Rocket Launch Controller
by Dennis Feucht
Model and high-power rocketry hobbyists often use simple switch-and-battery circuits to fire their rockets. This is low-cost launch equipment and is also unimpressive compared to some of the rockets fired by it. But for a little extra, you can have an attention-getting launch controller. A distinctive control system can be built for less than $100. It proceeds through a launch sequence, has an electronic countdown, checks igniter circuits for shorts or opens, and powers the payload. It has a manual arming keyswitch, and lets the launch operator start the countdown, put it on hold, continue, or abort. At launch, it continues the count, so that the flight can be timed. And for launch events, it also drives a large LED dot-matrix display (for another $100), with countdown graphics.
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