WILLIAM2233
My First Book
The What Am I? Book- ages five on up
Riddle and coloring book, written for children to see what they learned at school. Too see my other books-Click above
Book2, Book3, Book4, you can buy from link-schroll down to lulu link
WILLIAM2233
Why I write For Children?
I write for children to help them learn, as well as to see what they learned. At home and at school. I also write to help our youth to get more involved in reading and too keep them from spending to much time watching T.V and gaming. Best viewed on computer not cell phones. I love to see the children laugh and giggle, either from me reading them at schools and day cares, or hearing it from teachers and parents.
I retired after 35 and a half years being a school custodian at a Elementary School this year 2023.
Few storys are up, more to come
It's Free kid's ask your parent's first. When I get used to this site, learning on my own.
This site is rated - G If you like this site comment by E-Mail william_sawyers@yahoo.com
I'll be upgrading this site slowly as webs being bought out.
visit my other site by looking me up as william2233 under yahoo or google
More Stories Scroll Down To Bottom
About Me.
Click on links below
I love to too do interviews on T.V and radio, Podcast, and to read my books in class's day cares and schools.
On the Radio in the following places;
Delaware, Florida twice, Texas, Arizona, Global talk Radio, Atlanta Georgia, Nevada, Swansboro, North Carolina, Germany, and Maine.
A short radio interview Florida and Nevada at same time .
In the Diablo Gazette - Click link below
https://www.diablogazette.com/2018/12/why-mr-bill-writes/
Do have mp3 radio interviews but, This site don't support it
Too check it out
Authors Den https://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?authorid=34404
My Amazon Store
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@william2233
Md.U.S.D solar savings http://planroom.mdusd.org/MDUSDFacilities/pages/technology.html
Can buy my books here lulu.com
https://www.lulu.com/search?contributor=william+sawyers&page=1&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00
Media
Why Does Mr. Bill Write
MY FAMILIA Y FRIENDS
As a follow up to National Custodian Day, our own hero Mr. Bill!
William Sawyers goes by the moniker “Mr. Bill.” He has been a school custodian in the M.D.U.S.D for 33 years! Mr. Bill first started out his career at our very own Holbrook in 1999 to 2011 and returned to us when the school reopened. The kids just adore him; we are so lucky he is at our school! As an added bonus, he says, “It’s nice to see parents that went here years ago.”
Mr. Bill has been married 37 years to his wife, Lisa. He also has two grown children. His son is a married 31-year-old with a 3 year-old daughter. He works part time at Batteries Plus. Mr. Bill’s 28-year-old daughter is a teacher at the YMCA. Mr. Bill and his wife also have 2 dogs. Dana is an 8- year- old brown lab mix. Jewels is 3-years-old and also a Chihuahua.
In his spare time, Mr. Bill likes writing poetry and children's books for ages five and up. Did you know that he has 4 published books? He was first published back in 2005. There are 3 of his books in our very own Holbrook library and also in 4 other schools! Mr. Bill loves reading his books at different places and to hear the children laugh and giggle from his stories. He also loves being on radio and TV shows. In addition to his writing, he also likes rocketry (until it got so expensive), science and inventing things. He likes riding his bike and walking his dog, Dana.
Every once in a while he volunteers with a group on Facebook called Concord Clean Streets and helps clean up streets in the Solano area. Also member Facebook Concord,ca rocks
If you would like more information on Mr. Bill and his books, he says you can look up his website (search under william2233) or authors den.com.
Thank you for checking it out...from Mr. Bill
Como continuación del Día Nacional del Conserje, ¡nuestro propio héroe, el Sr. Bill!
William Sawyers se conoce con el sobrenombre de “Sr. Bill." ¡Ha sido conserje escolar en MDUSD durante 33 años! El Sr. Bill comenzó su carrera en nuestro propio Holbrook en 1999 a 2011 y regresó a nosotros cuando la escuela volvió a abrir. Los niños simplemente lo adoran; ¡Tenemos tanta suerte de que esté en nuestra escuela! Como beneficio adicional, dice, "Es bueno ver a los padres que vinieron aquí hace años".
El Sr. Bill ha estado casado durante 35 años con su esposa, Lisa. También tiene dos hijos adultos. Su hijo es un hombre casado de 28 años con una hija de 9 meses. Trabaja a tiempo parcial en Batteries Plus. La hija del Sr. Bill, de 27 años, es maestra en la YMCA. El Sr. Bill y su esposa también tienen 3 perros. Dana es una mezcla de labrador marrón de 8 años. Sissy tiene unos 11 años y es un chihuahua. Jewels tiene 3 años y también es un Chihuahua.
En su tiempo libre, al Sr. Bill le gusta escribir poesía y libros para niños para niños de cinco años en adelante. ¿Sabías que tiene 4 libros publicados? Fue publicado por primera vez en 2005. ¡Hay 3 de sus libros en nuestra propia biblioteca de Holbrook y también en otras 4 escuelas! Al Sr. Bill le encanta leer sus libros en diferentes lugares y escuchar a los niños reír y reírse de sus historias. También le encanta estar en programas de radio y televisión. Además de su escritura, también le gusta la cohetería (hasta que se puso tan cara), la ciencia y la invención de cosas. Le gusta andar en bicicleta y pasear a su perro, Dana.
De vez en cuando se ofrece como voluntario con un grupo en Facebook llamado Concord Clean Streets y ayuda a limpiar las calles del área de Solano.
Si desea obtener más información sobre el Sr. Bill y sus libros, dice que puede buscar en su sitio web (busque debajo de william2233) o en autoresden.com.
Gracias por mirar su sutio web ... del Sr. Bill
¡No olvide enviar SU familia! Nos encantaría saber más sobre USTED. Contáctenos en holbrokpfcclubcommunications@gmail.com para obtener más información. ¡También participará para ganar una rifa de un paquete familiar de 4 camisetas HOLA o botellas
Next
Bill’s P.R.I.D.E.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: William Sawyers, Author
Author William Sawyers documents the steps and information required to help keep children from tobacco; “Daring to make a difference in today's youth-one page at a time “.
Author William Sawyers was a previous smoker who indulged in this life changing habit while the youth he was in contact with daily was able to observe his actions regularly.
Mr. Sawyers’ wife wanted him to stop smoking as a Christmas gift and while he attempted multiple times, he was unsuccessful until one day he realized he had to stop. He did not want the children smoking.
He tried repeatedly until he eventually became a part of the D.A.R.E. program that gave him the courage to stop smoking. William Sawyers writes about this in his book titled, “Bill’s P.R.I.D.E.”, which he outlines his smoking habits and his random attempts at stopping. He also details his life-changing revelation of joining D.A.R.E., having the courage to finally stop, and how good that made him feel.
Mr. Sawyers details his smoking habit, attempts to quit, participation with the DARE program, and eventual smoking cessation his book. He also donates a portion of the money he receives through the sales of his story to a school.
You can follow the progress of Author William Sawyers at the following locations:
Education
went to Diablo Vista elementary school before name switched to Sequoya elementary
went to P.H High school my first two years then graduated in 1982 at College Park High
Started working for the M.D.U.S.D in 1987 to 2323
I worked at Olympic High, Strandwood Ele, gregory Gardens Ele, Valle Verde Ele, and Holbrook Ele.
Hummer The Humming Bird
Hummer The Humming Bird
Hummer the Hummingbird
Once upon a time, there was a hummingbird named Hummer. On one fine day in June, a hummingbird flew into Room 14 at Gregory Gardens Elementary School. The students and the teacher got very excited to see a hummingbird fly around in their classroom. The Teacher opened the windows so it could fly out at recess time.
Fifteen minutes passed, and the students returned to their room. The teacher called the office to ring the custodian, whose name was Bill - me. I reported to see what was wrong. The secretary, Karen, reported that there was a bird in Room 14 and asked me to please check it out.
I saw a small hummingbird racing back and forth across the room. The kids were getting extremely excited. By the time I got there, the bird was very tired out. Its long, slender beak was open, and it was noticeably breathing very fast. It made a neat humming sound as it passed overhead from window to window. I decided to call this bird "Hummer the Hummingbird." I tossed a dry wash cloth at him for about thirty minutes to try to get him to go out the window, and he became more and more tired - so tired that he was no longer able to function right. Hummer started dropping down the three windows to the windowsills. He then landed on a wire going across the windows that held up the students' pictures. I reached behind him very slowly and grabbed him.
I took him to my office and gave him water with an eyedropper. Then I put him in a coffee can lined with cotton balls so that he could rest and gather enough strength to fly home again. About thirty minutes later, just as the next recess began, I took Hummer out of the can. He looked much better - he now moved his head from side to side very quickly. He was very nervous and alert, but he knew I wasn't going to hurt him.
I knew it was a boy by his beautiful green head. Girl hummingbirds have a brown head. His body was a dull white underneath and a blackish green down his back all the way to his tail.
I proceeded to walk him to the blacktop area in back of the school. Some students walked up to me and asked me what I had cupped in my hand. I replied in a whisper - "A hummingbird."
Then they asked me, "How did you catch it?" I told them that I found him in a classroom.
"What are you going to do with it?" They asked excitedly. The kids grew even more excited, and all started talking at once.
I told them that I was setting Hummer the Hummingbird free to go back to his family. One of the students from Room 14 asked why I named him Hummer. I said I named him Hummer because he makes a neat humming sound when he flies-that's how he got his name. I continued walking, now at a faster pace.
As I kept walking, kids were telling their friends, "Bill has a hummingbird! He's going to let it fly home!" So a lot of students followed me to the blacktop area behind the school.
A 1st-grader asked me, "Can I pet it?"
I said that was fine, and held it in my left hand, carefully letting his head out between my thumb and forefinger. I petted it first, and then she did. The five others got to pet him too. Then I took five steps forward - putting Hummer in both hands - and knelled down and lowered my hands and raised them up high to set Hummer free. He took off up into the sky so fast! I was amazing to hear those little wings hum so much.
One student asked, "Where is he going?"
I replied, "He's going home to his family." And up, up, up he went, disappearing into the blue sky.
As I was walking back to my office, a lot of kids were talking about it, saying, "Bill just released a hummingbird he caught in Room 14." It's great being a custodian at an elementary school.
I just wonder where Hummer lives and how big a family he has. Birds are beautiful creatures. It's special when I get to help them by catching and releasing them.
Now I've added a hummingbird to that list. This is a true story.
The End
To this day, no birds had hurt themselves or others, and I use a net instead of my hands for their safety. I've added another humming bird to my list. And I don't let children pet any more, as not to put the birds in harm. This was my first bird story.
I've released ten sparrows that were stuck in classrooms, one dove, and a swallowtail, two bats, 3 golden finches at Valle Verde and on 3/7/16 a chic a Dee, bird in a 4th grade class B-5.
Holbrook - 12/3/18 caught another Golden Finch in a room released and let kinders watch.
12/7/18 caught another Golden Finch in room 16, third grade class an released and let students watch.
By William Sawyers
Copyright @1999
Bat Stories-two, and Rockets Over Calif
Welcome
The Bat-Story - Two Stories + Bat Information
The Bat
By William Sawyers
On a nice sunny day on October 25th, 2007 at about 1:45pm,
I had a student from room 25, that came to my custodian room and requested that I get a bat out of their class room.
I thought they meant a baseball bat, maybe up high on their closets. As I proceeded to walk to the class. The student told me, "You need a Net!" As it's a real bat flying around.
I walked quickly back to my office and grabbed a make-shift net made for netting other type of birds, that was connected to a 6 foot pole made of PVC pipe. I approached Mrs. Wallis class stood out side the room. "Here's Bill to get the Bat," they excitedly exclaimed. I entered the classroom and I seen this bat flying and darting around the room. I got a little excited too. I'd caught many birds in the classrooms-But, including 10 sparrows, a morning Dove, and a Swallow tail, but never a Bat!
I walked around the room cautiously trying to catch the bat in my net because I didn't want to hurt it. About 10 minutes passed before I finally Swooped the net over the bat in mid-air, and then lowered the net to the floor. I asked the teacher to send one of the students to my office for a blue bucket and a piece of cardboard for a cover.
It seemed like 15 minutes to wait for the bucket and the piece of cardboard, but it was only about 2 minutes.
I then gently placed the cardboard under the net a raised the bat to the bucket, then I dropped it in very carefully. It was making a very neat sound, and yes it had very sharp teeth. I was walking it back to my office a lot of children was following me back- requesting they get to touch it, I had to tell them NO! I didn't want anyone to get bit.
When I got to my office I had to shut my office door. to keep out the students. I seen a teacher from the after school program and asked for a pair of thick gloves?
I had no Idea why this night creature was flying around in the day time? Then I was thinking of rabies or something else bad. I then raced home to grab my camera as to take pictures of it.
By then Leanne from the after school program lent me a pair of thick gloves. I then went into my office and put on the gloves to take pictures. Yes, my heart was then pounding, what if it escaped from the net or the bucket? Would it bite me?
By this time the children where getting out of school gathering around out side of my door getting all excited and knocking on my door for a quick look. I ignored them. I had to leave the card board over the bucket and placed some thing on top as it wouldn't escape. I then went around doing my daily routines of emptying trash and taking back the lunch buckets back to the classrooms left from the students at lunch time. When I was finished at 2:55pm
I took the bucket with the bat and card board and loaded it into my truck. I then raced home to check in with my daughter Amanda. She was just coming home then from her school, she's now 14 years old. I asked her if she wanted to go with me to the Lindsey Museum in Walnut Creek. She said yes. I drove to the next town, Walnut Creek, Ca. to the Lindsey Museum. We took the bucket with the bat and entered thru the doors of the Lindsey building. My daughter rang the bell for service. I had a lady came out and asked what we had. A bat I said. I had to fill out some forms as to where I got it and my phone number and my address, they took the bat into a little room in the back to do an exam of it. While we were waiting I made a $20.00 donation. It all helps out.
They returned after awhile telling me it was a Mexican free tail bat. It diet consist of mainly mosquito's. And it has a flight of about 50 miles a night looking for them. They gave me a card with a number on it and told me to call in about 4 days to see how it's doing.
Four day's later I called and it was doing fine, no rabies. They said it might have been poisoned a little do to the fact some cities where spraying for mosquito's. And it might have consumed a few tainted ones and got disoriented and confused. They also mentioned it was going to be released soon. I requested that I go with them to release it with them? Then I could get more pictures as that would be cool. Then they said sorry they couldn't let me go with them. Oh-well, at least this turned out to be a good ending. A day latter after work I got on the internet and looked up this Mexican free tailed bat and got information about, then printed it out and put on the teachers desk, the next day the teacher shared with her class. Pictures can be seen on Bills photos on this site photo gallery. Click below
Warning!!! Do not attempt to catch any bat, dead or alive! They do have teeth.. I use very thick gloves with a vinyl glove as extra security, and I clean every thing I use very well after wards.
The End
This is the Bat I caught
See new story below after Bat Facts
Spotlight on Bats
Mysterious Mammals on the Fly
Bats may be the most misunderstood animals in the United States. Almost all U.S. bats, and 70 percent of the bat species worldwide, feed almost exclusively on insects and are thus extremely beneficial. One bat can eat between 600 and 1,000 mosquitoes and other insect pests in just one hour.
Bats in other parts of the world feed on a variety of items in addition to insects. Many species feed primarily on fruit, while several types feed on nectar and pollen. Fruit bats perform an extremely important function as seed dispersers. Nectar-eating bats are important pollinators. Many plant species depend almost entirely on bats for pollination.
Of the 45 species of bats found in the continental United States, six are listed as endangered. These species are the gray bat, Indiana bat, Ozark big-eared bat, Virginia big-eared bat, lesser long-nosed bat, and greater Mexican long-nosed bat.
Myths and Misconceptions
"All Bats Have Rabies."
Less than ½ of 1% of bats carry the rabies virus. In addition, rabid bats are seldom aggressive. Fewer than 40 people in the United States are known to have contracted rabies from bats during the past 40 years.
"Bats get tangled in people's hair."
Although bats may occasionally fly very close to someone's face while catching insects, they do not get stuck in people's hair. That's because the bat's ability to echolocate is so acute that it can avoid obstacles no wider than a piece of thread.
"Bats suck your blood."
By far the most famous bats are the vampire bats. These amazing creatures are found in Mexico, Central America and South America. Vampire bats feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals such as birds, horses and cattle. They do not suck blood. The bats obtain blood by making a small cut in the skin of a sleeping animal with their razor-sharp teeth and then lapping up the blood as it flows from the wound. The bat's saliva contains an anesthetic that reduces the likelihood of the animal feeling the prick. Each bat requires only about two tablespoons of blood every day, so the loss of blood to a prey animal is small and rarely causes any harm.
"Bats are blind."
Although they can't see color, bats can see better than we do at night. And, many bats can also "see" in the dark by using echolocation.
Bat Biology
Bats, like humans, are mammals, having hair and giving birth to living young and feeding them on milk from mammary glands. More than 900 species of bats occur worldwide; they are most abundant in the tropics.
ECHOLOCATION
Although bats have relatively good eyesight, most depend on their superbly developed echolocation (or sonar) system to navigate and capture insects in the dark. Bats emit pulses of very high-frequency sound (inaudible to human ears) at a rate of a few to 200 per second.
By listening to the echoes reflected back to them, they can discern objects in their path. Their echolocation ability is so acute they can avoid obstacles no wider than a piece of thread and capture tiny flying insects even in complete darkness.
Worldwide, bats vary in size from only slightly over two grams (0.07 ounce—about the weight of a dime) to more than 1.5 kilograms (more than 3 pounds). The large "flying foxes" of Africa, Asia, Australia, and many Pacific islands may have a wingspan up to two meters (6 feet). United States bats vary in size from less than three grams (0.11 ounce) to 70 grams (2.5 ounces). The largest United States bat, the greater mastiff bat occurring from central California south into Mexico, has a wingspan of approximately 55 centimeters (22 inches).
Bats are the only true flying mammals. Bats belong to the mammalian order Chiroptera, which means "hand-wing." The bones in a bat's wing are the same as those of the human arm and hand, but bat finger bones are greatly elongated and connected by a double membrane of skin to form the wing.
Bats primarily are nocturnal, although many fly early in the evening, sometime before sunset. Occasionally, especially on warm winter days, they are observed flying during daylight hours.
Reproduction and Longevity
Most female bats produce only one offspring per year, although some species give birth to three or four babies at a time. The gestation period (pregnancy) lasts only a few weeks. U.S. baby bats are born in May or June. They develop rapidly, and most can learn to fly within two to five weeks after birth. Bats live relatively long lives for animals of their small size, some as long as 30 years.
Feeding
Insect-eating bats may either capture flying insects in their mouths or scoop them into their tail or wing membranes. They then reach down and take the insect into their mouth. This results in the erratic flight most people are familiar with when they observe bats flying around in the late evening or around lights at night. Bats drink by skimming close to the surface of a body of water and gulping an occasional mouthful.
Hibernation and Migration
Because insects are not available as food during winter, temperate-zone bats survive by either migrating to warmer regions where insects are available, or by hibernating.
Several bat species hibernate in dense clusters on cave walls or ceilings. Clusters may consist of hundreds of bats per square foot. Most U.S. cave bats spend winter hibernating in caves (or mines) and move to trees or buildings during summer. A few species reside in caves year-round, although they usually use different caves in summer than winter. Most cave bats return year after year to the same caves.
Tree bats seldom enter caves. They roost in trees during summer days and spend winter primarily in hollow trees. Several species make long migration flights. The millions of Brazilian (or Mexican) free-tailed bats that spend the summer in southwestern U.S. caves migrate up to 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) to and from their winter caves.
Batty The Bat
Today is January 8th,
another cold day at my school here in Walnut Creek, Ca. we’ll not as cold as it has been in recent days.
40 degrees in the morning and a high of 62.. As another day goes by , I was going around my school and unlocking all the gate’s on the perimeter to let parents come on in to pick up there children. I was walking by one of our buildings E-2 . I noticed some of our staff standing nearby looking up at the ceiling. I asked what’s so interesting? They said. Where looking at the cute little bat. I took a closer look and mentioned to them I could get and take to the Lindsey museum? One of them said no, just wait for tonight it might fly away. If not take it.
So the next Morning at about 6:30am I went and looked to see if it was still there? It was.
I went around and did my things that needed to be done, cleaning and turning on the lights in the pods. Then I grabbed my buttery fly net, and borrowed two glove’s from a teacher who uses them for the kiln. There very thick! A half inch at least and leather. I also took a flash light and vinyl gloves for a little extra protection. As bats can carry a variety of bacteria.
I put the net around the bat and slowly lowered it along the out side wall, it made a high pitch squeal. To me it was saying I’m alive cold and mad - leave me alone!!!
I then put it in my clear container and put in my office. I checked on regularly. It was getting more active as it was getting warmer. After work I took to the Lindsey museum in Walnut Creek, Ca, I answered a lot of questions, and made my $20.00 donation. I’m sure it cost more than this over a 1 week span. As this place is caring for the animals 24/7/
I found out this bat is a California Myotis, Now! What kind of a name of a bat is this, I’m calling it Baty. It was out later than it should have been, got very cold do to weather and stuck to one place to hibernate. But weather to dip below freezing, in my opinion the wrong spot. Any way I’ll find out very soon if I did right. As they gave me a # to call in after 4 days to see if it has any problems besides being Cold...
The End, William Sawyers
As of 1/13/15 Batty has been given to a bat Specialist, and I'll need to call this Friday the 16th.
Great news 1/16/15 The Lindsey museum has given batty a clean bill of health, and He's going home tonight. Another fantastic feeling of helping out in our community.
Rockets Over California
Rockets Over California
By William Sawyers
Preface
This book will be useful in understanding basic model rocketry. The author would like to thank his family for their support. It’s been a blast writing on different subjects. I’ll keep them coming as long as you keep reading them. 3rd grade on up
Chapters:
-
Introduction to Rocketry
-
Why Rocketry?
-
Motors
-
Rocket Clubs
-
High Power Rocketry
-
Rockets over California
-
Rules and the law
-
List of Manufacturers
Copyright @1999
Chapter 1 – Introduction To Rocketry
Rocketry is a neat and useful hobby. You can buy rocket kits at any hobby shop or toy store, including Toys-R-Us. Rockets come in a variety of sizes - one quarter inch wide up to over three inches around or bigger. Rockets consist of a nose cone, body, fins, parachute, motor mount, motor, and a launch lug on the side of the rocket itself for stability. The launch lug goes on a launch rod. It keeps the rocket going straight up and down. They're made of balsa wood, plastic, fiberglass, etc. Bodies are made of cardboard tubing from about a half of an inch to over twelve inches around. A new type of material has just come out - a composite material made of epoxy, Kevlar, and some other stuff. Kevlar is used in bulletproof vests and is very lightweight.
The recovery of model rockets varies a lot, but all methods are safe when done correctly. Rockets use parachutes from four inches across to over eight feet around. Some smaller, lightweight rockets use streamers as a means of slowing their fall. Still others use a helicopter spin to come down. Some even glide back to earth. The tiny ones tumble back. There are a lot of manufacturers out there - too many to list right now (see Chapter 8).
Motors range in size from half "A" to "G" in California, or bigger if you have a license from the state fire Marshall. This license is called a Pyrotechnic Class 3 License. It's for launching engine over "G" size: "H" power to "N" power. These engines are called high-power rocket motors (read Chapter 3 on motors). Anything over "H" is awesome to see and hear - they are very loud.
Rockets of all sizes are neat to build and watch. However, make sure to follow the instructions and by-laws. Have your parents help you and show you how to do it safely. The safer the better - one person who doesn't do it right may cause injury or a fire and could cause rocketry to be outlawed in their town. All kit's have a chart on them to show how easy it is to build, from level 1 to expert level 5. Level 1 is easy indeed - I would recommend the Alpha 3 as the first kit to build. It's the best - the fins are all ready-made of plastic, and it's very easy to build and fly. Start with Level 1 to start.
Start with the smallest motors first. Use a launch pad and an electrical box with a safety key at all times. Remove the key before hooking up the rocket igniter, and insert it only when ready to launch. If you choose a C6-7, chances of recovering it are very low, as it goes very high and out of sight for a while in small rockets - over 1,800 ft. Use a very large field for the high ones. Look in the instruction to find the minimum site launch requirements.
Chapter 2 – Why Rocketry?
In my opinion, rocketry is the best hobby any child could possibly have. It teaches science, math, safety, patience, and chasing them at launches just plain wears them out. There are a lot of places to go. Some famous clubs even have rocketry. For example, Boy Scouts, 4-H, and a lot more. And there are a lot of rocket clubs (see Chapter 4). To find out if a child is interested in it, simply take them to one to watch. It doesn't cost anything to see except for gas money. It's even better for a kid to build and launch a rocket. They get so excited. Even to this day I still get excited to do my own, and I've been doing it for twenty years now. The cost isn't too bad for the small rocket kits, but it gets way up there for the big, mighty ones. Clubs are generally reasonably priced.
Chapter 3 – Rocket Motors
Rocket motors come in many different sizes. For example, Estes brand motors are as follows: half "A" are 1.75 inches in length and 0.5 inches in diameter. A, B, and C engines are all 2.75 inches in length and 0.69 inches in diameter. B motors are twice as powerful as A motors, and so on. D motors are 2.75 inches long and 0.945 inches in diameter. E motors are 3.5 inches long and 0.945 inches in diameter.
Engines are built with a special black powder material. An electrical fuse is used to ignite the motor, at a far distance to ensure safety. Motors have a propellant to boost rockets upward. Then a delay charge releases smoke to show where the rocket is when it is high in the air. This is called tracking smoke. The third part of a motor consists of a parachute charge to pop out the chute. The last digit indicates the time in seconds it takes to pop. 0-delay means there is no delay. No delay is used for a booster or glider. For multi-staged rockets - up to three stages: P - means the end of the motor is plugged, and is used for gliders. three - Means it takes three seconds to for ejection charge. This is used for rockets not going as high, for added safety. five delay means it takes five seconds to pop parachute. A five-second delay is also used on the upper stage of rockets of two or more stages. For safety reasons, read a copy of the Estes catalog, which can be found at your local hobby shop, for further assistance. It'll tell you everything you need to know for a safe start of this fascinating hobby. It will also list prices and all the kits available.
Always use the proper motor in the in the kit. Use the smallest one first, then work your way up to the bigger ones. In California, motors up to G80-10 are legal. One must be at least 18 years old to buy them. The price is higher for the bigger ones about $12.95 each. Always check the air for aircraft before launching any rocket. All rockets over one lbs. must have an FAA waiver in order to launch. Apply at the nearest airport for more information (rocket clubs do this for you). Motors go up to "P" size at the time of this writing. (Warning to all that read this) My son Chris at 17 years old ignited a D engine on a side walk by it self and it did $1,700.00 damages to back fender of a new car. No not take safety too lightly.
Chapter 4 – Rocket Clubs
OK, now for the fun stuff - rocket clubs. These are fantastic to go to and watch, even if you don't launch yourself. They're out there everywhere. The cost is minimal for the fun and excitement, and they're a lot of clubs to choose from.
I'll explain to the best of my ability. There's an organization called the N.A.R. (National Association of Rocketry). They're a nonprofit organization that establishes rules, certifies records, publishes technical data, and sponsors events. They also promote sport model rocketry.
The cost is $20.00 for kids and $35.00 for adults per year. A million dollar insurance policy can be purchased for an extra $21.00 a year. Parks and other places require this insurance to protect them from lawsuits. The NAR also send out a magazine to each family that joins.
Now for the clubs - I belong to a club in Livermore, California called Lunar, NAR section 534. This club is neat - they have an awesome setup. They have a lot of launch pads: low-power, medium-power, and one high-power pad, up to H-motors. Launches are once a month, and there is also a building class. It holds two contests every year. They're great to watch.
The contest consists of the following: who can send up an egg the highest - it must be returned and retrieved unbroken; parachute duration - longest time in the air, and glider duration - longest time gliding, plus a lot more. Lunar costs $15.00 a year for adults, $4.00 for kids. For more information, call Lunar Voice Mail: (510) 443-8705. They're many other clubs to belong to, in and out of the States.
Here's a couple of sections: ROC 538, SCRA 430, then there's Tripoli - the big boys of the clubs - these people launch the biggest of all rockets and hold the records for altitude - 60,000ft. - Awesome! This club costs $20.00 for kids and $25.00 for adults.
People come from around the world to watch: Japan, Oregon, Maine, etc. I've been to the Black Rock desert in Nevada twice now. Its 150 miles in length and 60 miles wide of pure desert, hot during the day and cold at night. The launches last from two to five days. It may be an expensive trip, but it's well worth every penny to see the awesome giant rockets weighing up to 450 pounds and 22 inches around.
Chapter 5 – High Power Rocketry
(HPR) or High Power Rocketry is a different class all by itself. High power starts off at H-motors and goes up to N- power. These come in two types - single use and re loadable. It takes a special license to fire these off. It's called a Pyrotechnic Class 3 (HPR) License. And you must be over 18 years of age.
You also need 5 character witnesses to sign a page or two saying how safe you are at rocketry. A $50.00 fee must be paid to the California State Fire Marshall, and $37.00 is required for finger printing at your local police department. One copy goes to the FBI, a second to the fire Marshall, and a third to the local authorities. Then there's a test on the laws of physics of rocketry which must be passed. They give you a book to study for 30 days before taking the test. It cost $50.00 per year to keep up.
These motors are neat to see, watch, and hear - they're very, very loud! To this day the biggest I've launched is a H180-10. A D-size motor is as follows: D12-7-20.00 N.S. N.S stands for Newton-seconds. It can be converted to pounds per square inch if you divide by 4.5. The burn time of a D motor is 1.7 seconds.
An H motor is 230 N.S and burns for 1.4 seconds. This motor will send up a 4-inch diameter, 4.8ft tall rocket that weighs 3 pounds to a distance of 3,000ft. A I-284 is 38mm around - 1.5 inches, 11.75 inches long, and costs $245.69 - a lot for a single motor. If you play, you've got to pay!!! It'll send up the same rocket that was just mentioned to a distance of around 11,000 feet, some day. I also have a rocket called Dream-On. Capable of altitudes
to over 14,000ft. Cost about $1,500 for every 3,000ft. Pix Could be found on my flickr account. I found an example of a great video of high power Rocketry. Follow link below, once on site click on Mercury Joe left top link. 6 minute length. HPR is usually done in the desert like Black Rock NV.
http://www.videorocketry.com/Peter_website/Video/Videos.htm
Chapter 6 – Rockets Over California
Rocket clubs are fun, as you'll see when you go to one. If you've already been, then you know. But, me, I like to do things myself. I like to get permits for parks and such politics are thick in this area. On May 11 1994, I tackled the City of Concord Dept of Parks and Recreation. It's fun to stand in front of 100 people or so, and in front of seven board members behind their desk. I was on TV that night on Channel 3, and I didn't even know it until afterwards.
People I knew called me to tell me what a great job I did. I typed up letters on the safety of rocketry and so forth, and then read it loud to the Board, to try to get a permit for their parks. They said no, that it was against the law in Concord. Oh well, I lost that case. It did teach me how to go about fighting politics. I then went to Pleasant Hill Parks and got a permit for their parks, no problem. The fire district charges $9.00 for the permit - you have to send in the field dimensions, the engines used, and such. There are two parks for rocketry: Heather Farms costs $10.00 an hour to use, and then there's Lunar in Livermore.
Don't forget the FAA waiver if the rocket weighs over 1lb. and is going up to 1,000ft.
I've got a rocket called Dream On. It's in my garage and is 10.4ft tall, 5.54 inches around, and weighs 12lbs. empty. It has a black nose cone and fins, a yellow body, and an 8ft parachute. It's a scaled-down version of a Sand Hawk sounding rocket. It gets peoples' attention!!! The minimum motor size to use for a 1,000ft lift off would be a 1-264 motor - 38mm. It's about 11 inches long. I need a field of about 2,500ft diameter with no dry weeds or trees, power poles, or buildings. A rare find in California.
The rocket kit came from Rocket R&D and cost $225.00. The motor cost for a 1-284 is about $254.00 for the case. The 2nd launch costs only $54.00. The casing and the caps cost the most. There is a 25% chance of failure with these motors, so I've read. It could blow up on the launch pad, or fail to pop open the chute. with a bigger motor 14.000 feet and Mach 2.
At least there is a 75% chance that it'll make it. The little rockets are much safer. The 1-284 motor would just be a test!!! I named my rocket Dream On due to that fact that it will be a dream to launch in California, using the following engines, which I would like to use: a 54mm J-425 and two 38mm 1-284-S.S. The S.S. stands for super sparks. They resemble and upside-down fountain when ignited. Sparks should shoot out at least six feet.
Here's how it would go: The 54mm motor would be kicked in to launch the rocket to a height of about 2,900ft, then a digital timer would count to 1.9 seconds, at which point it would air start the two 1-284-S.S.. Then it would climb another 2,000ft, with sparks shooting from behind. The combined noise would be awesome! Yes, I need to get a sponsor, as the cost of the motors would be about $795.85 plus hazard shipping fees. The timer costs about $295.95 + tax. My dream will happen sooner or later! They always do!
" Dream On" is a power ballad by Aerosmith from their 1973 debut album
Chapter 7 Rules And State Regulations
Launch control systems must be electrical and must have one spring-return launch button. In addition, a portable safety kit must be provided. When the key is inserted, the rocket can be launched. Always remove the key and carry it with you until you plan to launch.
Don't insert the key until you have hooked up the igniters on the launch pad. All rockets must be launched from a launch pad with a rod and a blast plate to protect the soil from the direct blast of the flames. Most small rockets use a 1/8-inch around by 32-inch tall launch rod.
Bigger rockets require up to 1-inch around rods. Always keep launch rods away from dry weeds and grass. Just before launching, check the sky for low-flying aircraft, and wait to launch if there is! Have people move away from the pad. Read the directions for the motor that indicates the minimum distance to keep.
Always use recovering wadding in rockets to protect the chutes from the hot gases. Read the Estes catalog for the updated rules of rocketry, found at your local hobby shop or nearest dealer. Don't forget to get the permission of the land owners before launching.
1. Can't use the fields of the Concord parks.
2. Can't use the Mt. Diablo School District fields.
I'll try to change this at a later date! P.S Start with kits skill level 1 !!!
Then work your way up...
Chapter 8 – List of Manufacturers
Sentell Enterprises Tennessee 1-800-4-chutes
Tripoli Rocket Association
PO Box 339
Kenner, LA 70063-033
Estes Industries
1295 H St.
Penrose, CO 81240
Countdown Hobbies CT (203) 740-9010
MRC (618) 234-5989
QRC (703) 451-2808
Public Missiles Limited $3.00 catalog
Mt. Clemens, MI 48045
Vaughn Brothers Rocketry (805) 239-3818
Paso Robles, CA
Ralph’s Hobby Shop (416) 690-4204
Canada
Adept Rocketry CO (303) 466-9605
Bruckner Hobby Inc. NY (718) 863-3434
America’s Hobby Center (800) 989-7993
Quest (800) 858-7302
Stroud Parachutes (800) 554-4648
Loc-Custom OH (216) 467-4514
High Sierra Rocketry Utah (801) 224-2276
Orion Rockets
PO Box 232504
Leucada, CA 92024
Magnum Inc. Ohio (513) 834-3306
Pratt Hobbies (703) 689-3541
Floaters Parachutes MO (816) 373-9361
The Launch Pad
8470 E. Misty Blue Ct.
Springfield VA
Delta V Rocketry CA (800) 335-8284
Cotriss Technologies CA 238-5610
Impulse Aerospace WA (800) 568-2785
Robbie’s Rockets (219) 679-4143
Mred Industries NY (518) 658-9132
Hobby Town USA FL (813) 968-7233
Point 39 Productions (HPR) (706) 790-5544
$20.00 videotapes
Georgia Dyna Com. PA (412) 751-9515
Topflight Recovery WI (608) 588-7204
This is not all of them, but it’s a start. It’ll keep you busy, and will bring up your phone bills. A special thanks to those who follow all the by-laws. Have fun and an excellent time in the perfect sport of model rocketry. Hope to see you out there some day. I used to give rocket demos for schools, but gave this up due to the cost . . .
Bill Sawyers
Concord, CA
The End!!!
