Model Rocket Building Blog

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Sport Rocketry / Accessories / Launch Pads and Controllers

Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 1, Parts (2014-08-03)

  I picked this one up on Ebay. The build of the Centuri Screaming Eagle rocket will follow the launcher assembly. This PowrPad was part of the Eagle Power Starter Set introduced in 1973 ... [Read More]

Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 2, Internal Wiring (2014-08-04)

The metallic stickers are applied first. The blue plastic housing pieces were washed off first to remove any mold release. The edges were pressed in place with a Q-tip. I didn't want to take any ... [Read More]

Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 3, Internal Wiring (2014-08-05)

Unlike the old Estes Electro Launch controller, the wire ends had the insulation already stripped off. The wire strands are twisted and turned into a "C" shape around the screwdriver shaft. Twist ... [Read More]

Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 4, Safety Key (2014-08-06)

The continuity safety key is interesting. A larger plastic housing holds a standard style safety key. The Centuri name plate piece glues over the key with plastic cement. There are two small ... [Read More]

Centuri Powr-Pad Launcher and Controller, Part 5, Power Pad Tilter (2014-08-07)

I was always curious how the "Tilter" worked. Well, it doesn't! At least I couldn't get it to tilt.  You are told to screw the bolt 1/2" into the yellow top. It screws into what would ... [Read More]

D.I.Y. Launch Controller Housing? (2016-09-28)

After a few years in the hobby, this is the controller I wish I could have had. Even as a "Lone Wolf" flyer I wanted the best. The Centuri Professional Firing Panel, $14.95 in 1972. It had a ... [Read More]

Copper Micro Clips (2019-01-08)

On the Rocketry Forum, Babar asked about replacement alligator clips for his Pratt Go Box controller. isdemar posted: "Mueller BU-34C Micro Clip, solid copper. Around $1 each plus shipping." $4.98 ... [Read More]

New Micro Clips (2020-12-29)

Along with my new heavy gauge blast deflector - I decided to replace my micro clips.    Copper is a better conductor than the steel clips included with my 6 volt Estes co ... [Read More]