Model rocketry has a fair few things you need to understand to get the most out of launching model rockets. One of those things is to become familiar with the launch controller. So how does a model rocket launch controller work?
The launch controller launches the rocket in a controlled and importantly in a safe manner. It works by delivering electricity to the igniter, which ignites and starts burning the rocket engine. Then the model rocket launches.
In this post, we will go through how does a model rocket launch controller work. Let’s get started!
What Is A Launch Controller?
The launch controller is specially designed to provide a simple and flexible launch control unit. It launches the rocket in a controlled and safe manner. The launch controller is essential to launch a model rocket in a controlled and safe manner.
Typically the launch controller will consist of a removable safety key and a launch button. The safety key is used to prevent launch once the key is removed. When the safety key is turned on. Then the launch button is enabled.
When the safety key is turned off or removed the launch button is disabled.
What Is The Purpose Of A Launch Controller?
The purpose of the launch controller is that it launches the rocket in a controlled and safe manner. Simply the launch controller provides power to the rocket igniter to burn the rocket motor.
The igniter consists of an extremely thin wire called a bridge wire. The wire is coated with a chemical compound that heats up.
The controller can launch a good variety of model rockets from basic to high model rockets. A launch controller is specially designed for.
- Supply power to the igniter efficiently to prevent launch failure as well as maximizing battery life.
- Avoid unwanted or accidental ignition. This can occur when someone is cabling the igniter at the launch pad.
- Point out whether the igniter is appropriately connected.
When purchasing a launch controller, make sure to choose the one that a little bit pricey than going for the cheapest launch controller.
While a homemade launch controller can lead to igniter failure or misfires, a pricier launch controller provides a safer and more controlled controller.
How Does A Model Rocket Launch Controller Work?
Simply the model rocket launch controller works by delivering electricity to the igniter, which ignites and starts burning the rocket motor. Model rocket controllers provide a reliable yet safe launching mechanism as they can be launched from a distance.
Even though a single-pad launch controller is common, you can try to use other launch systems like multiple pads to flying many model rockets in a quick sequence.
As the rocket igniters use batteries it is important to make they are set up properly with any loose wires. That’s why you should keep your eye on the controller accessories such as connectors, wires, and batteries.
Rocketeers know that model rockets are ignited by using electricity. However, most of them do not know how many volts are needed to launch a model rocket. The minimum voltage needed to launch a model rocket is 6 volts or two amps. So, how does it work?
Electrical ignition is believed to be the critical part of a model rocket. Without this electrical trigger, your rocket will never be able to get off the ground since there are no spark ignites the propellant.
Electricity is used to trigger the starter to spark the propulsion system of a rocket and then set it off.
When the starter is connected, the steadiness indicator light up. The DC supply then is extended to the starter via the launch button. The starter then will heat it up and then start the rocket.
To provide electricity to ignite the starter, a launch controller is used to send the required electricity for the launch sequence. When it comes to a launch controller, there are 2 options available. These are as follows.
- Handmade launch controller.
- Prefabricated launch controller.
Handmade Launch Controller
A handmade launch controller uses simple cabling with a 12-volt battery. While a handmade controller is difficult to build, it is good to try and build your own rocket system by hand.
Prefabricated Launch Controller
A prefabricated launch controller is an easier version to get for model rocket launchers. Some rocketry companies typically use this kind of launch controller that provides a plug-and-play feature to ignite the starter.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are a little bit more familiar with the mechanism of a model rocket launch controller, and you have an idea of how it works. Before flying your own model rocket, make sure to understand state regulations for a safer model rocket launching.
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