RodRocket
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2011
- Messages
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I have found several ideas for a launch control system and I am closely following the ideas from here https://principialabs.com/electronic-launch-control-system/
I am not going quite as fancy with the keyed switch. Mine will be a simple 1/4 mono audio jack and the key will be a short bit of 1/4 metal. No key, no power.
Relay box will be same as on the above site and the control box will have two momentary push button switches and two LED's.
The way I would like my system to work is you first check at the relay box for a welded relay by pushing a SPDT momentary button. No sound from a buzzer means ok to hook up igniter to relay box.
Next at the remote control, the key is inserted, red LED will glow, push and hold first button and green LED will glow if continuity is good, also buzzer will sound, then red button can be pushed to launch.
This system will take both hands to launch. And has the added safety at the relay box to check for a welded relay.
I have the basic layout of the parts done, still have to locate a few electronic bits and get the remote cord and jacks done. But it is coming along great.
Can't wait to try it out, may have some local farm land that I can use for launches and decided to get started building the launch system and pad.
Launch pad will be a metal saw horse with one or two rods and pads. I may have come across a nice source for stainless rod, a whip c/b antenna. I have to double check the whip diameter to the launch lugs. If not I will just get steel in the proper sizes to fit.
This has been great fun learning about this hobby. Just wish I had started 30 years ago.
See ya,
Rod
I am not going quite as fancy with the keyed switch. Mine will be a simple 1/4 mono audio jack and the key will be a short bit of 1/4 metal. No key, no power.
Relay box will be same as on the above site and the control box will have two momentary push button switches and two LED's.
The way I would like my system to work is you first check at the relay box for a welded relay by pushing a SPDT momentary button. No sound from a buzzer means ok to hook up igniter to relay box.
Next at the remote control, the key is inserted, red LED will glow, push and hold first button and green LED will glow if continuity is good, also buzzer will sound, then red button can be pushed to launch.
This system will take both hands to launch. And has the added safety at the relay box to check for a welded relay.
I have the basic layout of the parts done, still have to locate a few electronic bits and get the remote cord and jacks done. But it is coming along great.
Can't wait to try it out, may have some local farm land that I can use for launches and decided to get started building the launch system and pad.
Launch pad will be a metal saw horse with one or two rods and pads. I may have come across a nice source for stainless rod, a whip c/b antenna. I have to double check the whip diameter to the launch lugs. If not I will just get steel in the proper sizes to fit.
This has been great fun learning about this hobby. Just wish I had started 30 years ago.
See ya,
Rod