| View Larger Image | ELECTRON BEAM LAUNCHER EST302220 | Toyby EST
| List Price: | $32.99 | |
| | Sales Rank: | 98,950th |
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FEATURES | - Estes Model Rocket Electron Beam Launch Controller - 302220
- EST
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Product Description
This is the Electron Beam Launcher for Flying Model Rockets from Estes. / For Ages 10 and Up. / / FEATURES: Completely wired, no assembly required. / For the ignition of Estes model rockets (Estes launch pad required). / Complete with safety key, continuity light, push button for / launching, 17 feet (5.2m) of cable, and micro clips for igniter / hook up. / / INCLUDES: One Electron Beam Launcher for Flying Model Rockets. / / REQUIRES: Four AA Batteries / Adult Supervision |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 5 reviews)
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Its a Launch Controller by Thomas E. Tweedel (Austin, TX United States)  4 Stars
August 27, 2009
The Launch Controller is one of the essential peices of rocektry. Its what sets the rocket off. This controller is probably the "standard" others exist and may be better (or worse).
NOTE:
The design has been updated since this photo. The new controller looks more like the E- Series controller except its black. It has additional saftey features on the saftey key.
As another reviewer mentioned just buying the launch controller by itself is kind of expensive. You can get a kit that has a rocket, controller, launch pad, engines and rocket for close to the same price as the launch controller itself. The only reason you might want to buy one by itself is to replace yours if its broken, but if thats the case spend a few bucks more and get the E-series.
The "Electron Beam" Launch controller is an updated launch controller. Rockets work by electric current moving through resistant wires which causes the igniter to heat up and ignite the engine. Basically a electric match. The purpose of the launch controller is to provide that current. It uses 4 AA batteries to do this with. There are three things on the controller. The launch button, continuity light and safety key. The design of the key has changed since the 80's. It is still more or less a small metal rod that is inserted into the controller to complete the circuit. But now it has a rubber bushing on it that acts as a spring. In order to complete the circuit you have to insert it and push down and hold it down. This way you can't forget to take out the safety key, go hook up the next rocket and get a rude surprise. It does require some force to hold it down, not something that will happen on accident.
Extending from the controller about 15 feet are two wires with small sub-sized alligator clips. You hook these up to the igniter. If everything is done right you will get a continuity light when you push down the safety key. It will go off when you push the launch button. There is a small cap for the light to protect it in storage..
The controller is adequate for the job. It will launch everything up to a D engine (which covers most rockets). While it works there can sometimes be a delay from pushing the button to launching the rocket. Especially when the batteries are getting low.
So in conclusion
Pros
Works well enough
Better saftey features
light and packable
Cons
Kind of weak
Batteries are tough to change
Conclusion
A standard peice of rocket gear. It will do the job but if you get serious you may want to consider something better.
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Great Fun by Mike Heiny  5 Stars
April 29, 2009
My sons and I went out to the park with our newly assembled rocket and had a blast...literally. Great for fun and its educational.
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RIP-OFF! by A Customer  1 Stars
March 31, 2009
Independent sellers are charging over $30 for this controller after shipping. JUST THE CONTROLLER.
At your local hobby/craft store, you can buy an ENTIRE ESTES STARTER SET for $15-30. Which includes the controller, launch pad, and a rocket.
Don't be suckered into buying this here when you can pay LESS and get MORE.
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great igniter by M. Yalonis (Fairfax, CA USA) 5 Stars
June 05, 2008
It is a great igniter for rocket engines. It that comes with a good amount of safety wire so that if it malfunctions you wont be hurt. It has a safety key and it is very reliable
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A dependable Launch Controller by James Koenig (Minnesota) 4 Stars
March 18, 2007
Estes has provided a simple launch controller for the model rocket enthusiast. It requires 4 AA batteries. It has a long set of wires so the rocketeer can be a safe distance from the launch pad. There is also a safety key that has to be inserted to complete the circut before a launch can take place.
One the safety key is in position, one only has to press the button and away the rocket goes!
Estses has been the leader in model rocketry for over 40 years. They make good products, and this is one of them.
Jim Konedog Koenig
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