Magneto Launchers?

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Larry Curcio

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I've always wondered why someone doesn't make a launch system out of a magneto - a sort of a telephone generator.
This kind of thing was used, at one time, to detonate explosives. Those plunger devices used magnetos.
Seems like it would be reliable. You could get a nice high voltage, and you wouldn't have to keep batteries charged.
OK. The image might be a problem. OTOH, it would be fun for kids :smile:
 
A magneto blasting generator generates a short duration high voltage pulse that works well for setting off a detonator or blasting cap.
It might work for setting off an electric match, but to light a rocket motor requires heat transfer. Igniters provide that by converting electric power to heat. I don't think a magneto would be optimal.
It would be interesting to try.
 
I've always wondered why someone doesn't make a launch system out of a magneto - a sort of a telephone generator.
This kind of thing was used, at one time, to detonate explosives. Those plunger devices used magnetos.
Seems like it would be reliable. You could get a nice high voltage, and you wouldn't have to keep batteries charged.
OK. The image might be a problem. OTOH, it would be fun for kids :smile:

I have thought the same thing. And the coolness factor would be through the roof!!!
 
I have made three such launch controllers and am working on a forth. I use them for our TARC teams. I posted on this back in 2015. I first came up withCrank u the idea in 1982 and built a prototype. I submitted the idea to Estes and was awarded the "Design of the Month" award for January of 1983.

Picture of the magneto and a controller during construction.

IMG_1233.jpg1218111509.jpg
 

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I have made three such launch controllers and am working on a forth. I use them for our TARC teams. I posted on this back in 2015. I first came up withCrank u the idea in 1982 and built a prototype. I submitted the idea to Estes and was awarded the "Design of the Month" award for January of 1983.

Picture of the magneto and a controller during construction.

View attachment 318983View attachment 318984

Love it!
 
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