Upgrading my launch control.

[cdondanville]

Hey I am upgrading all my launch equipment so that I can do more MPR and composite (Think D21) stuff when I am out with my boy at the local launch site. Luckily we have a park that is close and promotes rocketry. (The Launch site is next to the RC runway and dirt track!) So obviously there are 2 things to do; new launcher and new launch pad.

Build the launch pad last night. Pictures below. Used scrap wood and hardware I had. Whole inside pivots to determine launch angle. Just have to rotate the whole thing for direction. ONly piece I had to buy was the 1/4 rod, which I picked up at home depot for a couple of bucks. The blast deflector is some kitchen backsplash that we had left over. Now just need some clips for support. Not impressed with clothes pins.

Next on to the launcher. Already had about 100 ft of 18 Ga speaker wire, getting some alligator clips, thinking of using the Electron beam and rewiring it for external battery and the heavier Ga wire. Is there any problem with using 2 6v lantern batteries in series to produce the 12v? Would be a lot cheaper than any other solution (gel, motorcycle, car, etc. battery.) In a pinch I am going to wire up a 12v plug for a car (cigarette?) adapter as there is one in the back of the SUV that could be used. Also thinking about putting the LED in, but since I am only using Estes and Copperheads, not really necessary right now.

Thoughts?

[MrGneissGuy]

I built my own launch controller, but conversion of the Estes to use an external battery is also fine. I have used two 6v lantern batteries in series that I already had lying around for many launches with no trouble...but I have not tried them with copperheads. I did buy something very similar to this (same thing but 350 amp) from Meijer around Christmas for about $25. It has been used on clusters, Copperheads, First Fire, and home made igniters with no issues. It was a great price, and if I ever need to, I've got something to jump start my car in an emergency. I take it to club launches as it has a USB port and I can charge my cell phone and/or Altimeter One if I need to while I'm out there. It also has a lighter adapter outlet, and with the right converter plugged into that, I could probably even power/charge my Netbook if I wanted to take it out to a launch.

[Wayco]

I have had NO luck igniting copperheads with anything less than a 12v car battery. Using two 6v lantern batteries might work, but running them through 100 ft. of 18 ga. wire will definitely reduce their effectiveness. I had my first successful ignition of a copperhead last weekend with a 12v deep cycle battery and a Pratt Hobbies GO box. I'm in the process of upgrading my launch system too, and plan on using the Go box and a 14 ga. extension chord to get out to my 100 ft. launch pad for H and I motors. I launch a lot of C through G engines too, so a shorter extension chord for the 30 ft. launch pads are in my plans too. That way I can plug into whichever chord I'm using. This is all theory at this point, and I will be monitoring this thread for ideas.

[cdondanville]

I think MrGneissGuy is onto something with the car jumper. I found tons of these that are all 300 AMP or better (I assume these are CCA and I am not sure exactly what the difference is, but I am sure it will launch a copperhead.) I think I might go with this little number from walmart for $30.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher...ngMethod=rr#rr

Oh, and the controller now has 30ft of 18 Ga out the front to alligator clips, and 10 ft out the back to alligator clips. I tested it with a 6V lantern battery and an estes lighter and it worked like a champ.