Main Components
*Radio Controlled Receiver
*4017 decade counter
*Estes rocket igniters
*A diode & transistor per active 4017 output pin.
*One resistor downstream of all transistors to limit the high "launch" current.
Operation
Single pulses from the RC receiver, actuated by RC transmitter, are sent to the 4017 counter. Per received pulse, one 4017 output pin at at time will be active high turning on the downstream transistor.
This "switching", & now "on", transistor will complete it's isolated launch circuit. This isolated launch circuit will be, for example, 9V battery to X0 (Estes rocket) & finally through the R1 ("launch current" limiting resistor) & ground.
The next pulse from the RC receiver will, by operation of the 4017, 'active high' the next 4017 output pin repeating the process until pin 6 is active and loops to the reset pin of the 4017.
Notes
-I am calculating R1 from Estes rocket amperage requirement, 9V battery internal resistance, & the transistor's max rating.
-I haven't chosen component values since I still have questions about the circuit design in general.
-I plan to add two safety cut off switches - one on the vehicle and one in the transmitter channel used.
Questions
*Is a "pull down" resistor needed somewhere between the RC receiver and Clock input pin of the 4017 to eliminate "floating"?
Should I tie all other unused 4017 pins to ground?
*How do you determine the supply voltage to the 4017 counter? (Manufacturer data sheets?)
*Are the diodes needed?
*Should I have a fuse with R1 to protect the transistors?
*Are there any major flaws in this circuit?
This is for a RC, tracked, rocket launching vehicle.
Any advice is appreciated and thank you.
*Radio Controlled Receiver
*4017 decade counter
*Estes rocket igniters
*A diode & transistor per active 4017 output pin.
*One resistor downstream of all transistors to limit the high "launch" current.
Operation
Single pulses from the RC receiver, actuated by RC transmitter, are sent to the 4017 counter. Per received pulse, one 4017 output pin at at time will be active high turning on the downstream transistor.
This "switching", & now "on", transistor will complete it's isolated launch circuit. This isolated launch circuit will be, for example, 9V battery to X0 (Estes rocket) & finally through the R1 ("launch current" limiting resistor) & ground.
The next pulse from the RC receiver will, by operation of the 4017, 'active high' the next 4017 output pin repeating the process until pin 6 is active and loops to the reset pin of the 4017.
Notes
-I am calculating R1 from Estes rocket amperage requirement, 9V battery internal resistance, & the transistor's max rating.
-I haven't chosen component values since I still have questions about the circuit design in general.
-I plan to add two safety cut off switches - one on the vehicle and one in the transmitter channel used.
Questions
*Is a "pull down" resistor needed somewhere between the RC receiver and Clock input pin of the 4017 to eliminate "floating"?
Should I tie all other unused 4017 pins to ground?
*How do you determine the supply voltage to the 4017 counter? (Manufacturer data sheets?)
*Are the diodes needed?
*Should I have a fuse with R1 to protect the transistors?
*Are there any major flaws in this circuit?
This is for a RC, tracked, rocket launching vehicle.
Any advice is appreciated and thank you.
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