Cluster Launching

So at some point in time I will finish my Saturn V with a five motor cluster.
I also want to buy that new Estes Sidekick rocket with 2 motors.
What kind of setup are y'all using to hook up to the igniters?
Mostly use Estes BP motors C-E.
I saw some stuff from rocketarium.
Can a five cluster harness be used to set off just 2,3, or four motors so you do not have to buy separate harness?
Is there anything else out there?

KILTED COWBOY said:

Can a five cluster harness be used to set off just 2,3, or four motors so you do not have to buy separate harness?

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Sure, just make sure the unused clips are taken care of so you don't get any shorts.

Make sure to use some good igniters for this (i.e. not the stock Estes Solar Starters).

Any other options other than rocketarium?
Any homemade cable plans?

It's just a bunch of pairs of clips wired in parallel.

A clip whip is just a bunch of clips wired or soldered to a central point. You can probably make your own for a lot less.
Low amp firing e matches with long leads can be fired without the clip whip by twisting the leads together and using a pair of standard clips. Twist all + leads together, likewise with the - leads. Or use a metal buss.
The key for a five motor cluster is 12 volts minimum and plenty of amps in your battery. Like a car battery.
Here's a couple of dated technical reports on cluster ignition. The principles still apply today:
https://spacemodeling.org/jimz/manuals/tir-52.pdf
https://www.spacemodeling.org/jimz/manuals/tr-6.pdf
There are more advanced cluster ignition techniques, but they involve either custom hardware or components not readily available here.

I agree with kuririn, but not from an experience standpoint - my first and last cluster ignition (3 Estes D motors) was about 50 years ago! It was a success, but I can't remember much about it. My current setup is a 16 gauge extension cord, set up for up to 3 motors. I have 3 + leads and one negative. On that 50 year old launch, I oriented the igniters so one lead from each would meet in the middle, twisted the igniter leads together, and that actually worked. I forget how I did the 3 positive ends, but I think I had separate clips for each, all wired together from the hot (+) side of the battery. So as I get BAR, I have a 12 V tractor battery and I hope I'll glean from this thread or other sources here where the good igniters are, esp. if standard Estes are not to be trusted.

And yes, KC, I hope your Saturn V really goes! I hope to do one myself someday.

Thanks y'all