Official Nimbuzz Blog

In March’s Ambassador Spotlight, we showcased Roger from USA, who loved the Nimbuzz’s location feature on his Nokia N95. He recently sent us a project that we had to share with you – combining 2 engines, a parachute, and a Nimbuzz-equipped mobile phone!

Yes, a rocket! Roger’s goal with the amateur rocket was to combine his favorite phone & hobby. Pushing technology to the limit by estimating the altitude and velocity with  Nokia Sports Tracker, recording the launch 1^st hand with Nokia N95′s integrated video camcorder, and utilizing the Nimbuzz Mobile’s location feature (with the help of Nimbuzz buddies/users) to locate and retrieve his phone and rocket!  Talk about staying connecting anywhere in the world! Watch the YouTube video here. He was able to retrieve a few pieces (as you can see below).

On June 1^st, the Nimbuzz Rocket (link: slideshow of launch photos) loaded with his Nimbuzz-enabled Nokia N95 was launched, and those who found the information on Digg and Nimbuzz Forum (link: building phases, launch photos) in time, were able to add the NimbuzzID “nimbuzzrocket” to their Nimbuzz buddy list, retrieve the location and participate in the Nimbuzz Chatroom “rocket” during the launch.

Great job Roger and thanks for sharing! Also, thanks to the 20 location retrievals received and the many Nimbuzz fans who showed their support in the chatroom.

Have you ever used Nimbuzz technology in a creative way in your own community and want to share with us? Are you into Rockets like Roger, and want to show your support? Feel free to comment below!

Roger built the “Nimbuzz Rocket” from scratch:

• For those who are unfamiliar, the order from bottom to top is: 1^st Stage (engine 1, bottom wings), 2^nd Stage (engine 2, parachute), then mobile phone compartment and top cone.

• For Rocketeers, the sequence entailed a 12v car battery igniting the first “Class H” engine (rated at 100 N/s for 3 seconds). As the first motor finishes, it fires an automatic charge that ignites the second “Class G” motor (rated at 50 N/ sec for 4 seconds), that disengages the 1st Stage. When the second motor finishes fuel, a 4-second delay is in place so the rocket can reach apogee, wherein a final charge is sent that releases the parachute; but in his case, a large flaming ball! At least the phone was intact, with the location retrievable to 500m radius.

NOTE: Each country has its own laws and regulations about the hobby of Rocketeering. They are separated into small and large rockets, and may require permission to launch from local naval space or rocket association depending on its thrust.