Vikings Rocket Society Launches

From LUNARwiki

Disclaimer: I am answering as a member of the Vikings Rocket Society and not as a member of the NAR Contest Board. Please do not take this response as any specific Pink Book Rule.

The Vikings purchased their new launch controller from St Josephs Industries in May 2006. It is for 6 positions (pads). The idea was to supplement the homemade 6 position controller we have been using since 2004, so now we can have 12 low power pads (BTW we actually now use racks)

The new St Josephs controller has a safety covered toggle for battery arm, 6 mini toggle switches for individual pad activation. Each of these pad toggles have two LED lights to identify continuity and arming. There are four push buttons. One is battery check, one for continuity check (which checks all the pads at the same time), and two for launch (using the theory of needing two hands). Models can be flown singly or multiple depending on if we're flying drag race. The launch wires are also individual and came in 35 foot lengths. They each plug into their own RCA phono plug style jacks on the back of the controller.

Now the older homemade controller is similar and simpler. There are six toggle switches for the pads, one launch button, one continuity button and a keyed safety switch. Six launch wires also plug into the RCA phono jacks on the back and are 25 feet long. Vikings member Bruce Sexton constructed this using Radio Shack material for approximately $100.

The St Josephs controller was purchased along with the racks in a package deal. The racks were made custom to what we wanted, so it cost a little more than normal. I believe the final price for the four custom racks (three rods apiece), 12 1/8" rods, 4 3/16" rods, 4 1/4" rods and the controller was in the $250 area. It was paid for with money from dues, having raffles, and 3 anonymous $20 bills.