Question 1

Is there an optimal psi level?

Accepted Answer

No, there is not an optimal PSI level for the StratoLauncher IV. The range is 15 PSI to 120 PSI on all 3 models, Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate. A lot depends on the size field you are launching on. The higher the PSI the larger the field needs to be especially if there is any wind (8 - 15 MPH) and you are using a parachute. Wind can cause a lot of drift and you might lose your rocket to a tree or not find it. Most people are happy in the 40 - 80 PSI range. At 100 - 120 PSI you are stressing the bottle a lot and it would need to be replaced more frequently as the stress points will eventually give way after a few dozen launches at that consistent high pressure. Below 100 PSI the bottle will last a long time. Also, if one is pressurizing with a bicycle pump you will get tired of pumping up to 100 PSI and higher over time. Pumping up to 40 - 80 PSI is not that much work. Most children will not be able to pump up much past 80 PSI and certainly not very often. One can have a lot of fun in the 40 - 80 PSI range because the rocket flies plenty high at those pressures and one can do it over and over without a lot of effort. This lower PSI range is also good when using a parachute because above 80 PSI you are apt to lose your parachute rocket if the winds are any higher than 4 MPH. I hope these comments and suggestions prove helpful to your.

Question 2

Where can I purchase additional nozzles?

Accepted Answer

Additional nozzles are available on our site https://www.stratofins.com Also, that information is available on the product box, online manuals, and the included business card. You will find a host of replacement parts and upgrade kits there as well.

Question 3

If I'm at the beach, can I use salt water?

Accepted Answer

Although salt water would work in the StratoLauncher IV, I would not recommend it because the salt water would be corrosive to the metal parts. Probably not a problem on the aluminum, but the other brass and metal parts would suffer and probably affect the air pressure gauge if it gets inside of there. Furthermore, the presence of sand many cause problems, because that stuff gets everywhere and would invariably cut away on plastic connections (nozzle) and may create leaks from abrasion or malfunctioning. I suppose if you were extremely careful and rinsed the nozzle before each insertion into the launcher and carefully rinsed the entire launcher with fresh water shortly after you left the beach you might get away with it, but I would not recommend it. An additional problem would be the flight itself. Generally beaches are windy places and these light water rockets prefer launching in less than 10 MPH (0 to 4 MPH is really ideal). Other than that beaches sound like a great place to launch given the wide open spaces probably without trees and potential soft landings on water or sand, but I think it is a recipe for shortening the life of the StratoLauncher IV.  It will function without water using just air, but does not fly near as high, but once again the sand and wind are going to be issues at the beach where I don't think you will be pleased with the results.

Question 4

Not fitting onto Bike pump at all. How is this thing supposed up actually launch anything?!

Accepted Answer

All our StratoLauncher IV models come with a standard Schrader valve as one would find on most bicycle or car tires. Consequently a standard bike pump will fit our valve. If your bike pump only has a Presta valve as found on high pressure road bikes, then it will not fit the Schrader valve. Many bike pumps have a head for both types of valves. Per our assembly instructions the Schrader valve is normally located under the pressure gauge on the launcher body. Installing the pressure gauge at a 25 degree angle as we indicate can make it easier to attach a bike pump to the Schrader valve underneath it. If the head on you bike pump is too large to fit under the pressure gauge, then you might switch the Schrader and safety valve positions on the launcher body. If you are still having issues, please contact us directly via the email on the kit box or included business card. We will help resolve any issues.

Material Type	aluminum, stainless steel, brass, ABS plastic
Number of Pieces	19
Item Weight	2.25 Pounds
Item Dimensions	8 x 7 x 12 inches
Additional Features	universal nozzle system, slower and safer lift-offs, STEM customizability
Style	Deluxe
Theme	Vehicle
Color	Black

Relationshipware StratoLauncher IV Deluxe Tilting Water Rocket Launcher + StratoFins Kit

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