Quest vs Estes ignitors for cluster

[BABAR]

Okay, so tomorrow I will make my second attempt at launching TriloGee, my 3NCF ( yes three nose cones one fin) cluster on 3 A103Ts. I will be launching with my club, Mid-South Rocket Society in Memphis, TN. They of course have a "real" ignition system that can handle three Estes ignitors. But I did buy a value pack of quest motors with The Q2G2 ignitors. So I now have a slew of them. Am I better of using the quest or Estes ignitors? I am assuming the type of engine (Estes A103T) doesn't matter.

Also, do I need to NOT do a continuity check until I am ready to launch, in case the check ignites the quest ignitors?

[chadrog]

No question, use the Q2G2's. Weather or not to check the continuity depends on the system, I'd ask someone familiar with it.

[Marc_G]

Doublecheck to make sure the quest igniters fit in the nozzles of the mini engines. Probably they are fine.

Q2G2 igniters are my favorite for clusters but I have had success with Estes igniters in clusters using a car jump pack (12V) and good wiring.

[Rocketjunkie]

Just got an email from Quest. Everything on the web site is 40% off this weekend only. Stock up on Q2G2's now

[tightwad]

I personally check all of my ignitors prior to loading them into the motors. Of course, this is done in an area that is clear of flamables. Finally after installing the motors into the rocket and placing the rocket on the rod or rail, then, and only then, will I do a continuity check with the ignitord in the motor. This way, if there is an oops!, and the rocket scare the s---t out of you as it ignites and launches, know one will be killed or injured. You, on the other hand, maybe singed by the motor exhauslt and will have to change your pants and hide.

[billspad]

I wouldn't hesitate to cluster with either igniter. When I use Estes igniters I check the resistance of each igniter after it's installed in the motor to make sure it's not opened or shorted and then the whole cluster to much sure there isn't a short (too late to check if one of them is open). I'm talking about using an ohmmeter with numbers as opposed to a go/no go continuity check. You can probably do the same think with Q2G2's but I'd try it before the igniter is in the motor just to be sure your ohmmeter doesn't set them off. I've never seen this happen but it's possible.

[[POW]Eagle159]

I have used Estes igniters on all of my (4)clustered rockets that range form 2-3 engines. I also use a 24V battery and it works every time.

[les]

With a good enough launch system (high enough voltage/current capability), either will work. If the launch system has a weak power source, the Quest ignitors will be the way to go

[BABAR]

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH.
after discussion with smarter and wiser fellow club members (another good reason to join a club) decided to stay with the Estes ignitors given we had a 12 volt source sufficient to power them up.
All three engines fired. Arrow straight flight. Once our club photographer (yeah, we are blessed) posts the pics from the launch, I will post them under a scratch build review of the "Trilogy"

[RadManCF]

An important thing to keep in mind is that the Q2G2 takes a very small current to fire, small enough that the estes launch controler will set it off during continuity checks. To see if this is the case with your club's system, hook an igniter to the system, and do a continuity check. If the igniter doesn't fire, you're golden. I've gotten back into rocketry this past year, after about 8 years away from the hobby, and found out about the Q2G2 pretty quickly. At first, I used them religiously, but then I started to realize that at my club's launches, there isn't much point in using them most of the time. My club's system is perfectly capable of firing the estes igniters, which are more cost effective. However, the Q2G2 is nice for airstarting, and for use in tight spaces. In my opinion, you need to do the value engineering- find the most inexpensive product that meets the specification.

[Scotty Dog]

I have used Estes igniters on all of my (4)clustered rockets that range form 2-3 engines. I also use a 24V battery and it works every time.

What kind of 24 volt battery?
Is it one from a cordless tool?

[dlazarus6660]

You know, the kind with electricity in it!

[[POW]Eagle159]

What kind of 24 volt battery?
Is it one from a cordless tool?

I got my battery from an old electric scooter, like the ones the kids ride down the road with.... It is actually 2 12v batteries wired together, and I have the charger for it. I can get a picture of it later if you want to see, pretty cool i think.

[Scotty Dog]

I got my battery from an old electric scooter, like the ones the kids ride down the road with.... It is actually 2 12v batteries wired together, and I have the charger for it. I can get a picture of it later if you want to see, pretty cool i think.

Thanks.A pic would be nice.
I wondered about using a battery from a cordless tool.
Seems it would wok just fine and be easy to carry compared to an Auto battery.

[Gary Byrum]

Since voltage seems to be a part of this thread, this is what I use. It's a small tractor battery and all this gear including the battery fits nicely inside a Coleman cooler that's 9" x 11.5" x 11" deep. Pretty easy for me to use.

[[POW]Eagle159]

Ok, Here's my setup..... Simple and effective.

I have my 24V scooter battery, 35 feet of wire with 4 clips at the end for 2 engine clusters.

On the side I have my 3 engine cluster igniter, I solder the estes igniters to the wire for best connection.

I have a very simple button for my launcher, for safety I can unplug the battery to the wire.