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  #1  
Old 11-14-2016, 09:28 AM
Jerry Irvine's Avatar
Jerry Irvine Jerry Irvine is offline
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Default Club launch controller?

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Old 11-14-2016, 09:40 AM
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Each unit requires 4 AA batteries, potentially giving it 6v for ignition but not much capacity. Unless you use low current matches, you will get similar or possibly less performance than the typical Estes 4 AA systems. Also, I don't see any type of safety on the remote.
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Old 11-14-2016, 08:33 PM
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They sell "starters" and they are mailable.
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Old 11-15-2016, 04:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tbzep
Each unit requires 4 AA batteries, potentially giving it 6v for ignition but not much capacity. Unless you use low current matches, you will get similar or possibly less performance than the typical Estes 4 AA systems. Also, I don't see any type of safety on the remote.


I have one of the smaller of these ( one controller w/four terminals, one four-button remote).

Controller box runs fine on 18650 LiPos, giving 14 volts or so. On the other side, LiFeS2 / FR6 / 15LF / Energizer Ultimate AA's can crank out about 3k mah.

I've only launched some composite d10's and d21's so far ; hoping to try a Green G next week if the weather cooperates. Will try to remember to check back in here with results.
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Old 11-15-2016, 01:11 PM
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I ordered a dual controller (8 pads) yesterday to try out on my rack launcher. You can get whatever configuration you want on eBay from a USA seller, or get it even cheaper if you eliminate the middle man and get it straight from China/Hong Kong.

I don't want to buy "starters" to use with it because that's another additional cost for schools.

Can a single controller with 18650 LiPo cells do 50 solar igniter launches without a recharge?

What's the best price you've seen on the LiPos? For a dual controller I'd need 8 cells, and IIRC they were running $5-10 per cell last time I looked, which has been a while.
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Old 11-15-2016, 01:23 PM
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Jerry Irvine Jerry Irvine is offline
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I got some starters and will try them in an APCP motor sometime this week undipped.

Looks like the LIPO's are about $13. You could buy two per unit so you have a spare.

https://www.amazon.com/3000mAh-Rech...ords=18650+LiPo

Last edited by Jerry Irvine : 11-15-2016 at 02:00 PM.
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Old 11-16-2016, 11:04 AM
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If LiPo batteries are used, make sure that you do not exceed their maximum rated current output level otherwise you are looking at shortened battery life and possibly a rather expensive, spectacular and difficult-to-extinguish fire.

LiPo's used in the hobby industry generally do not get packed with safety circuitry, so you are likely on your own to defend the battery against shorts and over-current conditions that may lead to its self-immolation.

Lead-acid gel cells, NiCad, and NiMH are quite a bit safer and cheaper for applications where shorting out the battery is a regular possibility.
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Old 11-26-2016, 04:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dhbarr
I have one of the smaller of these ( one controller w/four terminals, one four-button remote).

Controller box runs fine on 18650 LiPos, giving 14 volts or so. On the other side, LiFeS2 / FR6 / 15LF / Energizer Ultimate AA's can crank out about 3k mah.

I've only launched some composite d10's and d21's so far ; hoping to try a Green G next week if the weather cooperates. Will try to remember to check back in here with results.


I purposefully didn't change out the LiFeS2 batteries which I had previously used for a couple of igniter tests, a d10 and d21 static burn, and a 4x d21-4t cluster a few months back.

To that over the last couple of days I added a half dozen c6-5 with the new crapulous Estes white tips, 3x g76-gs, and a BP D. No problems encountered, but not as instantaneous as w/ a 12v marine. YMMV, HTH, etc.
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Old 11-26-2016, 04:42 PM
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Mine is sitting here on my desk. I haven't had time to open it and fool around with it. Maybe I'll get around to it during Christmas break.
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