Estes launch controller

[Tim300wsm]

I bought one of the Estes ready to go kits and the launch controller seems to be sub par. I can’t get the led to light up consistently. I only got it to fire twice today and never on the same set of batteries. Had to change them after each launch. Is there a specific controller I can get that will be consistent? Also what kind of controller set up do I need for d/e motor setups. Grandpa went out and got my son a pretty cool rocket but it takes d or e engines

 

[OKTurbo]

Hey Tim. The Estes controller is kinda cheap, but it should be fine for igniting small black powder motors. If the light isn’t lit it means you have poor conductivity thru the igniter. Which means bad ignitor, but most likely bad connection. Try cleaning the little alligator clips.

If you find a local club launch, they’ll have a good system.

That being said, if you’re going to be doing this for any time and getting more ‘serious’ with it you can upgrade. There are a few options. I’ve had a Pratt Hobbies launch controller for over 15 years. They don’t make that model anymore, but the have some newer designs.
http://pratt-hobbies.com/products.asp?cat=9A few mor you can buy.
https://www.amazon.com/Aerotech-893...roller&qid=1630930609&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-1https://www.rocketryworks.com/launch-gear/launch-controllers/
or you can diy. There are plenty of good designs out there. From simple to complex. The best ones use a 12v battery with a relay. The battery is out by the pad to give the igniter full current for a quick ignition.
https://www.robotroom.com/Model-Rocket-Launch-Controller.html
Have Fun!

 

[neil_w]

To add to what OKTurbo said above:
1) Quality of batteries matters. Use good brand stuff (Duracell or Energizer)
2) Estes D and E motors light exactly the same as the smaller motors. You need a 3/16" launch rod (vs. the normal 1/8") but the controller and igniters are the same.
3) Getting a good conductive connection to the igniters can be tricky. Bending the wires over the paper and clipping to the paper can help:

Also, this quick video illustrates the whole igniter insertion process, which might be helpful:


4) The Estes PSII launch controller is quite solid, can be had for thirty-something dollars online

 

[Spitfire222]

I second what Neil said:
1. Try the best quality AAs you can find in the standard Estes controller.
2. If you're still not satisfied, try the Estes PSII controller. For extra oomph, use a 1000mAh, 3S Lipo battery instead if 6 Cs. That's what I use, and it's performed flawlessly over many dozens of launches.

Good luck, have fun!

 

[Tim300wsm]

It was a bad controller grabbed a new one and all is good

 

[MJW]

Motors with E impulse and above require further distance from people. For an E motor you should use a controller with 30 foot leads or longer. The standard controller has 16.4 foot leads and is only for motors D and smaller only.

 

[jrap330]

I bought one of the Estes ready to go kits and the launch controller seems to be sub par. I can’t get the led to light up consistently. I only got it to fire twice today and never on the same set of batteries. Had to change them after each launch. Is there a specific controller I can get that will be consistent? Also what kind of controller set up do I need for d/e motor setups. Grandpa went out and got my son a pretty cool rocket but it takes d or e engines

Also check the battery contacts, the old launch controller, copper was thin and cheap, I had to bend it every few launches and now I add old ignitors or old pieces of copper to keep it making contact. As members told me , go buy the Estes Pro controller, anywhere from $23 to $39 dollars.

 

[hcmbanjo]

Here's a page of blog tips with upgrades to the standard Estes Controller.
http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot.com/search/label/Controller
Scroll down past the first post for steps 4, 3, 2, 1.
The thin wire exiting the plastic box has worn through on a few occasions.

 

[user 35280]

Here’s a really good launch controller,
http://pratt-hobbies.com/proddetail.asp?prod=GO-12

 

[jn2412]

Hey Tim. The Estes controller is kinda cheap, but it should be fine for igniting small black powder motors. If the light isn’t lit it means you have poor conductivity thru the igniter. Which means bad ignitor, but most likely bad connection. Try cleaning the little alligator clips.

If you find a local club launch, they’ll have a good system.

That being said, if you’re going to be doing this for any time and getting more ‘serious’ with it you can upgrade. There are a few options. I’ve had a Pratt Hobbies launch controller for over 15 years. They don’t make that model anymore, but the have some newer designs.
http://pratt-hobbies.com/products.asp?cat=9A few mor you can buy.
https://www.amazon.com/Aerotech-893...roller&qid=1630930609&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-1https://www.rocketryworks.com/launch-gear/launch-controllers/
or you can diy. There are plenty of good designs out there. From simple to complex. The best ones use a 12v battery with a relay. The battery is out by the pad to give the igniter full current for a quick ignition.
https://www.robotroom.com/Model-Rocket-Launch-Controller.html
Have Fun!

I cant get the light on the controller to light. I have 4 rechargeable AA batteries in there. Do I need to connect the clips to the motor to get the bulb to light?

 

[jrap330]

I cant get the light on the controller to light. I have 4 rechargeable AA batteries in there. Do I need to connect the clips to the motor to get the bulb to light?

Yes, the bulb tell if you have a continuity, not that you have batteries in the controller.

 

[jrap330]

Go to Estes site and start reading about lunching model rockets. Your response is too naïve.

 

[jrap330]

The used to give a book with starter sets.

 

[BEC]

I cant get the light on the controller to light. I have 4 rechargeable AA batteries in there. Do I need to connect the clips to the motor to get the bulb to light?

https://www.rocketryforum.com/threa...r-estes-launch-controller.121381/post-2290747