Stupid NOOB Questions ...

[chadrog]

If you're wanting wireless, these are pretty much the same thing but a heck of a lot cheaper. They come from China, but so do Apogee's...
Http://www.RFRemotech.com

[WizardOfAZ]

If you're wanting wireless, these are pretty much the same thing but a heck of a lot cheaper. They come from China, but so do Apogee's...
Http://www.RFRemotech.com

Well, due to the fact that I have zero electronics knowledge, I'll start with the all in one package from Apogee. I wouldn't mid experimenting with the other transmitters in the future on rocket and other applications. For now, $45 is still a small price to pay for an all in one package that lights an igniter and is plug & play upon arrival...

Thanks for the link though! Fun stuff to look through!

[powderburner]

I do want longer wires. As much safety as possible is priority with my three year old running around!

Longer wires are req'd by the safety code, but there is a "more important" reason that I like them....you can see the launch better. When the pad is right up close the rocket is gone in a blink, when it is 50 ft or so away then it is noticeably easier to follow the launch.

I just don't like the idea of wireless stuff (old dog, new tricks?) when I am near a major metro area, trucker's CB radios scatter across so many extra bands that they come through the TV (if you still get your signal thru the air), everybody and his brother have an RC toy-something, and there is so much RF junk in the air. I just don't have the confidence that someone else isn't going to send a launch signal for me. (Probably worrying about nothin'.)

[WizardOfAZ]

No, that all makes sense. It could be very startling to have another source ignite your rocket unexpected! I agree completely with the distance though. In fact, the last time I was out launching, I made my Dad press the button on all the launches, so I could stand at a distance and get a decent video of the thing. It's much nicer to look across to see a rocket then straight up. You get a much better sense of the speed too! Seeing something fast from a distance is amazing. Watching anything head straight away from you is boring. I think I'll give this wireless thing a try and see what happens. I think I just like the gizmos and technology involved as much as the actual rocket and launch. I love the idea of having really over the top electronics with all sorts of completely unnecessary features! It just adds to the fun!