TOPIC: Lighting Rapiers on the Flying Field

Regarding the John Emmett Jetex igniter. It works very well with the new high capacity, 5000mAh, rechargeable C cells. The tip glows red. And it's quite hot enough even to light some rather ancient Rapiers that must be at least 15 years old.

I was interested to read about the electrical ignitors, especially as I have a bunch of assorted Rapier motors but few fuses, ditto Jetex. Having looked closely at the photo of the D celled Jetex ignitor, I can't quite see how it works as it appears to have only a single wire???

Like any modeller involved with electric motored models, I have many batteries that are past their best - they won't provide enough power for flight, but are too nice to chuck out and, having read the comments about the 'Cord Zap' being an eater of alkaline cells, took up the challenge of a DIY effort.

In the video at the below link, you will find the widget - this uses a retired 7 cell 1100maH NIMH flight pack. Power is set by a trimmer which may be adjusted for different batteries (6v-12v). The 1100 maH pack should run it for around 40 minutes or so, before recharging or swapping out.

This prototype might look a bit Heath Robinson as I changed the wiring a few times, but it is pretty simple. It uses a microcontroller IC to control power to the 28swg filament. I printed the handle, but this could easily be cut from plywood or similar. Other than the battery, the cost of the components is around £6 or so (most came from my junk box).

I have not yet actually tried to light a motor, but as you can see the filament glows bright red, so I guess that it should work. If someone can tell me a bit more about the Jetex type, I should be able to come up with something similar.
Now, if someone can arrange for a fine day....

Hi David,

you need to provide the link ....

The Emmet igniter (to repeat) works well with Jetex motors. As to your Rapier igniter, a photo or two would be a god idea.

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