ManOntheMoon
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- Dec 29, 2014
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I came upon an older thread that discussed various options of high power launch control systems available for sale "turn-key" because our club is exploring options for a high-powered launch controller system and wants to know what is available to purchase from a "turn-key" perspective. Our club has been borrowing a high-power controller from another club and had some complications with their system at a launch last weekend. I started to put together a list of high-level requirements and want to know if the community has additional input and suggestions for our club to consider. Here are some of the high-level requirements that I thought would be important.
1. The controller should have a safety interlock that is in series with the launch switch that is not installed until a rocket is ready for launch that includes a launch switch that returns to the off position when released. The function of onboard energetics and firing circuits should be inhibited except when the rocket is ready in the launching position with people at a distance that is safe for the launch.
2. The controller should have a continuity check.
3. A condition of sale should include the parts list and schematic so that we can repair it in the future.
Some other considerations include number of pads the system supports and the potential distance to the controller. Our field is relatively small, so the largest motor we could likely support is a L motor, limiting the longest distance needed to 500'. Safety is a major factor, so we want to make sure redundancies are built into the design to avoid potential problems. I am also curious to hear what the community thinks about wireless options and any other considerations we should take into account. What systems are available on the market today, and how much do they cost?
1. The controller should have a safety interlock that is in series with the launch switch that is not installed until a rocket is ready for launch that includes a launch switch that returns to the off position when released. The function of onboard energetics and firing circuits should be inhibited except when the rocket is ready in the launching position with people at a distance that is safe for the launch.
2. The controller should have a continuity check.
3. A condition of sale should include the parts list and schematic so that we can repair it in the future.
Some other considerations include number of pads the system supports and the potential distance to the controller. Our field is relatively small, so the largest motor we could likely support is a L motor, limiting the longest distance needed to 500'. Safety is a major factor, so we want to make sure redundancies are built into the design to avoid potential problems. I am also curious to hear what the community thinks about wireless options and any other considerations we should take into account. What systems are available on the market today, and how much do they cost?