#11
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In the 1970s, I would see Photoflash Batteries at our local Camera Shop. Estes also used them in the Electro-Launch system.
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Hans "Chris" Michielssen Old/New NAR # 19086 SR www.oddlrockets.com www.modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com http://www.nar.org/educational-reso...ing-techniques/ Your results may vary "Nose cones roll, be careful with that." Every spaceman needs a ray gun. Look out - I'm the Meister Shyster! Last edited by hcmbanjo : 11-06-2021 at 12:43 PM. |
#12
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Rube Goldberg is an accurate description.
Using 2 Photoflash D cells of a whopping 3V of power to launch is also IDIOTIC.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC ! |
#13
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I remember going to an electronics shop up the street when I got my Electro Launch and asked for photo flash batteries an they had no idea what I was talking about. In hind-site, I should have brought the Estes catalog with me and showed them. ‘Course, I could have just ordered them from Estes….
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SAM #0031 |
#14
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And here is an eBay listing for one. Been out there for a handful of days with one bid; has almost three days left.
Not my listing, but I *think* this is a listing by Bob Craddock. Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1651706633...4.c100667.m2042 Earl
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Earl L. Cagle, Jr. NAR# 29523 TRA# 962 SAM# 73 Owner/Producer Point 39 Productions Rocket-Brained Since 1970 |
#15
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One last file for the Servo Launcher: launcher kit bag face card.
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Earl L. Cagle, Jr. NAR# 29523 TRA# 962 SAM# 73 Owner/Producer Point 39 Productions Rocket-Brained Since 1970 |
#16
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There is a BIG reason it did not last long in the catalog.
Rube Goldberg CONTRAPTION of multiple breakage points.
__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC ! |
#17
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Questions for those who used launchers with photoflash batteries back in the day:
Were the batteries expensive? A premium over the cost of regular D cells? How long did a set last? Could you get a few launch sessions out of the four cells in your Electrolaunch or did you need a fresh set each time?
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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM |
#18
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My launcher had a couple of old Ray-o-vac photoflash cells still in it, dead of course. IIRC, they are 1.5v cells like a normal D, but are designed to dump high current quickly. I have no clue on the cost or durability.
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I love sanding. |
#19
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Quote:
I don't really remember how much extra the photoflash D cells cost...that was a long time ago. I also don't remember having to change them out frequently in my E-L, but I didn't fly nearly as much back in those days as I do now. I do remember the E-L being fussy (and one of the two I have now, neither of them my original) is fussy....but it's about the contacts inside, not the cells themselves. Photoflash cells were carbon-zinc, just like regular flashlight cells of the time, so I would be rather shocked and amazed if there were any that still had any usable energy left in them. Carbon-zinc cells self-discharge much faster than alkaline. According to this, the difference was the proportion of manganese dioxide in the cathode, optimizing them for short bursts of high current — great for flashbulbs, and rocket igniters: https://www.chemeurope.com/en/encyc...sh_Battery.html Four alkaline D cells in an Electro-Launch have plenty of punch and I've yet to wear a set out.
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Bernard Cawley NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member SAM 0061 AMA 42160 KG7AIE |
#20
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4 alkaline D cells right near an igniter is a lot more ZAP than 2.
__________________
When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC ! |
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