DRzardoz
Member
I started model rocketry back in 1965 and stopped in 1970-71. This hobby plus being influenced by my 7th grade science teacher led me to a physics degree. I paid my way through university by being a FORTRAN programmer for the physics department for 3 years (it took me 5 years to graduate working 20 hrs/week at $4/hr - big time money for 1972-1975 LOL).
After a 40+ year career as a mainframe systems programmer to manager of software development I retired in 2014 but by early 2015 I formed ITA Services and became a freelance programmer. My wife is thrilled I have picked up a new hobby and cutting back on 'work'.
In April 2022 we relocated from Tacoma WA to CO Springs to be closer to our grandkids. l may be closer to my goal of building the Nike-Hercules since Apogee Rockets has the plans for it. I tried to build that rocket back in 67-68 but I could never finish it but not for lack of trying - it was too complicated for a 14 y/o.
Once I get my model building skills whipped into shape I want to try to build the Nike-Ajax, the Nike-Zeus, and the Nike-Sprint, along with the Nike-Hercules. I have the Estes Nike-X model but the Nike-X was the program name not a missile name but maybe I am being too pedantic.
I intend on getting a copy of Apogee's RockSim software (I enjoy coding) and plan on creating a RockSim file for the Nike-Hercules. That may be a good winter project as I am used to the mild but rainy Pacific NorthWest weather. It does not get below 40F that often and we whine about heat waves around 80F.
Last but not least, I am trying to help COSROCS (Colorado Springs Rocket Society) find alternate launch sites as the area around Challenger Middle School is shrinking due to more houses. Apparently El Paso county and CO Springs are very anal about where and when we can launch.
Take care and stay safe.
After a 40+ year career as a mainframe systems programmer to manager of software development I retired in 2014 but by early 2015 I formed ITA Services and became a freelance programmer. My wife is thrilled I have picked up a new hobby and cutting back on 'work'.
In April 2022 we relocated from Tacoma WA to CO Springs to be closer to our grandkids. l may be closer to my goal of building the Nike-Hercules since Apogee Rockets has the plans for it. I tried to build that rocket back in 67-68 but I could never finish it but not for lack of trying - it was too complicated for a 14 y/o.
Once I get my model building skills whipped into shape I want to try to build the Nike-Ajax, the Nike-Zeus, and the Nike-Sprint, along with the Nike-Hercules. I have the Estes Nike-X model but the Nike-X was the program name not a missile name but maybe I am being too pedantic.
I intend on getting a copy of Apogee's RockSim software (I enjoy coding) and plan on creating a RockSim file for the Nike-Hercules. That may be a good winter project as I am used to the mild but rainy Pacific NorthWest weather. It does not get below 40F that often and we whine about heat waves around 80F.
Last but not least, I am trying to help COSROCS (Colorado Springs Rocket Society) find alternate launch sites as the area around Challenger Middle School is shrinking due to more houses. Apparently El Paso county and CO Springs are very anal about where and when we can launch.
Take care and stay safe.
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