TOPIC: Lighting Rapiers on the Flying Field

Thanks - I did post the video link, but it doesn't seem to want to show up (I had no issues posting the video of the F16 the other day).. have just tried again but it isn't showing up. So, here is the raw link, which should take you to the video..

https://youtu.be/2TORCs9by0E

Roger adds:







this look really nice, and the glow is sufficient to ignite even the most recalcitrant motor! The design is distinctly 'Dan Dare' like. I want one!

If we can manufacture them this is a most desirable product. How easy (or difficult) would it be?

It could be marketed as, "Professor Peabody's Pyrotechnic Pistol"

Thanks for posting the stills, I didn't think of that, was still puzzling over the reason for the missing video...
By altering the setting on the trimmer , you can have the wire glowing as hot as you like - until it melts!
The handle - I actually based this on a Mauser pistol (just because I like the shape) - but I could do a Dan Dare type if you like :+)

If there were enough interest, I could probably get pcb made cheaply (or even free) and it wouldn't be too difficult to supply a kit to anyone who can solder things together - I will look into this further and let you know.

Roger adds:

count me in!

Count me in for a kit of parts please - excellent work well done ...... TB

Very nice.

The word out there is that the Tender rocket motors need a slightly hotter element to ignite reliably (i.e. a higher temperature of ignition), so 28 SWG with just the 3V of two AA batteries is not quite a guarantee of 'lift off' if the batteries in your Cord Zap are less than fresh. 4.5V gives a nice healthy glow, but modifying a cord Zap is not so easy (I know, I've tried) so, I thought, let's make one, based on a battery pack which originally saw duty as a capacitor charger.



I added a very nice push button switch supplied by the estimable Terry Kidd and butchered a defunct cautery tool, ending up with:





pressing the button gives a nice glow. The element is simple 'push in' and easily replaced.

This is very much a quick (and dirty) 'proof of concept'. But I'll refine it with a 'Mk 2'.

All suggestions welcome!

I'm very close now to offering the kit for the pistol styled version described the other week. I decided to redesign it to make assembly much easier, with an enclosed printed body for the electronics. I had to order some bits in, but the advantage is that the pcb comes ready for use, with the microcontroller, leds, regulator all sorted. Hope to have this ready soon...