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