Thread: Using Up A8-3s
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Old 02-06-2020, 06:12 PM
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LeeR LeeR is offline
Retired with Way Too Many Kits
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Colorado
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Astrosaint
Greetings:

[…]

I have done clusters but ignition using the new starters is a question mark these days.


I dip the new starters in nitrocellulose lacquer. I bought a pint can from Firefox Enterprises, but used to make my own by dissolving ping pong balls in acetone. You want the dip “syrupy” thick so it clings, and not run.

I have dipped them “as-is”, and they work very well, but now prefer to soak in water for 30-45 minutes to partially dissolve the clear coating on the tip. It will loosen up and easily wipe off, leaving the bare nichrome bridge wire. This gives a direct contact between wire and coating.

Dip in the NC lacquer to lightly coat the tip. Too heavy, and they may not fit in the nozzle.

I hang them tip down to dry by taping them to the edge of a shelf over my workbench. At ignition you”ll get a nice flame, rather than just a glowing wire.

I have not had any issues with ignition using dipped starters.
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Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor
In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold!
Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp
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