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