Interlock Controller

GreenArrow · Trainee Joined: Jul 06, 2007 Posts: 7

Has anyone used Aerotech's Interlock Controller? What did you think about it? My Estes Launcher just doesn't have enough juice to light even my Flis Kit Dueces Wild. I have thought about getting one because I could hook it up to my 12v Deep cycle battery. I also plan on building other low power clusters as well.

Thanks for your input.

Green Arrow
TRA 10932 L1

CF-105 · Mission Specialist Joined: Jun 30, 2007 Posts: 49

It does the trick for mid-power flying. It's not fancy, but it is fairly rugged. I don't know how they are price-wise. The unit I used to use came as part of an Initiator starter set.
_________________
Kevin Drayson
CAR # S369 L4, RI L3
TRA # 09738 L3

troj · Fleet Captain Joined: Jun 30, 2007 Posts: 1506

I've never seen one, so I cannot comment on it.

I can tell you that I have a pair of the old NCR/Estes controllers that use one or two (depending on whether or not you're firing clusters or 12V igniters) 7.2V R/C packs, and I love 'em.

-Kevin

CF-105 · Mission Specialist Joined: Jun 30, 2007 Posts: 49

I have one of those as well (Command Controller, I think they called it). Very handy all-in-one solution. Sure beats dragging along a spare 12v battery, if your car can't get to the launch area!
_________________
Kevin Drayson
CAR # S369 L4, RI L3
TRA # 09738 L3

RDBones · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject:

I had an InterLock Controller when I bought my Initiator Rocket and mantis Launch Pad. It worked great !

Then I modified it so I could use it for High Power ! ! !
Added 500' of wire so I could use it for my L2 flight. I still have ot and it still works. I also made a short set of leads so I can use it for Mid Power as well.
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<div>"No-Chute" Roy Polmanteer<br>L3 = TRA #11283 <br>www.arizonarocketryteam.net<br>Southern Arizona Rocketry Association<br>NAR Section #545 / TRA Prefecture #93</div><br>

matthew · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:38 pm Post subject:

I've been using a Pratt Go Box with one of those jump start thingys you get from the auto shop. I like the Go Box because it's small and can be used with one hand. The setup lights my two motor Thrustline Hank just fine.
_________________
Matthew Small

http://australianrocketry.org

oarjeepr · Trainee Joined: Jul 05, 2007 Posts: 8 Location: St. Louis

It works fine. Not very extravagant, spring loaded intelock, audible continuity indicator, and a fire button, but it gets the job done.
_________________
Bill

mikeyd · Trainee Joined: Jun 30, 2007 Posts: 2 Location: OKC

Here is an Estes controller, which will do the same thing as the Interlock. I had one of these before I got my Initiator package, and it worked fine for my Original Sat1b 4 engine cluster.

http://cgi.ebay.com/vintage-estes-rocket-launch-launcher-key_W0QQitemZ190134262636QQihZ009QQcategoryZ2567QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This currently has no bids on it, and would be cheaper than the Interlock

Handeman · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 10:04 am Post subject:

For a personal launcher, I built my own in a box that holds the battery too. I use a motorcycle/ATV/garden tractor battery because it's only 2.5" x 4.5" x 4.5" yet puts out 70 CCA. I put a couple of coat hook on the box to wrap the wires on and a dowel between two flat metal pieces for a fold down handle. It's light, easy to carry, setup = unwind the wire, and it lights any of my mid size and low power clusters and does it all day.

If you have a 12V launch controller that connects to a car battery, I would suggest getting a motorcycle/ATV/garden tractor battery. Watch the sales at your local auto parts stores, home depot, lowes, or similar stores. You will need a battery charger, but they are much smaller and easier to move and work great for a personal launcher.
_________________
Handeman TRA #09903 L1

Sidewinder · Trainee Joined: Aug 11, 2007 Posts: 9

What precisely is it that seperates the interlock controller from the Estes electron beam? I've read about the interlock's safety feature on the net, but I'm at a bit of loss as to how it really works. Can anyone enlighten me with an interlock circuit diagram or something? I've never seen one up front, so I've never had the opportunity of taking one apart and studying it.

mikeyd · Trainee Joined: Jun 30, 2007 Posts: 2 Location: OKC

Sidewinder, here is a link for the Interlock controller
http://www.aerotechrocketry.com/customersite/resource_library/Instructions/Kit_Instructions/interlock_in_8-04.pdf
If this does not answer your questions, let me know, and I will try to respond.

JC_rockets · Mission Specialist Joined: Jul 05, 2007 Posts: 17

I built a launcher using the plans on ROL info-center page.
I use a motorcycle/lawn mower battery and it all fits into a small plastic toolbox along with the 100-foot of wire for the launch control button.
The box sits 15 ft. from the pad and I stand 100 feet away put in the key push the button and have fired a cluster of 9 Estes E motors and also has fired 4 Areotech G motors clusters. Not light but by no means it is heavy and works great if I keep the battery charged.

Sidewinder · Trainee Joined: Aug 11, 2007 Posts: 9

Mikeyd,

Thanks, that's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. Appreciate your assistance!

-Sidewinder