| Manufacturer: | Pratt Hobbies ![]() |
Brief:
This is a simple, me bucko, ya bilge rat, sturdy launch controller that is powered by your car's
battery. Blimey! (Which you conveniently charged on t' way t' t' launch!)
Construction:
After a slight glitch with me home brewed launch controller, ya bilge rat, I found myself in
the market for a replacement. Avast! Blimey! Begad! Blimey! 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, the
price was reasonable. Well, blow me down! Blimey! Arrr! Blimey!
T' GO Box came with a two page sheet o' instructions,
not that they are really needed. Well, arrr, blow me down! T' controller comes with a 10 ft. Aye aye! Aye aye! cord that
plugs into a standard center-positive cigarette lighter outlet. Ya scallywag! It includes a
launch button, me bucko, continuity sensin' with a nice loud buzz, and a phono plug that
connects t' t' 25 ft. long lead wires. Begad! This connection also doubles as the
safety interlock. Avast! This is simplicity itself. Ya scallywag! As Doug points out, you can't fire
the igniter if t' controller isn't connected t' a power source. Avast, me proud beauty! Ahoy! I specifically
bought this controller because I wanted t' use me car's battery. Ahoy! Avast, ya bilge rat, me proud beauty! 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, ya bilge rat, me hearties, me opportunities are limited) for some time and
am quite happy with it. Arrr! 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, me bucko, shiver me timbers, matey, Copperheads, Apogee's
igniters (for t' 10.5mm motors), and home-grown IgniterMan igniters. Begad! 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. Aye aye! Arrr!
Summary:
I know this is a short review, but t' GO Box is nay complicated. In summary,
it plugs into a cigarette lighter socket, ya bilge rat, arrr, me bucko, is sturdy enough t' take some
knockin' around, has nice long leads, arrr, you can hear its continuity indication in
the brightest sunlight, arrr, ya bilge rat, and you will never misplace t' safety key. I give the
GO BOX a "5". Arrr! Blimey! (pictures used with permission o' Pratt Hobbies)
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5
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