Best launch system??????

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Had another J800T go off in my face yesterday. I need recommendations for a better launch control system.
Wilson F/X would be my recommendation as well.

Pass the hat within (and outside?) the club and make the investment.

Another near-miss is no good.

I had a full N go off near me once, about 40-50 feet away, it was memorable.
 
this is #2. Last year one in the grain bin while I was under it. Yesterday again with the grain bin. We started to unplug one lead from control box after the first time. Yesterday when I hooked up the box, she lit. The system is a home built one, I do not know where the files were from that were used to build it. But after yesterday, I will not use it anymore. It was the same scenario as last year. I blew an ignitor, went out to replace it and when hooking up clips on replacement ignitor, it went off.
 
this is #2. Last year one in the grain bin while I was under it. Yesterday again with the grain bin. We started to unplug one lead from control box after the first time. Yesterday when I hooked up the box, she lit. The system is a home built one, I do not know where the files were from that were used to build it. But after yesterday, I will not use it anymore. It was the same scenario as last year. I blew an ignitor, went out to replace it and when hooking up clips on replacement ignitor, it went off.

That system needs to go in the trash. Super dangerous! I’ve flown with 2 clubs using Wilson F/X and the system is great.
 
Our club uses the LCU-64w controller and five of the PBU-4w pad boxes. We are considering purchasing a sixth pad box.
 
Ditto on WilsonFX. We have a full 64-pad system. It is safe and easy to set up.
 
Ditto!
Our club uses a WFX combo of 1 x LCU128WX + 1 x PBU8W + 2 x PBU4W + 1 x LCU4WX-Hybrid + 1 x PBU4W-Hybrid/Monitor

By the way, don't you have the standard practice of touching the clips together before attaching to the igniter? Tests for hot ignition leads and/or faulty ignition relays!
Yeah, I always carry a little swatch of crocus cloth out to the pad. I always burnish the clips and touch them together before taping in the ignitor. It's just habit, even with relay systems. I had to change out a relay welded shut years ago. The thought of the motor pressurizing by hooking up hot leads gives me goose bumps. The ones taped to skewers or augmented spook me to be extra careful. Seen a few pyro displays that went south that left lasting impressions. +2 on the Wilson units.
 
Ditto!
Our club uses a WFX combo of 1 x LCU128WX + 1 x PBU8W + 2 x PBU4W + 1 x LCU4WX-Hybrid + 1 x PBU4W-Hybrid/Monitor

By the way, don't you have the standard practice of touching the clips together before attaching to the igniter? Tests for hot ignition leads and/or faulty ignition relays!
I even do this with the LPR rack but the consensus is on point - this launch control system is one incident away from causing a serious injury. I witnessed an L2 attempt inadvertent ignition a few years ago - luckily no serious injury but the flyer had some minor burns and was thoroughly shaken up.
 
Ditto!

By the way, don't you have the standard practice of touching the clips together before attaching to the igniter? Tests for hot ignition leads and/or faulty ignition relays!
After reading of incidents such as this, I go the extra step after touching the leads together and *temporarily* hook up the igniter before inserting it into the motor. (i.e. I don't leave it hooked up while inserting!)

Hans.
 
#1 I did the spark test, ghere was none. Whether due to sun too bright, not enough amps or my old eyes could not see it. After that the board ruled to unhooked a lead from the box before installing igintor , then clips, then hook up box. Which at least this time I was 15 feet away instead of under it.
 
Having a J800 go off in your face is NO JOKE. Must be really loud!
 
We're using Altus Metrum. That and WilsonFX are both really solid systems.

-Kevin
 
All firing systems must be designed as fail safe. Having the output state change while connecting cables would be fail dangerous. Whoever designed it should have any other pieces of firing equipment they have designed removed until fully tested by someone competent.
The Wilson FX system is good, but not cheap. If the club can afford it, get one.
 
We're using Altus Metrum. That and WilsonFX are both really solid systems.

-Kevin
Hows the Altus Metrum in 100°F weather and direct sun? We worked with a wireless system another club had and if the pad boxes or launch control box got too much sun and high temps it would glitch, we dont have that isdue with our Wilson F/X.
 
Hows the Altus Metrum in 100°F weather and direct sun? We worked with a wireless system another club had and if the pad boxes or launch control box got too much sun and high temps it would glitch, we dont have that isdue with our Wilson F/X.

First time I used it was on the Salt Flats - didn't have any issues with it there.

Temps are indeed a fair thing to ask about.

-Kevin
 
this is #2. Last year one in the grain bin while I was under it. Yesterday again with the grain bin. We started to unplug one lead from control box after the first time. Yesterday when I hooked up the box, she lit. The system is a home built one, I do not know where the files were from that were used to build it. But after yesterday, I will not use it anymore. It was the same scenario as last year. I blew an ignitor, went out to replace it and when hooking up clips on replacement ignitor, it went off.
Not sure who built your "home built" system, but the software isn't right. Not in the box and not in the controller. I would trash it right now before someone gets hurt. Since you had two incidences, a law suit would easily prove that because of prior incidences you knew about the problem and are completely liable if someone else gets hurt. Whoever built the system will probably also be liable. If I were them, I wouldn't let you use that system any longer.

I know rocketry is a risk, but does the prefect, and BOD members really want to risk their homes, assets, and income for the next 20 years using a system that has proven faulty? Buy a new and reliable launch system!
 
I know rocketry is a risk, but does the prefect, and BOD members really want to risk their homes, assets, and income for the next 20 years using a system that has proven faulty?
Not to hijack this thread, but the lack of indemnity for volunteers in such a risky environment is why I'm no longer interested in volunteering.
 
I agree 100%. But I am no longer a BOD. There is support among the BOD for a new system. I am talking with RocketRev about a system for myself to purchase. I told a couple BOD members, " is it easier to string out 500" of wire, or to dig a grave?"
 
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