How to Attach a Launch Controller to a Model Rocket Engine
Model rocketry is considered by many to be an exciting and exhilarating hobby. In order to facilitate a successful rocket launch, the model rocket and its engine must be securely and firmly connected to the launch controller leads. This document will explain how to safely connect the launch controller leads to the model rocket.
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Things You'll Need
- Model rocket
- Launch pad
- Model rocket engine with igniter installed
- Launch controller
Instructions
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Insert the engine into the model rocket. Before inserting the engine into the model rocket, the igniter should be securely installed and held in place. The engine should be inserted into the rocket's engine housing at the base of the rocket with the igniter leads facing away from the launch rod. To insert the engine into the engine housing, simply push the engine into the housing until the quick-release tab locks the engine in place.
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Put the rocket on the launch pad. Hold the rocket over the launch pad and line up the metal launch rod with the plastic lug (small hollow tube designed to hold the rocket to the launch rod). Slide the launch rod into the plastic lug and slide the rocket down the rod to rest on the launch pad. At this point, the wire igniter leads should be facing outward.
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Extend the launch controller wire. The launch controller should have at least 25 feet of wire with small metal alligator clips at the end. Unwrap the wire, trailing it on the ground while walking away from the launch pad. Ensure the launch controller is not damaged by gently unwrapping the wire and treating it with caution. For a safe launch, the launch controller wire should be fully extended so that the controller is located at least 20 feet away from the launch pad.
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Clip the launch controller leads to the igniter leads. The launch controller wire will have two small, metal alligator clips at the end. Affix the clips to the igniter leads one at a time by squeezing the alligator clip open then gently closing it around an igniter lead. Although the igniter leads are fragile and should be only minimally disturbed, ensure the alligator clips firmly and securely grip the igniter leads.
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Tips & Warnings
For a safe launch, the launch controller wire should be fully extended so that the controller is located at least 20 feet away from the launch pad.
