Best Igniters for Cluster Ignition

[rocketron1948]

What igniters do you use for igniting clusters of black powder engines and clusters of composite propellant D-G motors?

 

[Wayco]

Ematches will light black powder motors easily, just tape them across the nozzle, or stick them in the hole. Clusters of composite motors should be CTI motors, which can be lit with the same ematch that comes with the reload. Aerotech composites usually come with first fire ignitors, and they aren't recommended for clusters. Rocketflite makes a pyrogen called Clusterfire, and you can get very small wires that will fit into the smaller AT motors.
https://www.rocketflite.com/

 

[samb]

Here is a pretty strong endorsement for Rocketflite igniters from Boris Katan. A lot of gorgeous cluster porn too.

https://bpasa.com/

Of course, the igniters are only 1/2 of the cluster puzzle. Getting enough amps to flow typically involves shortening the launch circuit using relays. Many, many threads on relay launch systems around here.

 

[Dugway]

I've been using these exclusively on my Cluster Duck, 6 launches x 7 motors = 42 successful black powder ignitions:

https://electricmatch.com/rocketry/see/23/6/bp-rocket-starters

All of these were using a Boris Katan style cluster box.

 

[BRS Hobbies]

I've been using these exclusively on my Cluster Duck, 6 launches x 7 motors = 42 successful black powder ignitions:

How is the Cluster Duck to launch? Is it over the top? Thinking about getting one.

 

[dpower]

I've been using these exclusively on my Cluster Duck, 6 launches x 7 motors = 42 successful black powder ignitions:

https://electricmatch.com/rocketry/see/23/6/bp-rocket-starters

All of these were using a Boris Katan style cluster box.

I’ve been using these also. The regular sized ones are a bit tight in B6/C6 nozzles, but I flew a 7x cluster last weekend just fine. They fit fine in C11/D12/E12 Motors. I use a simple 12v relay system, igniters in parallel. Small sealed lead acid battery.

 

[Dugway]

How is the Cluster Duck to launch? Is it over the top? Thinking about getting one.

Not sure what you mean by "over the top", it goes to about 1200' on an E12 and 6xC6's. I always fly it with a chute release, so there's never a long recovery walk. It is definitely one of my favorite rockets to actually launch, a long smooth burn that just sounds great.

 

[SDramstad]

Anyone using a flash pan? Been wanting to try that.

 

[prfesser]

FWIW...a lot of you probably already know that when using all-ematches for ignition, they can be connected in series rather than in parallel.

Before anyone says "BUT...", the fireworks guys connect them in series. A single match requires only 1.5 volts, so a 6v system can ignite four in series, a 12v system can do eight. In series the current requirement and leadwire gauge is only that required for a single match.

Commercial ematches use a bridgewire that is around 50 gauge, and only 1-2 mm long (the thickness of the piece of double-sided circuit board used in their construction). Hence the low voltage and current requirements.

Also FWIW for the last ten years or so I've done a small fireworks display at the annual family picnic for July 4, lighting consumer fireworks with a wireless system and connecting the ematches in series. Ne'er a failure.

Best -- Terry

 

[heada]

Anyone using a flash pan? Been wanting to try that.

I've done flash-pan for 7x 18mm BP motors. Unless you have a good supply of loose BP, it isn't really worth it. Multiple e-matches or similar is a much better option.

 

[KennB]

Anyone using a flash pan? Been wanting to try that.

A member of our club is known for clusters; both wire-ignited motors and flash pan.
Here's a couple of flash pan rockets where wiring each motor wouldn't have been practical:
https://bpasa.com/HellBoy.htm
https://bpasa.com/2012.htm

And a 30 motor cluster (BP and composite) on wires:
https://bpasa.com/TOGinator.htm

 

[dpower]

I used the MJG BP starters again today, 7xC6 in a Hydra VII, and 4xC6 + D12 in an 1:100 Saturn V. Complete success - these are working great.