A comment from the blog post "Question About "Starter" Igniters" from June 9, 2014
To see the original post: CLICK HERE
ScottSeptember 12, 2015 at 9:46 PM
We had some problems with the new igniters, but it appeared that the real issue was not the igniter, but the amount of current being supplied. When we switched from using the 9 V Estes get to a 12 V car battery, no problem at all. Igniters fired every time.
My response:Hi Scott,
I agree, more power will give faster ignition with any igniter.
How many existing older 6 volt controllers are out there and now being used with the new clear Starter igniters? I wonder if a BAR gets out their old rockets and controllers, buy new engines (with Starters) and can't get ignition. The once-in-a-while flyer shouldn't have to lug a 12 volt battery to the field.
I am currently testing Estes Starter and Quest MMX (bare wire) Igniters with Quick Dip pyrogen with good results. A nail polish coat helps but it's not as effective as a pyrogen dip.
I use the old 6 volt controllers exclusively and I still have ignition problems with starters. The only way I have found to improve the hit/miss ratio for starters out-of-the-box is to use fresh batteries. Otherwise, the only way to improve the performance is, as Chris is doing, alter the starters before use by adding a pyrogen. Then they are no longer an "out-of-the-box" item. A flyer will have to take the added step of altering their starters, making their own igniters, buying better (Q2G2) igniters separately or lugging around a 12 volt battery. I'm willing to do that because I'm used to it from the old days, but the new starters and controllers are making the hobby less dependable, successful and convenient for the beginning or once-in-a-while flyer, and this could spell trouble for the popularity of the hobby.
ReplyDeleteAgreed and agreed!
Delete