#1
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Launch Controller
I've seen a lot of posts on this topic, but not much on the controller I've been considering. I recently built my own PVC pad to replace my porta-pad to provide a more stable platform that won't limit me to LPR. I'm evolving from single black powder motors to composite as well as some cluster designs, so it's time to upgrade from my Estes e-controller to something based on a 12v system. I really like the Mercury Engineering Igniter Lighter. It seems to be high quality and yet retails at a reasonable price. Any concerns or comments?
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#2
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I've only used the Aerotech unit, and it works quite well.
Allen |
#3
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I have one, and it is a very reliable unit. Quite rugged. I recommend it, you won't be disappointed. I plug mine into a jumper battery. Fires APCP clusters with no problem (multiple E's -G's).
__________________
Enjoy life, it has an expiration date. |
#4
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Whatever controller you wind up using, if you ever intend to use Quest Q2G2 igniters, be aware that they require very little current to function - too high a continuity test current can set them off. Test an igniter all by itself with your controller before trying to light a motor with it.
Bill |
#5
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__________________
Black Shire--Draft horse in human form, model rocketeer, occasional mystic, and writer, see: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperba...an-form/8075185 http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6122050 http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6126511 All of my book proceeds go to the Northcote Heavy Horse Centre www.northcotehorses.com. NAR #54895 SR Last edited by blackshire : 03-17-2011 at 03:15 PM. Reason: This ol' hoss done forgot somethin'. |
#6
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The Pratt Hobbies Full Boost (the 12V 8-AA cell-powered handheld) is in fact Q2G2-safe. Continuity indication is a low-current beeper. My only gripe about it is that it comes with 25-foot leads so it's not usable with Es without an extension, but there's way more than enough lead length for lower impulse stuff.
That said, extensions would be easy since it uses the RCA audio connectors to connect the clip lead to the box. I will say putting 12V into a Q2G2 means the rocket goes RIGHT NOW!!
__________________
Bernard Cawley NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member SAM 0061 AMA 42160 KG7AIE |
#7
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We had Drag Race as an event in our contests in December and also this month. Some people have been using Q2G2 igniters hoping to get an advantage on first motion, but for some odd reason, Estes Solar igniters have been beating them much of the time. We are using a 12v club launch system which can deliver enough current to light all except ridiculously big clusters, so maybe that is the equalizer. I have been getting great results with a Solar igniter in an Estes B6-4 motor, so the Q2G2s in my stash are still reserved for clusters and airstarts. Bill |
#8
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__________________
Black Shire--Draft horse in human form, model rocketeer, occasional mystic, and writer, see: http://www.lulu.com/content/paperba...an-form/8075185 http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6122050 http://www.lulu.com/product/cd/what...of-2%29/6126511 All of my book proceeds go to the Northcote Heavy Horse Centre www.northcotehorses.com. NAR #54895 SR Last edited by blackshire : 03-17-2011 at 03:30 PM. Reason: This ol' hoss done forgot somethin'. |
#9
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Thanks for the info one and all! I just got off the phone with someone at Mercury Engineering and they weren't aware of any issues with the Q2G2 igniters. He pointed out the continuity indicator is a piezo beeper like the PH Fullboost, except the Mercury has 40' cables going to the launcher instead of 25'.
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#10
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The reason that controllers such as the Estes Electron Beam and E Launch Controller (and my club's own launch panel, too) is that they use an incandescent bulb in the circuit to indicate continuity. This is a type of design that goes way, way back. The controller for my Electro-Launch pad back in 1967 had one, too. In order for the continuity circuit to light such a bulb, it has to pass an amount of current that is greater than the level that will fire the Quest Q2G2. When I use Q2G2s at my club's launches (and I appear to be the only one who does), the LCO skips the continuity check, announces a "Heads' Up," and fires my rocket with a push of the continuity check button. Launch controllers that use sound (from a piezoelectric buzzer) rather than a lit bulb to signal continuity do not have this problem, because the buzzers require much less current to activate.
12 volt launch controllers that are safe to use with low-voltage igniters include:
The Vaughn Brothers Rocketry Unicon launch controller (from Discount Rocketry) may also be safe for low current igniters, since it only uses a buzzer as the signal - I am not familiar enough with this product to say for sure, though.
__________________
Mark S. Kulka NAR #86134 L1,_ASTRE #471_Adirondack Mountains, NY
Opinions Unfettered by Logic • Advice Unsullied by Erudition • Rocketry Without Pity
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