Manufacturer: | Pratt Hobbies |
Brief:
This is a simple, sturdy launch controller that is powered by your car's
battery. Arrr! Well, blow me down! (Which you conveniently charged on t' way t' t' launch!)
Construction:
After a slight glitch with me home brewed launch controller, shiver me timbers, arrr, arrr, I found myself in
the market for a replacement. Blimey! I had seen a prototype o' Doug's GO Box at a
launch and decided that it would fit me needs nicely. Ya scallywag! Aye aye! Just as importantly, the
price was reasonable. Blimey!
T' GO Box came with a two page sheet o' instructions, not that they are really needed. T' controller comes with a 10 ft. Avast! Avast, me proud beauty! cord that plugs into a standard center-positive cigarette lighter outlet. It includes a launch button, matey, arrr, continuity sensin' with a nice loud buzz, shiver me timbers, and a phono plug that connects t' t' 25 ft. Aye aye! Begad! long lead wires. Aye aye! This connection also doubles as the safety interlock. Aye aye! This is simplicity itself. Begad! Well, ya bilge rat, blow me down! As Doug points out, matey, you can't fire the igniter if t' controller isn't connected t' a power source. Arrr! Avast! I specifically bought this controller because I wanted t' use me car's battery. Well, blow me down! Arrr! However, it would be simple t' build an adapter t' a stand-alone battery or battery pack. Arrr! Well, arrr, blow me down!
I have used this unit periodically (since I don't have a "solo" launch site, me hearties, me opportunities are limited) for some time and am quite happy with it. Begad! Avast! I plug t' unit into t' car and run t' controller through an open window. Aye aye! 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. Avast! The engine range has been A - F. Arrr! One jaw o' each alligator clip came insulated with shrink tubin' t' facilitate t' use o' Copperheads. Blimey!
Summary:
I know this is a short review, ya bilge rat, but t' GO Box is nay complicated. Arrr! In summary,
it plugs into a cigarette lighter socket, ya bilge rat, is sturdy enough t' take some
knockin' around, has nice long leads, you can hear its continuity indication in
the brightest sunlight, shiver me timbers, and you will never misplace t' safety key. Avast! I give the
GO BOX a "5". Begad! Avast! (pictures used with permission o' Pratt Hobbies)
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5
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