The Yellow Box

 The Thrifty Rocketeer blog continues...

A couple of days ago I admitted to sifting through Facebook Marketplace ads for bargains, rocketry related. ("The Save" blog entry.)

Now some people might be aghast at this, but remember, this IS the Thrifty Rocketeer blog... and we look for bargains.

Among the various adds for launch pads, controllers and rockets of various designs and condition, I spotted a couple of lots of new motors, or combinations of rockets, launch pads and motors.  Some of these could be a good value, particularly if the items are physically near to you, so that you don't have to pay shipping for these items.  Remember, shipment of motors requires HASMAT protocols and a bunch of expenses that we really want to avoid.

But sometimes you can spot a deal, or talk the seller into a nice compromise to net them some cash, and you get some options without having to go through Hobby Lobby or other commercial venue.

Recently, I spotted a small number of motors that appeared vintage, and I almost passed right over them, given their age and lack of information on how they have been stored.  That is, have they been exposed to thermal cycling, possibly cracking the clay cap, or potentially causing a  CATO?

But then I spotted something else of interest.  It was a homemade launch controller that had been installed in an ammunitions box.  That's right, an AMMO BOX.

Now, I'm not a hunter and I have no military experience, so I don't know a lot about these things, but they are apparently common place, as a place to store your ammo in a controlled, safe setting.  I think I first saw one in Boy Scouts, as the scoutmaster had a bunch of them for collecting tent stakes, and similar lost parts.  It was there that I learned of the clamping lid, and the name.

But THIS unit was yellow, not military green.  And it had three launch controls on the top of the lid: 

1.  The key, which was on a belt key chain retractor.  Clearly, you needed the key to energize the system.  
2.  A red indicator light.  Probably to indicate continuity. 
3. The all-important momentary contact launch button.  

The underside of  these devices led to a couple of bare wires inside the box. When open, it would appear  that the box could hold a 9 volt battery or a 12 volt motorcycle battery easily.

Not so easily seen were the plug-in connector for at least 20 feet of zipline, or lampcord wire, that ran to a pair of quick disconnect banana plug connectors, and then to a pair of electrical test allegator clips.  It would seem that this coil of wire could be disconnected and stored inside the box when not in use.

Along with these items were at least four cardboard boxes of rocket motors, sized B6-6 and C6-2. The brand name was COX, and I couldn't spot any igniters/starters, recovery wadding, plugs nor anything else in the pictures.

But it was the yellow ammo box that caught my attention.  It appeared ALL of this could be stored safely inside the box to be transported out to the launch field.  And it looked like it all had been left together.

A couple of text messages traded with the owner explained this had been her step-father's rocket stuff, and that the family had offered it to a local rocketry club, but never heard back from them. They were just trying to move it.

I've asked about, and no one seems to know anything about it, but I did get some helpful suggestions from another rocketeer. He said to be careful of the motors of that age, because we didn't know the thermal history and risk of using them.  Also, he thought the rocket might have been home-made, and not from a kit.  But he also suggested replacing the wires to run out 50 feet to allow for G motor launches.

Now, I'm a low power kinda guy, but I understand where he's going with this.  And I was thinking this might make for a nice alternative launch controller for a single circuit.  It certainly has SOME of the requisite concerns and safety elements.  So, his points are well-taken, and IF I pursue this item, I just might take him up on that.  (Currently, my favorite launch devices utilize extension power cords with positive 3-prong plugs on either end... a brilliant use, in my humble opinion.)

But I am curious how many rocketeers actually build their own launch controllers.  Is it like the light-saber, that a Jedi Knight constructs his own as a rite of passage?  How many utilize an ammo box these days, either for motor storage or as a sturdy shell for a launch gear box?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Let this Thrifty Rocketeer know what you use...