bsexton
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- Jan 17, 2009
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I took a stab at my first launch controller for our club. I only built a unit that could handle six rockets to get my feet wet with the design and test my electronics skills. I patterned this after the launch controller used by SEVRA. I got most of the parts from Radio Shack as follows:
(6) 275-602 SPST Toggle Switch
(2) 274-1563 DC Power Jack
(1) 274-1569 DC Power Plug (PK 2)
(3) 274-252 1/4" Phone Jack (PK 2)
(3) 274-1544 1/4" Phone Plug (PK 2)
(1) 49-515 Standard Key Switch w/cover (discontinued)
(1) 275-609 SPST Momentary Switch (PK 2)
(1) 273-060 Piezo Buzzer
(1) 270-1809 Project Box
(1) 270-380 Mini Clips (PK 12)
Hookup wire 18 AWG stranded
250' 18/2 stranded wire
The piezo buzzer only draws 5mA and should be safe for all igniters including electric matches. I have tested the unit with Estes Solar Igniters, Aerotech Copperheads, Fire Fly and Davey Fire electric matches with no problems.
I designed the unit to allow for drag races which some people will say is not safe -- I think it is a matter of training and supervision.
I use a Werker 12V, 7.5 AH SLA battery which packs a lot of punch and will even light multiple AT Copperheads with no problem. I used phono plugs to connect the 30' leads to the control box itself and should be easy to maintain.
Please note the diagram has been changed to reflect the proper wiring of the continuity test switch and is attached to a new post in this thread entitled "Updated Wiring Diagram".
(6) 275-602 SPST Toggle Switch
(2) 274-1563 DC Power Jack
(1) 274-1569 DC Power Plug (PK 2)
(3) 274-252 1/4" Phone Jack (PK 2)
(3) 274-1544 1/4" Phone Plug (PK 2)
(1) 49-515 Standard Key Switch w/cover (discontinued)
(1) 275-609 SPST Momentary Switch (PK 2)
(1) 273-060 Piezo Buzzer
(1) 270-1809 Project Box
(1) 270-380 Mini Clips (PK 12)
Hookup wire 18 AWG stranded
250' 18/2 stranded wire
The piezo buzzer only draws 5mA and should be safe for all igniters including electric matches. I have tested the unit with Estes Solar Igniters, Aerotech Copperheads, Fire Fly and Davey Fire electric matches with no problems.
I designed the unit to allow for drag races which some people will say is not safe -- I think it is a matter of training and supervision.
I use a Werker 12V, 7.5 AH SLA battery which packs a lot of punch and will even light multiple AT Copperheads with no problem. I used phono plugs to connect the 30' leads to the control box itself and should be easy to maintain.
Please note the diagram has been changed to reflect the proper wiring of the continuity test switch and is attached to a new post in this thread entitled "Updated Wiring Diagram".