NIRACon 2006 was held on February 26 at the Helen Plum Library in Lombard. We had five presentations and over 30 participants. The schedule was so packed we ran out of time!

Presentations

Typically the heart of any convention, the presentations at NIRACon aren't dull. When people who have knowledge get in front of people who seek that knowledge you can bet that eyes stay wide open and ears are perked up.

Mark Cymerman: Video Collage

You just had to be there. Mark Cymerman obviously poured his heart into creating a presentation that had rocketry "stuff" bursting from the seams. Ask him to show it again! Maybe we can make it available here at NIRA Online.

Rick "Gaffer" Gaff: Improved Launch Controllers

Rick Gaff gave his presentation on low cost improvements to the Estes and Quest launch controllers. Rick has plenty of tips on how to make sure those little controllers produce big results. Ask Rick for some pointers when you see him at a meeting or a launch.

Rick will probably be doing another article for "The Leading Edge" that will cover this topic in some detail.

Frank "Frankie the Boy" DiMatteo: Youth Rocketry Discipline

We needed somebody with some insight into how our younger club members can keep their rocket activities and school work from stepping all over each other. Frank DiMatteo provided some discussion along those lines and showed us some of the very clean and successful rocket projects he's constructed while still maintaining decent grades. Now, if the rest of the club's kids can do the same...

Jonathan "Superman" Charbonneau: Bail-Outa Here

Leave it to Jonathan Charbonneau to give an interesting presentation on something new to try in rocketry! Superman described a variety of bail-out cargo he has used in his rockets, from GI Joe action figures to satellite models. He described the use of parachutes versus streamers, how to avoid tangles in your bail-out cargo, and how to protect the chutes while still getting everything to leave the airframe. Pretty cool stuff.

Marty "Weapons Release" Schrader: Rear Engine Boost Gliders

Marty Schrader has a variety of boost gliders that he used to demonstrate various design, construction, and trimming considerations. Some of his articles can be found in "The Leading Edge" and online in the club's forum.

Make It, Take It

Vice President John Hojek kept the glue flowing and the rocket fabrication cruising out in the hallway. He was assisted by some of his offspring (all club members, of course) and a handful of volunteers throughout the day. Lots of visitors and some of our own youth went home with rockets they built right on the spot.

Swap Meet

Club members came to trade, sell, and discuss their "extra" rocket stuff. A good swap meet has people leaving satisfied that their time was worth it. This one had enough stuff changing hands that it couldn't be any other way.

Naturally, some of the bits and pieces (and complete rockets) changing hands at the swap meet ended up being flown at club launches throughout the remainder of the year. What will it be like next time? Get there early enough to grab the good stuff before somebody else gets it!

Chow Down and Gab

Hey, just like a church social! Members brought goodies to be shared by everyone. There was plenty to eat and drink while we listened to presentations and looked at the rockets on display.

Thanks to all who attended NIRACon 2006 and made it the great event it was! We want to particularly thank Mark Cymerman, Frank DiMatteo, Rick Gaff, Jonathan "Superman" Charbanneau, and Marty Schrader for their presentations. Special thanks go to Bill Ipjian, John Hojek, and everyone who helped plan and organize the event. We also want to thank everyone who brought food and drinks to keep the rabble in check during some of the longer presentations. [cough]

It is quite obvious that next year's event will need a bigger venue. We'll be meeting at Helen Plum again, but this time we'll be using the Auditorium downstairs. Lots more room, a much higher ceiling, and plenty of tables and chairs. President Bill Ipjian has already called for volunteers to work on the NIRACon 2007 committee. Interested? Get in touch with Bill.

For those who missed it, A Good Time Was Had By All. Be sure to come next time:

Be there or be square, y'all!