wireless launch systems for rocket clubs...wired vs. wireless systems typical wired system –...

Wireless Launch Systems

for Rocket Clubs

NARCON-2019

Presented by Rick BoyetteNAR #31375

Wireless Launch Systems Wireless Launch Systems for Rocket Clubs

TOPICS• Wired vs. Wireless Launch Control Systems

• Modular Multi-Cell Controllers

• Commercial Modular Fireworks Systems

• Adapting Fireworks Controllers for Rocketry

• Building Wireless Relay Systems

• Questions & Comments

Wired vs. Wireless SystemsTypical wired system – Single controller, range in complexity from Estes-type handheld units to multiple pads at a single cell to multiple pads at multiple cells.

As clubs grow, so does their need for range capacity. Increased capacity requires more and larger cell boxes, more cables with multiple conductors and connectors, more batteries, more storage space, more time and $$$!

Wireless systems can significantly reduce the storage, range setup/teardown requirements and acquisition/maintenance costs for expanded range operations

Typical MultiTypical Multi--Pad, MultiPad, Multi--Cell Typical MultiTypical Multi Pad, MultiPad, MultiPad, MultiPad, MultiWired Controllers

FSA’s wired 6-pad, 6-cell controller FSA’s 6-pad, 6-cell controller - interior

FSA’s Original 6FSA’s Original 6-FSA’s Original 6-pad FSA’s Original 6Wired Cells FSA’s Original 6Wired Cells Wired Cells -FSA’s Original 6FSA’s Original 6 pad pad pad FSA’s Original 6FSA’s Original 6FSA’s Original 6

-- 3 Total

Heavy, bulky and time-consuming

FSA’s Add-On 6-pad Hard-Wired Cell

Less bulky but still cumbersome; terminal unitNo potential for expansion beyond original capacity

FSA Wireless System• Low-Power – Two 6-pad modules• Mid-Power – One 12-Pad module

for individual pads• High-Power – 12 individual

modules/pads

All modules are operated from a single DBR01-X which is a commercially-made12-pad, 100-cell fireworks controller.200m Range

Low-Power 6-Pad Racks6-Cell 9V Receivers with

6-Channel 12V Relay Module

DBR01-X controller with DB06R receiver and 12V relay module

Low-Power 6-Pad RacksTypical Range Setup

Fast & easy setup! No tripping over cables!

Low-Power 6-Pad RacksTwo 6-Cell Receivers with

6-Channel 12V Relay Module

Mid-Power PadsTwo 6-Cell 9V (6AA) Receivers

with Three 4-Channel 12V Relay Modules

Functionally identical to low-power system Uses homemade relay boards

Mid-Power PadsTypical Range Setup

12-pad module placed in center of mid-power range

High-Power Pads12 Individual 1-Cell 6V (4AA) Receivers

with 1-Channel 12V Relay Modules

High-Power PadsIndividual 1-Cell 6V (4AA) Receivers with 1-Channel 12V Relay Modules

Commercial Modular Commercial Modular Fireworks Systems

• DBR01 – Lowest-priced modular system; needs 12V relay module for reliable performance, 1-sec to 2-sec pulse, 200m range

• rfRemoTech MS12 – Midrange price, has external 12V power option so relay module not required (but pulse length is shorter), 200m range for modular unit

• Cobra 18 – the “Cadillac” of fireworks controllers, fully programmable/customizable from manufacturer, long-range capacity (500m)

DBR01 System

• Chinese manufacturer; Chinese & domestic distributors• DBR01-X controller – About $90 by itself• 1-cell 6V, 4-cell 6V and 6-cell 9V receivers range in price

from $10 to $40; can purchase mix-and-match setups• Designed for e-match/Tiger Tail igniters - No external

12V power option • Needs 12V relay module boost for reliable operation of

bridgewire igniters• Updated version available with key switch

DBR01 System

DBR01-X controller with 4-ch and 6-ch receivers

Updated version with key switch

DBR01 System

DBR01-X controller with 4-ch and 6-ch receivers – ebay listing of Ziyanfireworks store

DBR01 System

Updated controller with (4) 6-ch receivers – ebay listing of Ziyanfireworks store

rfRemoTechrfRemoTechMS12 System

rfRemoTechrfRemoTechMS12 System

rfRemoTechrfRemoTechMS12 System

TCF200-UModular programmable controller

rfRemoTechrfRemoTechMS12 System

MS12Q receiver directly wired to pad lead outlets

Cobra 18 Cobra 18 System

Cobra 18 Cobra 18 System

Cobra 18 Cobra 18 System

18 cues (pads); 100 cells

Sources for Sources for Wireless Components

• DBR: Ebay stores Zinyanfireworks, MagicEffect, ChinaFiringSystems, YanhuoElectric,

• DHGate.com: https://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/search.do?act=search&sus=1&searchkey=fireworks+firing+system&catalog=#hpsearch1806

• MS12Q: rfRemoTechhttps://www.rfremotech.com/MS12Q2BSeries.html

• Cobra 18: Cobra Firing Systems http://www.cobrafiringsystems.com/product_overview.html

Adapting Wireless

Fireworks Systems for

Rocketry

Parts and Accessories

Adapting Wireless Adapting Wireless Fireworks Systems

• Fireworks controllers are designed provide short-duration, low-voltage (6V to 9V), low-current pulses for electric match or “Tiger Tail” firework fuse igniters.

• Bridgewire-type igniters commonly used with composite motors require more amperage and a higher voltage applied for a longer period of time.

• Adapting wireless fireworks systems for rocketry use typically requires connecting 12V relay modules and/or programmable latching/momentary relay boards to the receiver module.

Adapting Wireless Adapting Wireless Relay Systems

4-channel relay module; leads from 9V receiver connect to input terminal strip at bottom left.

Adapting Wireless Adapting Wireless Relay Systems

1-channel analog timer board;triggered by separate relay module acting as pushbutton switch

Adapting Wireless Adapting Wireless Relay Systems

4-channel digital programmable timer board; triggered by relay module connected to receiver

Adapting Wireless Adapting Wireless Relay Systems

FSA’s Backup Hi-Power System

MS12Q with 1-ch analog latching relay added

Adapting Wireless Adapting Wireless Relay Systems

MS12Q with digital programmable 4-channel latching relay

Building Wireless

Relay Systems

Building Wireless Building Wireless Relay Systems

• Instead of purchasing a commercially-made system, a scratchbuilt single-cell system can be assembled using off-the-shelf components, at a very affordable price.

• Wireless relay modules are available in a wide range of channel quantities, voltages and transmitting range capabilities.

• Although the modules are typically intended for robotics or equipment control, they are easily adapted for rocket range applications.

Building Wireless Building Wireless Relay Systems

• The programmable modules act as the brains of the system; the builder must add usability functions such as enclosures, power supplies, safety switches and igniter leads.

• Boards are available that have “latching” (power applied to relay for a programmed duration) or “momentary” (power applied to relay as long as button is held) capabilities

• The handheld controllers are typically very basic and lack the functionality of the commercial controllers; the modules cannot be linked with multi-cell controllers.

• Use search terms such as “12V 6-ch wireless relay module” to locate suitable equipment.

Building Wireless Building Wireless Relay Systems

Generic 12-volt, 6-channelprogrammable wireless relay transmitter & receiver

Building Wireless Building Wireless Relay Systems

Generic 12-volt, 12-channelprogrammable wireless relay transmitter & receiver

Building Wireless Building Wireless Relay Systems

Generic 12-volt, 15-channelprogrammable wireless relay transmitter & receiver

Sources for Sources for Wireless Components

• Relays, Relay Modules, Switches, Batteries & Accessories: Use search engines for applicable keywords e.g. 12V 6-ch relay module, 4-ch latching relay, 12V gel cell B.B. Battery

• Mangooddigital ebay store

• AliExpress, AliBaba: https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb=y&IndexArea=product_en&CatId=&SearchText=12v+relay+board

• Digi-Key: https://www.digikey.com/

Thank You For

Attending!

Questions &

Comments