Quest Launch Controller Battery Note
 

These work best with the Quest launch controller and FirstFire Micro initiators.

Good to know.

I've fired Q-Jet initiators with the little Estes 9V Astron II launch controller when using a good quality alkaline 9V (Duracell) but I hadn't tried one of these controllers. I'll have to do a quick test the next time I go flying on my own....

Apparently the design of 9V alkaline batteries has changed fairly recently and they only deliver about 1/2 of the current that they used to.

That would explain a lot. :mad:

And I bet the manufacturers did not let anyone know expressly.
You either have to look for it in fine print specs or measure it yourself.
I absolutely DESPISE product downgrades without express disclosure.
If I did that to my customer it would be a serious "career limiter".

Amen, gh.

I've noticed that current 9V Alkaline batteries also work poor for MMX with the Quest controller - might get 3 or 4 launches before they won't heat up the nichrome sufficiently. Has anyone tried 9V rechargeable LiPo batteries?