Launch controller battery ?

I built a controller from the plans on info-central.org. Here is the question, the system is designed to use a 12v DC power source like a car battery. I have been looking at using a battery from a 12v Ryobi rechargeable drill. Do you think this will work. If this will work it is very easy to adapted one of these batteries to my system since the newer ryobi 12v batteries use a spade connector style plug. For 30 bucks you get a drill, 2 batteries and charger, I think this is a good deal if it would work. I know it should work for a single engine launch but I am worried if it would work for a cluster launch.

Most tool batteries handle a pretty high stall current so I wouldn't worry too much.

ive used my 18 volt bosch for everything from a-10 to g 80 and kndx works great

Your Robi battery should work just fine If your looking for one thats a bit easier to hook up to....
Hobbico sells a very nice little 7amp/hr gel cell that is perfect for personal launchers. If your looking for more amps there are lots of other sources for gel-Cells.
Here are the ones I'm currently using on my systems. I use the 26amp for all my cluster launching.
best thing is you never add water and well they outlast auto type batteries by DECADES

All Electronics typically sells a number of small 12v gel/cells. And shipping is reasonable. Something in the 5-7 Ahr range should do just fine. Harbor Freight sells an inexpensive charger for gel cells as well. Often a sale item in the flyer for $10 or less.

The Hobbico battery mentioned above is a lead/calcium type. I've got one in my RC starter box. I don't like it as well as the other batteries I've tried.


Al

Originally posted by krsconstruction
I built a controller from the plans on info-central.org. Here is the question, the system is designed to use a 12v DC power source like a car battery. I have been looking at using a battery from a 12v Ryobi rechargeable drill. Do you think this will work. If this will work it is very easy to adapted one of these batteries to my system since the newer ryobi 12v batteries use a spade connector style plug. For 30 bucks you get a drill, 2 batteries and charger, I think this is a good deal if it would work. I know it should work for a single engine launch but I am worried if it would work for a cluster launch.

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Use the car battery.

Well I decided to go with the ryobi 12v drill set. Battereis are being charged and tomorrow it will get tried out. Will let you know how it works.

It should work just fine.

I was dismayed at one of my local club's launches to find that the 12V car battery used to run our 6 position Estes' style launch rack was dead. I substituted 8 AA nicad batteries that I had and it ran the rack for 8 hours without a problem.

I use a 12 volt lead acid alarm battery. These are designed to be used as a battery backup for home alarm systems. $30 from Radio Shack. (I believe they also sell cheaper versions) I've used it for years.....

I am very pleased with the ryobi 12v battery. 33 launches and not a single problem.

Originally posted by als57

The Hobbico battery mentioned above is a lead/calcium type. I've got one in my RC starter box. I don't like it as well as the other batteries I've tried.


Al

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Why not? I have one, and it performs flawlessly, giving huge currents on demand. It has yet to fail to light an igniter instantly, other than a couple bad igniters (broken elements).

Originally posted by cjl
Why not? I have one, and it performs flawlessly, giving huge currents on demand. It has yet to fail to light an igniter instantly, other than a couple bad igniters (broken elements).

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As I said I use it in a RC starter box. Ther performance of the box using a pair of 3000maH stick packs is better than the Hobbico 12V. Now I've never had an issue with the 12V gel cells. And plugged into the same starter box ; they work better than the Hobbico. Maybe I got a dud. But I bought it brand new from Tower.

BTW it doesn't take much of a batteries capacity to fire a high current ignitor. The 17Ahr gel cells I purchased for LDRS went thru 1400+ launches with out being charged. Did a follow on launch in Augest. And 2 more launches the following year before being charged.

Al

Originally posted by als57
As I said I use it in a RC starter box. Ther performance of the box using a pair of 3000maH stick packs is better than the Hobbico 12V. Now I've never had an issue with the 12V gel cells. And plugged into the same starter box ; they work better than the Hobbico. Maybe I got a dud. But I bought it brand new from Tower.

BTW it doesn't take much of a batteries capacity to fire a high current ignitor. The 17Ahr gel cells I purchased for LDRS went thru 1400+ launches with out being charged. Did a follow on launch in Augest. And 2 more launches the following year before being charged.

Al

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I've got to believe you got a bad one Al:
My first hobbico lasted about 15 years, Never had a problem with it's performance as a personal launcher battery.
The Only reason I bought the larger 26amp/hr was for more power for bigger BP clusters.
I'm now on the 4th full year on my second Hobbico 7amp/hr gel-cel, It's performed perfectly each and every time it's been called on, with or without a recharge, I've gotten so comfortable with it, it now has a home in the bottom of my range box so it's with me all the time.
Over the years they've done huge numbers of launches between charges as well. Once did a Scout camporee, 2 day launch alone, (because I left the bigger batteries on charge in the basement) without a problem..680 flights over the two days including a bunch of 2, 3, and 4 motor clustered models. I can't complain about these little batteries in any way. and for a mere 17 to 20 bucks ya can't go wrong with one as your sole personal launch system battery.

Originally posted by Micromeister
I've got to believe you got a bad one Al:

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Pretty much what I suspect as well. I may get another one. The couple other 7Ahr cells I have are slightly longer/lower and don't fit inside the box.

The 26Ahr gel cells are nice. I use 4 of them for backup power for my ham radio gear. With a 15W solar panel for charging.

That must be a big cluster to need that size battery. The 17Ahr ones were quite capable of blowing the 30A thermal breaker on the LDRS controllers I designed. Takes about 3 seconds of sustained current to trip one.


Al

I use a Marine type auto battery. These are designed for drain-
charge cycles in boats, RV's and so on. I got mine to use with
an inverter to power my Booster Vision reciever. Plenty of power
for my new launch control system. You will need a car battery
charger if you don't have one however.

But everyone in the Midwest that drives in the winter should
have a battery charger for those days the car just goes r'r'r'r'r'r'.


William