This was a project that I came up with a while ago when I became dissapointed with the stock Estes model rocket controllers.
These little controllers have barely any authentication, using only a metal rod as the key/arm switch. They also run on 2 x AA batteries - making them pathetically underpowered after 5 launches. They also have a built in cord that is to short in my opinion.
All of this taken into consideration, I decided that between my electronics experience and our parts supply that I could build my own superior controller.
Revision one, which no longer exists (used as the base for rev. 2), was a simple one channel unit. It used one 7.5v NiCd Rechargargeable coupled with a large capacator to give double the amperage and a gaurenteed launch (almost) regardless of battery condition. It provided a key based lock-out with arm and fire momentary switches and indicator lights. This system worked well for a while but I decided that even though I didn't need it and still don't I decided to modify rev. 1 and enhance the capability of it.
Revision 2 is quite an improvement. This one has the capability to fire 12 channels independently. It uses the same power system. It also has the same lock-out, arm, fire system. Rev. 2 adds these extra 11 channels on a breakout box (1/4" jacks instead of XLR's) and keeps the single XLR output on the front pannel for use without the breakout box. This revision also has an analogue battery meter on the front pannel, more for show than use but it does function quite well.
Overall, this system works amasingly well. Revison 1 was used by me durring a model rocket summer camp - I brought it just to show off to the instructor but ended up using it to fire half of the shots because the one that the camp had didn't work. It tremendously outperformed the Estes unit that was running the other pad. At the end of the day after about thirty launches it was still launching instantly whereas the Estes unit was taking 2-5 seconds to ignite the motor.
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