#1
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Igniting Q-Jet motors
Has anyone successfully ignited a Q-Jet with the included igniter, using an Estes standard controller (6V), or the Quest controller, which uses a 9V battery?
I have Estes controllers, and a Quest controller with a new 9V battery in it. The Quest website says the FirstFire Micro igniters work with any launch controller, which implies the standard Estes 6V controllers should ignite them.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#2
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I have never tried using only 6V 4AA cells ONCE to ignite anything before going back to my trusty Astron Launch Control System with a 12V 6Ah gel-cell.
Using AA or 9v batteries to fire igniters is nothing but a major PIA. I can use raw nichrome in 4 engine clusters and get immediate ignition.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC ! |
#3
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I have used my Estes Pro Series II Launch Controller (6x 'C' batteries) to ignite the Q-Jet igniters without any problems.
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Bob S.A.M. # 0014 |
#4
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Quote:
Yeah, my home brew controller is getting redone to use a Lipo pack instead of lugging around a gel cell. But a spur of the moment launch tomorrow at a park is having me try to make do with what I have. No big deal, if neither of my available solutions work I just will save the Q-Jets for another day.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#5
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Quote:
Thanks Bob. I’ll experiment tomorrow and see if my two choices work.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#6
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Lee,
One of the very first things I tried when I got Q-Jets (the As an Bs that wouldn’t fit in your models unless you peeled the label) is go see if they could be flown with garden variety Estes launch controllers, including the little Astron II unit that uses a 9V battery (and a stock Electron Beam) They work just fine. If anything, they light a little faster than using a current “starter” on a given controller. Just go fly ‘em. I have probably flown over 100 Q-Jets now on everything from that Astron II controller up through several club systems. I think I’ve had two fail to light on the first try. The D16s in particular often chuff once before they go, however. (That said, my go-to controller when I’m flying on my own is the PSII controller with a 1250 mAh 3s LiPoly inside).
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Bernard Cawley NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member SAM 0061 AMA 42160 KG7AIE |
#7
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Thanks Bernard! I never tried them. Most of my little rockets now have micro-buttons. The Semroc Sky Hook II I was going to fly on Q-Jets apparently had a misshapen button and would not slide easily. I gave up, deciding to not waste time trying to sand it to fit. All my other rail flights were fine. Guess I better start checking the fit of each new build using micro buttons.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#8
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Any launch lug over 1/4" length is too long. Short LLs have low drag. Rods are everywhere. I use 1/8", 1/4", 1/2".
Jerry |
#9
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In a related issue has anyone successful launched clustered Q-Jets? If so did you use the included starters?
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#10
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Yes. Many times. 100% success.
Quote:
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-Fred Shecter NAR 20117 (L2) Southern California Rocket Association, NAR Section 430 |
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