Quad Runner Ignition Issues

The Rocketry Forum

Help Support The Rocketry Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Fostergrant

New Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2017
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I'm a novice...and new to the forum.

To date, my son & I have only launched single-engine Estes rockets....(Amazon, Crossfire, Mini-Max, Big Bertha, etc.).

We then purchased Quad Runner...which is powered by a cluster of (4) motors:

https://www.apogeerockets.com/images/quest_products/Quad-Runner_eng2.jpg

At our first attempt at launch…we got nothing….none of the (4) ignited.

Below is a description of what we used at the first launch….and to follow is a list of upgrades for 2nd attempt…we'd like to make soon.

First launch

a) Power Source: 6V Battery

b) Launch Controller: (can't remember which one we used)

c) Ignitors: We used standard Estes ignitors….as illustrated below…

https://www.robotcombat.com/products/images/0-EST302301_lg.jpg

2nd attempt

a) Power Source: I've upgraded to a standard 12v Car Battery

b) Launch Controller: Have upgraded to a Go Box Launch Controller…as pictured here:

https://pratt-hobbies.com/prodimages/gobox_system.gif

c) Ignitors: The instructions called for Q2G2 Ignitors….which were out of stock when we attempted the first launch….and I think they may still be out of stock.

Questions:

We are using a cluster of (4) B6-4 motors.
Does anyone have any suggestions for what type of ignitors we should use…to get these (4) motors to ignite simultaneously? I'm pretty sure I've got the parallel wiring down pat.

I thought I read something, somewhere….about how when doing a (4) cluster ignition….the right ignitors are critical…in order to get slower burn time for each of the (4) to activate at same time.

Thanks for your consideration.
-Mike
 
Igniters are important, the Q2G2 is the best, but the old Estes ingniters (black pyrogen tipped) work well too.

12V is the best/minimum for a cluster and a clip whip is one of the best things to have for clusters.

If you can't get Q2G2's then the MJG Firewires or some other lighter/ematch will work, since BP motors are relatively easy to light.

The current Estse igniters (clearish yellow/tan tips) suck!
 
I have lit that many motors with a GO Box plugged into a portable jump start battery...but those were the Q2G2's. I've seen 7 motors go off a club system (obviously 12v) with each igniter having a longer wire pigtail. Each connection was twisted together and taped and all the leads were twisted together at the controller end. Ematches would work but they probably won't fit in the B nozzles. I could be wrong as I haven't used all the newfangled ones that are available.
 
Excellent link in kj's post. The placement of Estes igniters is critical, especially since they changed the formula a few years ago (on the "advice" of regulators). Many folks have taken to enhancing them with a pyrogen dip. A couple of commercial products are available from Quickburst and Rocketflite:

https://www.quickburst.net/quick_dip.htm

https://www.rocketflite.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=59


You may also find a variety of DIY recipes on the web using ping pong balls (cellulose), acetone, and assorted chemicals.


Hope this helps, Welcome to forum to you and your son.
 
Which of the Quickburst or Rocketflite igniters would work best with 18mm composite motor clusters and BP motor clusters?
 
12v ignition system (literally a car battery and wires will work) + low current igniters. For any blackpowder cluster Estes or Q2 igniters will be fine. Twist all of the positive ("right") igniter wires together and twist all of the negative ("left") igniters together and hook them up...use a clip whip or wires to extend the leads for convenience if necessary. DO NOT let the clips or wires touch any other metal or it will short out. Launch.....easy! :)

If any questions a google search will clear anything up. Just so some research!
 
Which of the Quickburst or Rocketflite igniters would work best with 18mm composite motor clusters and BP motor clusters?

I don't know. I do know that Estes starters dipped in the Quickburst mix work in BP motors. Basically adding back the pyrogen that Estes took out. If I was clustering composite motors and I didn't have a local mentor I'd be studying the work of Boris Katan: https://bpasa.com/Rocketflite.htm
 
Back
Top