Model Rocket Launch Controller
and Launch Pad Construction

On this page, you'll find background information about designing your own model rockets (not how to design motors. See the rocket propulsion page for that information).

Construction of Launch Pads and Controllers (Information Links)

Electronic Model Rocket Launcher Construction Plans. Plans for eight different launch controllers.

http://www.42nd-dimension.com/Rocketry/launcher.html Relay launcher schematics that could be used when the pad is quite some distance from the launcher button.

Piston Launchers

Get another 5% increase in altitude just by launching from a piston launcher! A piston launcher converts the hot exhaust gases from the rocket engine into high-pressure that kicks the rocket into the air at a faster velocity. This recycling of the exhaust gases is cool, and it gives your rocket a higher flight.

Piston Launcher Kit

Check the Links below using the Wayback Machine!
Wayback Machine If you find any dead links, don't give up. Try using the Wayback Machine! It will allow you to read the text of old web sites that may not be active any longer. http://www.archive.org

To use the WayBack Machine, you may need to cut and past the URL into the web site. Please be patient, as the Wayback Machine can be slow...


If you find more links that are needing to be moved here, please let us know!

http://www.azstarnet.com/%7Eelb/rockets/control.html Simple Launch Controller

http://www.schoolnet.ca/general/club-electrique/e/page30.html Design a simple model rocket launcher (elementary level)

http://www.azstarnet.com/%7Eelb/rockets/pad.html Launch Pad (somewhat complex)

http://hometown.aol.com/peterlynnc/cphead.html Tips for hooking up the copperhead igniter

http://c118618-a.frmt1.sfba.home.com/rockets/ Building a multi platform model rocket launcher

http://www.info-central.org/support_copperheads.shtml Useful information on using Copperheads and clustering.


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Return to Apogee's Model Rocket Educational Guide (homepage)


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