Insulated Wires Increase Reliability! The Q2G2 igniter is another quantum leap forward in achieving ignition reliability compared to bare-wire igniters. There is insulation on the wires as they extend from the pyrogen. This insures that it is not easy to short out the igniter as you insert it into the nozzle of the motor. In bare-wire igniters, an electrical short inside the nozzle of the motor is the major cause of "nothing happening" when you push the button to launch the rocket.
Adding that insulation adds a few cents to the cost of the igniter, but we think it is worth it! The igniters are more forgiving of mistakes when inserting them into the motor because you don't have to worry as much about getting them twisted up. The only thing you need to watch for is that your igniter clips don't touch each other.
Low Current, Low Voltage. These igniters are also more forgiving of dying batteries in your launch controller. It only takes a little electricity (120 ma) to set them off. So where other igniters may not ignite, these babies will flare up and get your motors going. Please note that since they are very low current igniters, some controllers intended for "high-power" rockets can set them off during continuity tests. Be sure to hook up an igniter to your system before inserting it into the motor to make sure it does not prematurely fire before you push the launch button.
Note: Estes Electron Beam Launch controller should not be used. It puts out 177ma during continuity testing and can ignite the Q2G2 when the safety key is inserted, without pushing the launch button. |