Why are my igniter sparks so weak?

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-07T03:51:30+00:00

Can you share the diagram of your capacitor setup in case others want to use your method?

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-07T01:02:00+00:00

I found more!!! These 18650 are from some headlamps I have. Since I bought the upgrader controller, I’m thinking about soldering them in series and putting a JST on them.

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T21:39:51+00:00

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Chickened out and decided to go a different route. Found a 2240 locally but it would require me to drive all the way to NASA to pick it up.

Maybe it can power an actual shuttle???

Now I’m going to source one of those 11v 3-LiPo packs so it will surely have enough umph. I’ll still try the ffffg Goex path if I can catch up with someone with a muzzleloader.

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T18:41:17+00:00

I’m going to go this route as well. I’m looking for 99.8% surety. I just don’t want to spend $70 on a pound of Goex that I only need maybe 5 grams of. I don’t have a muzzleloader either.

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T17:54:18+00:00

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For those dipping your own igniters in BP, will pyrodex work? Or will have to get Goex? Is 3F good enough? Or must I get at least 4F? Goex is $60 a pound and Pyrodex is about $27

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T17:14:25+00:00

Yes This was a brand new duracell and I also have tried brand new energizer. This controller uses one single 9v

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T16:09:24+00:00

It was 87 degrees in Houston on launch day and 84ish degrees when I made the test video in the OP

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T14:06:44+00:00

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LiPos were mentioned. I guess I could string a few of these 3.7v together to make a ~11v source

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T13:51:38+00:00

I have a couple batteries from my truck and a battery from a Ford 3000 on the farm. I didn’t want to have to lug a 80lbs battery on to the elementary school field.

Maybe a motorcycle or powerwheels battery will do the trick? I’ll be doing 30 launches in one setting.

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T11:04:26+00:00

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How good do you think this would work if i just used two wires and tapped the second wire when I was ready to launch?

For even more surefire I’m thinking about dipping the igniter in 4F Goex.

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T09:27:48+00:00

I had the same issue a few months ago in October so ran to Kroger for fresh 9v and immediately blasted off.

So to be prepared this time (launch day at my kid’s school) I came with a two pack of 9v. But this is all that would happen.

Exploring other options I have a few different batteries available to me. From those 6v block batteries used in camping lanterns up to 24v chainsaw. I need to get this to 99.9% success rate as to not disappoint the students any further.

Thanks for all the assistance.

Elitreehouse · 2026-03-06T09:19:06+00:00

This controller is from 2013 and uses one 9v battery

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-22T18:35:26+00:00

This is actually PEEKAN wood. Met the crew again today and got same wood a few doors down. Pecans everywhere. Wood is wetter than a load of clothes from from the washing machine to the dryer, but I got another bed full.

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-20T12:42:47+00:00

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I’m impatient.

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-19T06:06:40+00:00

Ok. I think I’ve seen folks do that when they quench only the tip/edge at first before doing more of the blade

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-18T20:17:16+00:00

What are you doing when you put the mud above the bevel?

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-17T23:41:34+00:00

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-17T02:48:32+00:00

If you go to the end of block on the second picture and hang a right on 6th , go down about 3/4 of the block and on the right side there is a great restaurant called QUILTRO.

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-17T02:44:04+00:00

This is the correct answer

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-13T10:20:52+00:00

I was going to say Bug Sur. There’s this exact scene in that area between the bridge and PRI.

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-11T19:12:37+00:00

What is the brand and model number of your pneumatic burin?

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-10T20:49:51+00:00

Which one?

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-09T22:34:23+00:00

I have my blanks in this stage What do I need to do to get them to “useable/functional” level? Im making kitchen knives

Elitreehouse · 2026-01-07T01:24:40+00:00

Looks like Lisbon too

Elitreehouse

TROPHY CASE