Kirk G
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- Joined
- Jan 9, 2012
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Merry Christmas all--
Quick question for the seasoned hands out there: Just recently, I notice a line in the instructions for use of an Estes Launch platform controller (you know, the one with the "key" for safety lock-out)... that insists that fresh ALKALINE batteries be used.
Now, when i was gifted one about a year ago, I just used whatever i could find, and was frustrated that my controller would not seem to either light the bulb, nor launch the rocket. (But not to be out-done, I had carried a 6 volt camping lantern and an extra coil of 12 feet of bell-wire...and so, was able to jury-rig an ignition system that got me into the air. Since then, I now rely on the club's launch rods, keyed system, etc., and so I've never gone back to try the controller again.)
So, in simple layman's terms, why is it that ALKALINE batteries are specified, and what is it about them that makes it WORK in this application that other batteries (that read "good" on a battery tester) won't?
Quick question for the seasoned hands out there: Just recently, I notice a line in the instructions for use of an Estes Launch platform controller (you know, the one with the "key" for safety lock-out)... that insists that fresh ALKALINE batteries be used.
Now, when i was gifted one about a year ago, I just used whatever i could find, and was frustrated that my controller would not seem to either light the bulb, nor launch the rocket. (But not to be out-done, I had carried a 6 volt camping lantern and an extra coil of 12 feet of bell-wire...and so, was able to jury-rig an ignition system that got me into the air. Since then, I now rely on the club's launch rods, keyed system, etc., and so I've never gone back to try the controller again.)
So, in simple layman's terms, why is it that ALKALINE batteries are specified, and what is it about them that makes it WORK in this application that other batteries (that read "good" on a battery tester) won't?