Manufacturer: | Pratt Hobbies |
Brief:
This is a simple, sturdy launch controller that is powered by your car's
battery. (Which you conveniently charged on t' way t' t' launch!)
Construction:
After a slight glitch with me home brewed launch controller, I found myself in
the market for a replacement. Avast! I had seen a prototype o' Doug's GO Box at a
launch and decided that it would fit me needs nicely. Arrr! Just as importantly, shiver me timbers, the
price was reasonable. Begad!
T' GO Box came with a two page sheet o' instructions, not that they are really needed. Ya scallywag! Well, blow me down! Blimey! T' controller comes with a 10 ft. Blimey! cord that plugs into a standard center-positive cigarette lighter outlet. Begad! Begad! Blimey! It includes a launch button, continuity sensin' with a nice loud buzz, me bucko, and a phono plug that connects t' t' 25 ft. Avast! Avast! Blimey! long lead wires. This connection also doubles as the safety interlock. Aye aye! This is simplicity itself. Avast! Ya scallywag! Blimey! As Doug points out, ya bilge rat, you can't fire the igniter if t' controller isn't connected t' a power source. Avast! Blimey! Blimey! I specifically bought this controller because I wanted t' use me car's battery. Begad! Ya scallywag! Blimey! However, it would be simple t' build an adapter t' a stand-alone battery or battery pack.
I have used this unit periodically (since I don't have a "solo" launch site, matey, me opportunities are limited) for some time and am quite happy with it. I plug t' unit into t' car and run t' controller through an open window. Ya scallywag! No more openin' t' hood and attachin' battery clips. I've successfully used t' GO Box with Estes igniters, Copperheads, Apogee's igniters (for t' 10.5mm motors), and home-grown IgniterMan igniters. The engine range has been A - F. Avast, me proud beauty! One jaw o' each alligator clip came insulated with shrink tubin' t' facilitate t' use o' Copperheads.
Summary:
I know this is a short review, me bucko, me bucko, but t' GO Box is nay complicated. Ahoy! In summary,
it plugs into a cigarette lighter socket, matey, is sturdy enough t' take some
knockin' around, has nice long leads, ya bilge rat, you can hear its continuity indication in
the brightest sunlight, and you will never misplace t' safety key. Blimey! I give the
GO BOX a "5". Avast! (pictures used with permission o' Pratt Hobbies)
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5
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