I wrote an article about launching MicroMaxx rockets with out a Quest launcher. It is up on my website on the hints and tips page.
Andrew
Do you have a preferred vendor for the Nichrome wire? And will it ignite with the standard Quest 9v controller? I have a bunch of engines with no ignitors back from my early MMX days and the silo launch base, and would love to find a cheaper alternative. Knock on wood, but it has been awhile since I experienced a failure using the stock quest pad and the stock controller.
I never use the toothpick as it will blow the motor to bits quite often. (cato, not CATO).
Define "quite often", I've launched hundreds of MMX rockets using a toothpick plug without a single CATO. I guess I'm just lucky.
Jeff:
You must be holding your mouth right when you fly LOL!...
...Some folks say the wadding ball & tape method is too tedious for them, I like it because I can pre-prep a bunch of motors MONTHS in advance if I wish, at home rather then trying to do it out on the field. Just take a motor out of the case, unfold the nichrome ears, insert in the model, Check the recovery system and we're ready to fly. I can't remember the last time I had a misfire. Hung a few models on the rod but 0 misfires.
Luck certainly could be one explanation but I think technique has more to do with it. I don't mash a toothpick in there but rather place it with just enough friction to hold it in place and sometimes the plug will fall out which is a hassle but more often than not everything stays in place thanks to propperly supporting the clips. I do not recommend that anyone do as I do but it has worked well for me.
The wadding ball method has its merits as you have explained. Being prepped ahead of time is certainly a time saver and worth any perceived bother. Back in the days before plastic plugs I too employed the balled up toilet paper plug with Estes motors and have used it a few times since. You can't argue with success.
10-4:
Just one slight Safety issue correction to the post. Wadding balls should be FlameProof Wadding not toilet paper,paper towel or what-have-you which can smolder and cause grass fires. The tiny amounts used on our Micro motors is even less of a concern then those used in standard 1/4A-E BP motors but we must always err on the side of safety first.
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