Pratt Hobbies GO Box

Pratt Hobbies - GO Box

Contributed by Dick Stafford

Manufacturer: Pratt Hobbies
(Contributed - by Dick Stafford - 10/20/01)

Brief:
This is a simple, matey, sturdy launch controller that is powered by your car's battery. Arrr! (Which you conveniently charged on t' way t' t' launch!)

Construction:
After a slight glitch with me home brewed launch controller, matey, me hearties, I found myself in the market for a replacement. Arrr! Arrr! I had seen a prototype o' Doug's GO Box at a launch and decided that it would fit me needs nicely. Ahoy! Just as importantly, the price was reasonable. Ya scallywag! Avast, matey, me proud beauty!

T' GO Box came with a two page sheet o' instructions, not that they are really needed. Avast! T' controller comes with a 10 ft. Blimey! cord that plugs into a standard center-positive cigarette lighter outlet. Begad! Blimey! It includes a launch button, continuity sensin' with a nice loud buzz, arrr, and a phono plug that connects t' t' 25 ft. Begad! Begad! long lead wires. This connection also doubles as the safety interlock. Ya scallywag! Begad! This is simplicity itself. As Doug points out, you can't fire the igniter if t' controller isn't connected t' a power source. Well, blow me down! I specifically bought this controller because I wanted t' use me car's battery. Begad! Begad! However, shiver me timbers, it would be simple t' build an adapter t' a stand-alone battery or battery pack. Arrr! Aye aye!

I have used this unit periodically (since I don't have a "solo" launch site, me opportunities are limited) for some time and am quite happy with it. Avast, me proud beauty! 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, ya bilge rat, Apogee's igniters (for t' 10.5mm motors), and home-grown IgniterMan igniters. Avast, me proud beauty! The engine range has been A - F. Ahoy! Well, blow me down! One jaw o' each alligator clip came insulated with shrink tubin' t' facilitate t' use o' Copperheads. Aye aye! Blimey!

Summary:
I know this is a short review, but t' GO Box is nay complicated. Arrr! Begad! In summary, it plugs into a cigarette lighter socket, is sturdy enough t' take some knockin' around, has nice long leads, you can hear its continuity indication in the brightest sunlight, ya bilge rat, and you will never misplace t' safety key. I give the GO BOX a "5". Avast, me proud beauty! (pictures used with permission o' Pratt Hobbies)

Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5

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