good controller

[JoJo]

im looking for a controller that can launch anything from an estes E to an RMS G. the only controller i have right now is an estes electron beam controller so i dont know to much about the higher power ones. im looking to keep it under $50 preferably

 

[sandman]

One of the best ones is the old Estes Pro controller.

May be hard to find but I've seen them for as low as $25 on Ebay.

It does require two 7.2v Ni-Cad battery packs (not included) for a 14.4v punch.

sandman

 

[rocketsonly]

Estes? Isn't that more of a toy? I thought he should be looking towards Aerotech or something. Haha, I don't know much about rockets yet though. The largest engine I've launched is a C! I do plan on getting into MP this summer when I find a job though!
-Matthew

 

[solrules]

the Estes Pro Controller is different from the Porta Pad II, this one can hook up to an external 12V *car* battery to fire any igniter on the market, as opposed to the 6V (4x1.5AA) source from the porta pad. Personally, I would not go with the Aerotech system. It is expensive, and unless you cut off the the igniter clip, is unusable for any other type of igniter except for the Copperhead-type.

Or, you could go even cheaper, and go down to your local hardware store and pick out two switches, one that turns off after you release it, buy some wire, connect it all together with a battery, and you have a cheap controller.

 

[sandman]

rocketsonly,

Look before you judge!

The Aeroteck controller is more toyklike.

The Pro Series controller was designed by Northcoast Rocketry.

sandman

 

[Initiator001]

Originally posted by sandman
rocketsonly,

Look before you judge!

The Aeroteck controller is more toyklike.

The Pro Series controller was designed by Northcoast Rocketry.

sandman

The Pro Series Command Controller was originally released for the Pro Series D12 cluster kits back in 1991/1992. This was several years before North Coast Rocketry became part of Estes.

 

[sandman]

OK...it was something like that.

It was made for clusters!

The LED scale showing battery voltage the audible beeping alarm that changes to a steady tone when enabled.

I like everything about it.

It's still one of the best controllers on the market for about $25 if you can find one.

sandman

 

[Initiator001]

Originally posted by sandman
OK...it was something like that.

It was made for clusters!

The LED scale showing battery voltage the audible beeping alarm that changes to a steady tone when enabled.

I like everything about it.

It's still one of the best controllers on the market for about $25 if you can find one.

sandman

Fred Shecter had one of these he was selling at the SCRA launch, today. Asking price was $55 NIB.

 

[HeadHunter]

I am starting to feel like a pitch-man for Pratt Hobbies, But I would look at the GO BOX Launch System. I own the RTLS and have seen a go box at work. They do quality work over there and I really like the service.

 

[BlueNinja]

I would not go with the Aerotech system. It is expensive, and unless you cut off the the igniter clip, is unusable for any other type of igniter except for the Copperhead-type

Not exactly! Mine has an interchangeable clip set. Works just as good.

 

[solrules]

Originally posted by Blue_Ninja_150
Not exactly! Mine has an interchangeable clip set. Works just as good.

Didnt know that. On AT's site, it makes it looks like the interloc clip is the only option.

 

[Larry]

The interlock controller is set up just for the copperheads, but you can make a set of clip ends and use connectors to plug in whatever you want to use. Either the copperhead clip or a normal set of igniter clips. I did this with my first one. Better yet don't use the clip that comes with the interlock and instead put on a set of ignitor clips, then use masking tape on the copperheads so you can use the standard clips.....Larry

 

[sandman]

If you join the NAR (highly reccomended) they will send you a "guide book".

This magazine has a great article for converting an Electron Beam controller for use with Ni-Cad batteries.

My Little Brother did this conversion using old used ni-cad batteries for junk R/C cars (two different kinds of nicads) and a piezo buzzer from Radio Shack for $1.95.

The conversion took 20 minutes (with me helping) and now he has a super launch controller (kinda crude looking) but it works great!

You just have to remember to charge your batteries the night before a launch.

sandman

 

[Habu]

Originally posted by sandman
One of the best ones is the old Estes Pro controller.

May be hard to find but I've seen them for as low as $25 on Ebay.

It does require two 7.2v Ni-Cad battery packs (not included) for a 14.4v punch.

sandman

I grabbed up an Estes Pro Control from the Hobby Lobby clearance pile for 1/2 off.