: Public Beta 3. Development names: Base Std F-fork D-fork Bv4; Clip E v1; Collar D v2; Foot C; Launch Pin D v4; Tube Adapter F-fork qtr-20 A v4
2020-07-30: Development names: Base Mini F-fork D v1; Tube Adapter F-fork qtr 20 A v4
2020-07-11: Public Beta 1 & 2. Development names: Base Mini F-fork C v1; Base Std F-fork D-fork A v1; Clip D v3; Collar C; Foot A v1; Launch Pin C v2; Tube Adapter F v1