Aerotech Interlock Launch Controller

The Aerotech Interlock Launch Controller is a durable device that is used to electronically ignite ALL your model rocket motors from 1/4A size up to a G-size engine. This one has large clips that allow you to hook it up directly to a 12V car battery. That gives you a lot of amperage and gives a hefty jolt of electricity to ignite even the most finicky of igniters. Also, if you can drive your car to the launch site, you can be assured that you have a good battery and not one that is dead. No more will you show up at a launch site and find out that your launch controller battery is dead.

This controller has been designed to prevent accidental launches when given to younger children. It takes two hands to operate, and will not launch unless the safety key is properly inserted.

• Two-Handed operation that prevents accidental ignition of the rocket until you are absolutely sure your rocket is ready to go. One hand is used to firmly hold the safety key in, and the other hand is used to push the launch button.
  
  
• Audible warning tone when the key has been inserted into the controller. This tells you that there is a compete circuit (and your igniter has been hooked up properly), and it warns spectators that you are getting ready to launch.
  
  
• 40-feet (12.2 m) long wires. This is the longest controller wire that we sell. It it great for larger rockets (up to G-engine size), because it allows you to stand farther back when launching your rockets. According to the NAR safety code, you should be at least 20 feet away when launching rockets larger than a D-engine. This controller allows you to double that safety distance.

• Armed display status window. When you insert the safety key, the window changes from green to red. This lets you know that you are armed for launch.
  
  
• Automatic safety key ejection. Once you release your hands from the controller, the safety key automatically pops out of the controller. How many times have you accidentally left the key in with your last launch controller? That makes it a bit more dangerous when you hook up your next rocket, doesn't it? You want a little more safety when you're launching with smaller children, don't you?

• High Visibility Graphics: Makes it easy to say while the controller is laying in the grass.
  
  
• Cool flip-top cover: If you're a fan of Star-Trek, you'll look the flip-top cover. It makes you feel like you're opening up a high tech communicator. When folded down, it closes off the safety key slot, preventing you from inserting the key until someone consciously opens up the device. It also keeps dirt and dust from entering the unit.
  
  
• Copperhead Clip: This unit comes with a special clip that was designed to be used with the Aerotech Copperhead igniters.
  
  In our opinion, we'd recommend tossing it into your range box and put real alligator clips (not included) on the ends of the wires. That will allow you to use the controller for more types of igniters, like the First-Fire Jr. igniters and Quest/Estes igniters, as well as the Copperhead.

Tools needed to assemble this launch controller kit:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Liquid Plastic Cement

To use this launch controller, You'll Also Need:

• 12 V Battery

Optional Equipment:

• Alligator clips if you are using a two-wire igniter.
• Clip Whips for launching cluster-engine rockets.

Q. Is this controller a bit overkill for smaller models?

A. Yes. Most smaller rockets can be safely launched with the Sky Launch System. And you'll save money too, since it doesn't cost nearly as much as this one. Click Here for more information.

Q. How does this launch controller compare to the Go-Box Controller?

A. The Interlock Controller is by far the "Deluxe" controller. The features we like best are the longer wires, and the auto-eject safety key. The Go-Box is a middle-of-the-road controller that also works nice for smaller rockets. Click Here for more information.

Q. What launch pad should I use to launch bigger rocket kits?

A. We offer a couple of choices: the Aerotech Mantis Launch Pad, and the Estes Porta Pad-E.

Q. Can the Interlock Controller be used for cluster-engine rockets?

A. Yes! Because it hooks directly to a car battery, it has plenty of juice for a large number of motors in a cluster. You will need an extra clip whip to hook up all the extra igniters though. Click Here for more information.

A. It will take approximately 1/2 hour to assemble. You do not need to know about electronics to put it together. It is a lot like doing the step-by-step assembly of a model rocket.

A. Click Here to download and read an article that describes how to use igniters.