Hi folks, I found this link on instructables: http://www.instructables.com/id/Wireless-Model-Rocket-Ignition-System/. Well, I have all the components and they are wired up but I was wondering how I can do a continuity check on my igniters with this circuit or what I need to add this feature as the Estes wired controllers have. Thanks.

 

The simplest would be a light connected across the relay contacts.

The trick is to make sure the igniter circuit has low enough resistance to fire.
For example, a simple LED circuit might glow brightly with an igniter connected with a poor connection, but fail to fire.

Back in the day, I used a small incandescent lamp for this purpose, it needed a fair bit of current to illuminate, so it worked well.

 

The simplest would be a light connected across the relay contacts.

The trick is to make sure the igniter circuit has low enough resistance to fire.
For example, a simple LED circuit might glow brightly with an igniter connected with a poor connection, but fail to fire.

Back in the day, I used a small incandescent lamp for this purpose, it needed a fair bit of current to illuminate, so it worked well.

Hi, I was able to accomplish with but I
have two leads sets of wires going to the igniter instead of just the two to ignite the igniter. Any way to only have one set as it is with Estes controllers?

 

I did it with another 9 Volt battery lighting a yellow led ran thru the igniter back to the relay.

 

The nine volts isn't enough to set off the igniter.

I did it with another 9 Volt battery lighting a yellow led ran thru the igniter back to the relay.[/QUOTE

 

The nine volts isn't enough to set off the igniter.

Really? How many volts do the 2017 version of those igniters take? My last Estes launcher used 4AA batteries for 6v.

 

The nine volts isn't enough to set off the igniter.

I wouldn’t bet my safety on it. Why wouldn’t it?

 

Hi, I think u are right, i will put a resistor in series with it. I know I have a 9v wireless controller or launcher that won't ignite the Estes igniters. It's something about it that won't make it ignite. The discontinued quest g2 igniters do very well with it though. I bought it off of apogeerockets.

 

Hi, I think u are right, i will put a resistor in series with it. I know I have a 9v wireless controller or launcher that won't ignite the Estes igniters. It's something about it that won't make it ignite. The discontinued quest g2 igniters do very well with it though. I bought it off of apogeerockets.

Hi guys, I have another problem with the project from earlier, my leads to my igniter is shorting out. It is sending about 15 volts but when I hook them up to an igniter, they short out and the red led goes off. How do I ignite my igniter? Please help, thanks.

 

The simplest would be a light connected across the relay contacts.

The trick is to make sure the igniter circuit has low enough resistance to fire.
For example, a simple LED circuit might glow brightly with an igniter connected with a poor connection, but fail to fire.

Back in the day, I used a small incandescent lamp for this purpose, it needed a fair bit of current to illuminate, so it worked well.

But to sense a poor connection to the igniter, you need to be sensing the current through the igniter. If your sensing circuit is low enough resistance to allow the igniter to fire, then what prevents the igniter from firing while you are checking the continuity?

On a rocket igniter I did (many moons ago) I tried to deal with this by using a sensing circuit that put a small amount of current through the igniter and sensed the voltage across the circuit. If it was too high, then the continuity check circuit would light a yellow LED (it would like a green LED if it was low enough). Later I had it light a red LED if the continuity was gone entirely. I discovered that there is enough variation among igniters, especially if they are of significantly different age and, probably, exposed to different histories of abuse, that there was an uncertainly zone in which yellow-lit igniters might fire but green-lit igniters might not, but overall it worked pretty reliably.

 

Hi guys, I have another problem with the project from earlier, my leads to my igniter is shorting out. It is sending about 15 volts but when I hook them up to an igniter, they short out and the red led goes off. How do I ignite my igniter? Please help, thanks.

All the help you will ever need. Even the equivalent resistance of a #53 bulb.
I had a hard copy of this many moons ago!
http://www2.estesrockets.com/pdf/2811_Estes_Model_Rocket_Launch_Systems.pdf

 

I had no idea the igniters needed that much juice. I guess that's a good safety feature to prevent unintended ignition. Hard to get 2A without meaning to. Now I want to go launch a rocket!

 

All the help you will ever need. Even the equivalent resistance of a #53 bulb.
I had a hard copy of this many moons ago!
http://www2.estesrockets.com/pdf/2811_Estes_Model_Rocket_Launch_Systems.pdf

Thanks, looking into this.

 

I had no idea the igniters needed that much juice. I guess that's a good safety feature to prevent unintended ignition. Hard to get 2A without meaning to. Now I want to go launch a rocket!

I have an old toolbox full of engines and stack of models on the top shelf in the basement - stop by and we'll let them fly. I wouldn't even try tracking them down to recreate them - I want my shelf back. The kids have had their crap on it long enough.

 

I have an old toolbox full of engines and stack of models on the top shelf in the basement - stop by and we'll let them fly. I wouldn't even try tracking them down to recreate them - I want my shelf back. The kids have had their crap on it long enough.

My grandson is 4-1/2. So I'm hoping I can unload my kid's rocketry stuff - tying up shelf space in my basement - in just a few years.