Hi guys,
I tried my first cluster launch today. It was a Der Big Red Max (green, actually) with a 3x18 mount (I'll post more on my interchangeable mount system in LPR soon), and based on how it flew with a single D5-4 I figured 3 x Estes B6-4 would do nicely.
I used 3 Quest Q2G2 ignitors, with the leads wrapped together (so no whip needed). The ignitors were stuck into the engines and "held there" with the straws that accompany the ignitors.
To launch it, I used a routine Estes launch controller (4xAA batteries), with a modified sequence (hold down fire key, then insert launch key to ignite) since I've read that the continuity current in standard Estes controllers can ignite the Quest ignitors.
Only one engine caught. Got 10 feet up then crashed to the ground. Video coming (uploading to Youtube now). Annoyed me as it broke off a fin and slightly crimpt the BT.
Examination of the ignitors (still attached to the launch leads) showed all three ignitors had fired.
I'm wondering if one of them fired first, caught the engine, moving the rocket and the others got pulled out before they could ignite their engines.
Should I have taped the ignitors on or something?
I have other threads here about handling the current needed for Quest ignitors on the continuity test circuit (bought parts, haven't set up yet), but I was hoping to get away with just the AA batteries by using the low power Quest ignitors.
Any thoughts on successful clustering appreciated!
Will post video when available. It's pretty laughable. Next time I'll have people sit farther back!
Marc
I tried my first cluster launch today. It was a Der Big Red Max (green, actually) with a 3x18 mount (I'll post more on my interchangeable mount system in LPR soon), and based on how it flew with a single D5-4 I figured 3 x Estes B6-4 would do nicely.
I used 3 Quest Q2G2 ignitors, with the leads wrapped together (so no whip needed). The ignitors were stuck into the engines and "held there" with the straws that accompany the ignitors.
To launch it, I used a routine Estes launch controller (4xAA batteries), with a modified sequence (hold down fire key, then insert launch key to ignite) since I've read that the continuity current in standard Estes controllers can ignite the Quest ignitors.
Only one engine caught. Got 10 feet up then crashed to the ground. Video coming (uploading to Youtube now). Annoyed me as it broke off a fin and slightly crimpt the BT.
Examination of the ignitors (still attached to the launch leads) showed all three ignitors had fired.
I'm wondering if one of them fired first, caught the engine, moving the rocket and the others got pulled out before they could ignite their engines.
Should I have taped the ignitors on or something?
I have other threads here about handling the current needed for Quest ignitors on the continuity test circuit (bought parts, haven't set up yet), but I was hoping to get away with just the AA batteries by using the low power Quest ignitors.
Any thoughts on successful clustering appreciated!
Will post video when available. It's pretty laughable. Next time I'll have people sit farther back!
Marc