LMR Launch Controller Setup

LMR Controller Setup

I got tired of my little launch controller setup. I was using two 6V lantern batteries wired in series (12V) along with my 1969 vintage Electro-Launch controller. While it worked fine, it seemed like I was always handling too many pieces of equipment. I wanted a setup that would have everything - battery, controller, accessories - all contained in one easy-to-carry package. On a recent trip to Sears, I picked up an inexpensive plastic tool box with the intent of making it into my new launch command center and carrying case.

While building a nice, multi-channel controller seems like a fun project, I prefer to not invest that much time. Instead, since I had several controllers on hand, I chose to use them instead, thus giving me multi-channel capability for only a little effort.

Above is the new setup. In the center is the Electro-Launch. Its 18 gauge leads have been lengthened to ~30 feet. It was resurrected from the attic when I BAR'd in 1999.

The most recent changes include replacing the battery clips with banana plugs and finally adding a continuity light. I've managed to get by without one for the past 5 years.

On the left is a Quest controller I picked up from Dave Schaefer (if I recall correctly). It's been rewired to run off 12V and had its 22 gauge leads lengthened to ~30 feet.

The yellow Electron Beam controller has its continuity light burning bright. I think it came in the same box o'junk as the Quest controller. It was missing everything - no leads, no batteries, no bulb cover. Like the others, it is now set up to use 12V. It has 50 ft leads (18 gauge) for lighting the bigger motors.

These controllers aren't flash-bulb safe (too much continuity current), and they don't have short circuit detect, but they do check continuity - which is all that's needed 99.9% of the time - so they should get the job done just fine.

Here's a closer look at the tray. Banana jacks provide the connections to the 12V battery (inside). With their screw tops, the banana jacks can be easily tapped to distribute the 12V to even more controllers.
Clothespins for standoffs, a can of WD-40 for cleaning the rods, and a bag of ignitors all fit in the tray.

Under the tray is room for the rechargeable, sealed battery as well as the charger, the blast deflector and the roll of string used for tree recovery.

(The terminals have been insulated to prevent shorts since this pic was taken.)

The controllers are all stowed here with room to spare.

11-15-2004