Time Delay Launcher

Got a great idea from @mnstargazer. A time delay launch controller, the wheels are turning.
I'm a Navy Electronics Tech but don't want to do it with anything fancy.

So something like this but CHEAPER! My main reason is it would give me time to get the camera ready.

Oh yeah.... maybe.

Uh, 12v, better!

I think that would be non compliant with these requirements in NFPA 1127:

4.13.1 A high power rocket shall be launched using an ignition system that is remotely controlled, is electrically operated, and contains a launching switch that returns to the “off” position when released.

4.13.3 The launch system and igniter combination shall be designed, installed, and operated so that liftoff of the rocket occurs within 3 seconds of actuation of the launch system.

That was what I was thinking. Any last second aircraft or other problems and then what do you do?

Get someone else to push the button. So many advantages to having multiple people there.

Steve Shannon said:

I think that would be non compliant with these requirements in NFPA 1127:

4.13.1 A high power rocket shall be launched using an ignition system that is remotely controlled, is electrically operated, and contains a launching switch that returns to the “off” position when released.

4.13.3 The launch system and igniter combination shall be designed, installed, and operated so that liftoff of the rocket occurs within 3 seconds of actuation of the launch system.

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Shhhhhh, don't tell anybody.

And not that it matters, but I'll be low power and lone wolf.

Thanks for the info!

Seems to me that your problem is not as much of a timing issue as it is a "not enough hands" problem. The allowed "three seconds" between activation and ignition is not going to be enough time to be ready for about anything....and it still does not fix the problem of the rocket launching when you're not ready.

If I were you I'd use a foot activated "ignition switch." The old "doorbell" switch on a board on the ground.... Well OK, today I'd use a much better switch than an old doorbell actuator. YOU get the rocket prepped and on the pad with continuity checked and its ready to go. You have time to get your camera ready to go. Then you check for air traffic, that nobody unaware is in the immediate area and nobody's in the recovery area, you do your count-down, and use your foot to initiate ignition. I'm sure that I've forgotten a few steps in there, but you get the idea. Just make sure you use a "momentary-on" switch for ignition. And because you're using your hands for camera work, you might want to use a second momentary-on switch to power your controller with your other foot, so that the whole thing goes off when you lift your feet.

And yes, you still need a "removable" interlock in order to be able to "safe" the system between launches.

Brad

RocketRev said:

If I were you I'd use a foot activated "ignition switch."

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Ding ding ding ding ding!

RocketRev said:

use a foot activated "ignition switch." The old "doorbell" switch on a board on the ground....

Click to expand...

Bat-mite said:

Ding ding ding ding ding!

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Wow, no wonder we like this forum so much!

Ding dong...

jimn said:

That was what I was thinking. Any last second aircraft or other problems and then what do you do?

Get someone else to push the button. So many advantages to having multiple people there.

Click to expand...

This ^^^

Taking pictures of rockets - ok sure, but the neat thing about low power is that i'ts easy to include PEOPLE in the picture due to the small required distances...