Featuring the
Mission
Control
flight controller for High Powered Rocketry
When ground testing the
Control,
I prefer to simulate ematches with resistors or 12v automotive
bulbs connected to the pyro channel. This will allow the
Control to correctly run the pre-flight checks and provide a safe
path for the current during the test.
Additionally, using a 10K ohm,
1/4 watt resistor is required for some flight configurations when
using the default flight profile that comes loaded on the
Control
from the manufacture.
Resistor Setup
10k, 1/4 watt resistors are
available online (mouser.com, digikey.com ) and at electronic parts
outlets such as Radio Shack. (#: 271-1335).
I like to use a couple of pieces
of heat shrink tubing on the resistor. This helps to align the
leads to the pyro connection terminal and provides insulation
reducing the risk of accidentally shorting the resistor to the PCB
board. The red heat shrink helps to spread the leads apart and
the outer (white) heat shrink forms the package.
The heat shrink is not required.
Test Lamps
I use # 192 automotive lamps for many
ground tests. The lamp allows me to see when the channel
actually fires and provides a safe test without using an ematch.
The bulbs are available at almost every auto parts store and many
department stores with an automotive section.
The wires on the #192 type bulbs can be
bent straight and a wire soldered to the end. I cover the
solder joints with heat shrink tubing and then the base of the bulb
with a larger heat shrink. The wire on the bulb is small and
will break if bent or pulled too much, so adding heat shrink
helps extend the life of the bulb.
LEDs are not recommend for this
purpose.
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