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scottds80 Special user Victoria, Australia 730 Posts |
Hi all,
I am trying to think up ways to light flash paper using battery power instead of using flint wheels. I have got an Estes rocket system which I bought years ago before I got into magic. So I know how the ignitors work. If you are unfamiliar with the Estes rocket engine ignitors, go here: http://www.estesrockets.com/assets/downloads/ingniters.pdf The little aligator clips connect to each wire in the ignitor, which these wires merge into a little black "tip" which is the fuse that ignites. This would be very easy to make. Just a couple of double insulated wires with aligator clips soldered on, and a battery source with a button at the other end. Then just get heaps of Estes rocket ignitors. Does anyone have experience doing this, and what does it serve in your purpose for your act? I would love to know if this is a reliable way to go!
"Great Scott the Magician", Gippsland
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rhiro Regular user Southern California 182 Posts |
For reliability, I'd follow the same practices that the rocketry folks use, like fresh batteries, clean electrical contacts, igniter touching the propellant (FP or FC in this case), and continuity check. I built several of these years ago. My favorite setup was very reliable, especially once I added an onboard continuity check feature. I don't think it ever failed me, so long as it was showing continuity. To be fair, though, I was using low current igniters on this that are no longer being produced. That allowed me to use a single 9V battery in the unit, which lasted forever. I also tinkered with a very low profile conventional igniter in smallish diameter tube (1/4") but that required more juice. In either case, low current or not, continuity check was essential for reliability.
Also borrowing from the rocketry handbook, a positive way to disarm the system is also essential. I had a separate arming switch plus the business end of the unit had a detacheable electrical cable so that I could be assured there was no power going to igniters while I was plugging them in. (Ouch! Been there, done that.) Good luck and be safe. Ross |
Ace of $pades New user 63 Posts |
I recently bought a BBQ grill ignitor. It works great for creating a spark
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aquamage New user 92 Posts |
I have used the Solar Ignitors (rocket engine ingitors) many times. The only problem I ever encountered was that, because they are so tiny and fragile, they would tend to break once in a while at the connection. Make sure to leave them on the cardboard strip that they usually come on if possible...this helps them to not split apart.
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