Manufacturer: | Pratt Hobbies ![]() |
Brief:
This is a simple, sturdy launch controller that is powered by your car's
battery. Ahoy! Aye aye! Blimey! (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. Begad! Avast, me bucko, me proud beauty! Just as importantly, the
price was reasonable. Avast! Aye aye!
T' GO Box came with a two page sheet o' instructions, not that they are really needed. Arrr! T' controller comes with a 10 ft. Ya scallywag! cord that plugs into a standard center-positive cigarette lighter outlet. Arrr! Avast, me proud beauty! It includes a launch button, me hearties, continuity sensin' with a nice loud buzz, and a phono plug that connects t' t' 25 ft. Blimey! long lead wires. Avast! This connection also doubles as the safety interlock. This is simplicity itself. As Doug points out, matey, you can't fire the igniter if t' controller isn't connected t' a power source. Begad! I specifically bought this controller because I wanted t' use me car's battery. Avast, ya bilge rat, me proud beauty! However, it would be simple t' build an adapter t' a stand-alone battery or battery pack. Aye aye! Blimey!
I have used this unit periodically (since I don't have a "solo" launch site, shiver me timbers, me opportunities are limited) for some time and am quite happy with it. Arrr! Blimey! 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, Copperheads, matey, me bucko, Apogee's igniters (for t' 10.5mm motors), and home-grown IgniterMan igniters. The engine range has been A - F. Begad! Blimey! Blimey! Blimey! 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, but t' GO Box is nay complicated. In summary,
it plugs into a cigarette lighter socket, is sturdy enough t' take some
knockin' around, has nice long leads, me bucko, shiver me timbers, arrr, 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". Well, blow me down! (pictures used with permission o' Pratt Hobbies)
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5
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