MT. CLEMENS, Michigan USA -- Public Missiles has expanded their website to include the following:

New Website Page, "Staging Systems"
PML has added a new page to their website called "Staging Systems". This page covers items that are involved with/can be used for multi-stage rockets. This page was created because there was really no other proper place to put the next item, and because staging seems to be becoming more popular.

Interstage Coupler 3000
Interstage Couplers are used in multi-stage rockets to house staging timers and to connect the upper and lower stages. PML has used them in their Thunder 'n' Lightning and Quantum Leap kits for years. The Terrier Booster for the MiniBBX kit was released late last year.

That Terrier Booster also included an Interstage Coupler, but a new one that'd been totally redesigned with features PML had learned they wanted over the years of work with the T'n'L and QLeap. That new IS was called the Interstage 3000 system, because it incorporated a system of timer mounting and usage that was much like PML's newest CPR3000 system.

So, the Terrier had the new IS3000. The next step was to redesign the T'n'L and Quantum Leap IS systems to the new IS3000 style. PML announced the new Thunder 'n' Lightning 3000 in PML News 43 back in January and the Quantum Leap II with the new IS3000, and the all-new/never-been-available-before Quantum Leap 3000 just last month. So, with that PML had equipped all their multistage kits with the IS3000.

Next step? Offer the IS3000's as separate kits for scratchbuilders! So, that's where today's announcement comes in...the IS3000 system is available in FIVE different sizes, 2.1, 2.5, 3.0, 3.9, and in the Terrier/MiniBBX configuration of 2.5" booster, 2.1" sustainer. (The IS-3000-TERR also requires the MiniBBX tailcone, available on the PML Nosecones Page in the webstore).

Also, to help you design your rockets to easily accomodate the IS3000 system, PML has put a couple of PDF documents on the Staging Page showing you the requirements. The design issues are nothing complex, but PML wanted to make sure you know the few items you'll have to have in your design to use the IS.

PML believes the IS3000 system is going to be a boon for two- (or more-) stage scratchbuilders, as designing the interstage system and the ignition electronics housing has always been a pain. Not any more! Again, check out the new Staging Page in the webstore (www.publicmissiles.com) for more information.

Revised ST-2b Timer Igniter/Ematch Recommendations
For those of you who own the ST-2b Staging Timer, PML has recently done some additional testing and changed their recommendations for ignition devices to use with it. They now recommend a Daveyfire N28F ematch (sold on the webstore Igniters Page) dipped in Magnelite pyrogen. From the N28F description on the Igniters Page:

"The Daveyfire N28F Electric Match works perfectly with the ST-2B staging timer for second stage ignition of G-80 single use motors. Can also be used for ignition of other popular rocket motors. For best results for motor ignition, dip N28F one time into a MagnaLite pyrogen mixture (sold on this page). (Electric matches will usually require extra pyrogen for successful motor ignition).

CAUTION: When dipping take care so that resulting match head will pass easily into the motor grain hole. Blocking motor hole can cause over-pressurization of motor which can rupture motor."

PML initially recommended the Magnelite and Rapidfire igniters with the ST-2b. Another round of testing with those items and ST-2b's has convinced them that there's too much variability in those igniters to recommend them for the relatively stringent requirements of an on-board ignition system.

They're both fine igniters for ground-based ignition systems, but PML is much more comfortable with and confident in a properly-prepared Daveyfire N28F with the ST-2b Staging Timer.