Anyone know how to light a fuse mid-flight?

[Tech3811]

Hi there! I have been flying for a while, and I love stunt planes. I recently wanted to make a smoke contraption for my planes. Does anyone know how to light a fuse using a switch on a transmitter? This would be really helpful! Thanks!

 

[leaded50]

Smoke Igniter ? http://www.myrcmart.com/color-smoke-igniter-for-rc-helicopterplanecarboat-reusable-p-4555.html

 

[Tech3811]

Thanks!

 

[Piotrsko]

Estes, centuari or whoever they are nowadays, makes a model rocket igniter that works consistently, used to be stocked by walmart in toys. Do not hook directly to radio battery in airplane, needs its own power source. Be careful, some jurisdictions consider it a felony to have pyrotechnics onboard model aircraft

 

[Tech3811]

That’s what I had originally planned, but am now looking for something that doesn’t require an external battery. Thanks tho!

 

[LitterBug]

That’s what I had originally planned, but am now looking for something that doesn’t require an external battery. Thanks tho!

You are better off using a separate battery with either an opto isolator or relay in case it shorts out. You do not want all your controls to be lost in the event that happens... Just sayin'....

 

[Hondo76251]

Ill +1 for running a separation of power.

Also +1 for making sure you avoid prison 😉

Run a small brushed motor ESC to a piece of coiled nichrome wire for something re usable. They also sell kits to put on fireworks displays that have single use igniters that can also be lit by a brushed esc.

 

[Tech3811]

ok, thanks for all the advice!

 

[L Edge]

Like this?

Way I did it was using a servo on an open channel and a 2 way switch on TX.

Equipment:
1) Telephone wire (used in houses)
2) Cheap, small servo
3) foil or tabs
4) small washer
5) Estes igniter

I use 3 cell lipo for system. I used 1 cell of charge balancing system (3.40 volts) for your plus-minus. Do not hook to 12+ volts

So circuit is + wire out of 1 leg of balancing system which goes to servo arm. I soldered a metal tab to wire located at end of servo which is held on by hot glue. Switch is left position 1 so servo is up and not connecting and loaded..
Telephone wire is soldered to another tab and placed so when tx switch is flipped, servo arm comes down and makes contact to complete circuit. Use hot glue to position say to fuse and then the wire goes to + side of igniter. Use ATV in tx for travel.
Negative side of igniter is connected to more telephone wire that runs back to negative side of the first cell of lipo to complete process.

Concept is system goes hot when tx switch moves the servo arm to position 2 and makes contact with the other tab.

Called AMA, mine was legal and allowed.


Immediately after flipping the switch, I turn off the switch to prevent any chance of 1 cell drainage if somehow it completes the circuit. Works for me. I used it 5 times with no problem.

 

[Tech3811]

Wow, thanks!

 

[Tech3811]

Ok, so i decided to buy this switch from amazon that can be controlled by the receiver. I am going to make my own smoke cartridges with pastel and potassium nitrite and sugar. I will then use an Estes igniter. Here is the link if anyone else wants to try this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NDS3COW/?tag=lstir-20

 

[Tech3811]

Thanks for all the help!

 

[tesseract]

Why don't u use a piezoelectric spark generator connected to a 5th (4th for a 3 channel plane) channel? that works, but your plane may explode

 

[Tech3811]

Thanks for the idea, but I already found a switch that works with my receiver.

 

[tesseract]

Thanks for the idea, but I already found a switch that works with my receiver.

okay

 

[burbigo3]

Thanks a lot for y'all answers and ideas