Brief:
I bought this Big Daddy (on sale, of course) as a test-bed for a Micro-Hybrid motor. This required an extension of the motor mount, and the capability to house electronics in the nose cone. Before flying it on a Micro-Hybrid, I'll probably try it on a conventional motor with motor ejection (1st flight) and with electronics (2nd flight).

Modifications:
Since there are already several articles on the Big Daddy, I will describe only the modifications that I made. Because the Micro-Hybrid is just over 6 inches long, and I wanted the full motor enclosed by the motor tube to protect it from ejection gasses, the 24mm motor mount tube is 7" long. I used the stock cardboard centering rings and made small notches in them to allow a Kevlar shock cord to extend to the rear of the rocket. I also added a single T-nut for positive motor retention. This is mounted on the inside of the rear centering ring to make sure it doesn't pull out (the ring is fairly thin cardboard, after all). The retention bracket itself is a metal picture frame hanger.

To allow the mounting of electronics in the nose cone and to provide more room for the recovery components, I cut the off the nose cone shoulder in front of the stock parachute hook. When looking for a method of attaching the recovery system and electronics in the modified nose cone, I borrowed a tip from The Rocketry Forum (TRF). I sanded a spare 38mm-to-3" centering ring so that it fits in the nose cone just ahead of the shoulder. It rests against the shoulder, which provides a mechanical lock. I added a loop of tubular Kevlar® for chute attachment, and glued the ring in with Liquid Nails. I used this concept on my Standard Cray-ARM , but never had thought of it for a standard nose cone (vs. the tip of my Crayon rocket). My thanks to John Coker on this one!

To control where the ejection charge gasses go, I built an ejection cannon from a piece of 24mm tubing and the motor spacer provided with the kit. This assembly is glued to the forward centering ring and fits nicely between the extended motor tube and the airframe.

The final two mods were an addition of 3' of 250lb Kevlar twine (I also used the elastic that was provided with the kit) and a pair of rail buttons from railbuttons.com.

After building this rocket, I weighed it along with my G-Wiz altimeter, mounting assembly, and a standard 9v battery. The results are not encouraging. The Micro-Hybrid's reported thrust ranges are between a D12 and an E24. If my Micro-Hybrid comes in on the high end, all will be well; if on the low end, I will need lighter electronics. I am currently thinking of buying a Perfectflite mini timer. Another concern is that the G-Wiz requires a certain level of acceleration to begin operation. They have been known to fail on flights that are too slow off the pad.

Finishing:
I had been wanting to try an Easter egg paint scheme and this rocket provided the opportunity. I will refer you to The Rocketry Forum for the details, but this method basically just involves spraying paint into a plastic trash can filled with water and dipping the rocket - just like coloring Easter eggs. This time I have to thank Lee Reep, the inventor and undisputed master of this technique! The painting technique also inspired the 'Dipper' in the Big Dipper Daddy's name.

One caution: don't dip in direct sunlight, the paint dries too fast.

Flight:
I chose an E9-6 to see how the rocket would fly on a motor with a low average impulse. I wrapped the end of the motor with tape for retention going up, and used the retaining bracket for retention going down. The speed and altitude were respectable, which makes me think this rocket will be fine with the Micro-Hybrid and a light timer.

Recovery:
I used a 12" Mylar chute and, in the place of wadding, a chute protector that I made from a discharged car air bag. The airbag material seems to work great after several tests with both BP and composite motors. I'll be sure to nab more of these if I get a chance!

Summary:
This rocket was easily modified for longer motors and electronic deployment. Despite the added weight, it should fly well on the Micro-Hybrid using light electronics. I also got the chance to try out an Easter Egg paint scheme as discussed on The Rocketry Forum. This didn't come out quite as well as expected, but was a good first try.