Had another J800T go off in my face yesterday. I need recommendations for a better launch control system.
Definitely Wilson F/X is the best currently available.Another??? How many have you had?
Wilson F/X would be my recommendation. Well designed, built and very reliable.
Wilson F/X would be my recommendation as well.Had another J800T go off in my face yesterday. I need recommendations for a better launch control system.
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.
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!
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!
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!)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!
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.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.
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.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 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 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?
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