A Better Rocket Launcher
The Estes launch controller was disappointing, so I built something way cooler.
I never got to build my own model rockets as a kid and decided to order a model rocket kit.
It came with everything I needed, but the "Estes Electron Beam Launch Controller" that came with the kit was pretty disappointing. It's an underwhelming little device with nothing more than a safety pin, LED and small launch button. And while I'm sure it does its job, it didn't exactly fit the mental image I had for a fun rocket launch.
So I set to work on something way cooler...
The Build
This project used an Atmel chip, numeric keypad, backlit display, keyed interlock, arcade buttons, and an Android tablet.
The keyed interlock was essentially a master power switch. The tablet presented a quiz that would ultimately provide a working launch code. The user would then enter the code into the keypad (following display prompts), and that would arm the system for launch.
All of it was housed in an inexpensive pistol case with a custom cut MDF panel on the bottom (the control deck) and the tablet affixed inside the lid with velcro patches.