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  #11  
Old 11-06-2021, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stefanj
I wonder how available photoflash batteries were? Something you could find in any hardware store, or the kind of item you'd have to make a trip to a photography shop for?


In the 1970s, I would see Photoflash Batteries at our local Camera Shop.
Estes also used them in the Electro-Launch system.
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  #12  
Old 11-07-2021, 02:40 AM
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Rube Goldberg is an accurate description.
Using 2 Photoflash D cells of a whopping 3V of power to launch is also IDIOTIC.
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  #13  
Old 11-07-2021, 11:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stefanj
An interesting system, but kind of limited and finicky. The note that you should attach the microclips as close as possible to the paper disc suggests the current from those two D cells is barely sufficient.

I wonder how available photoflash batteries were? Something you could find in any hardware store, or the kind of item you'd have to make a trip to a photography shop for?


I remember going to an electronics shop up the street when I got my Electro Launch and asked for photo flash batteries an they had no idea what I was talking about. In hind-site, I should have brought the Estes catalog with me and showed them.
‘Course, I could have just ordered them from Estes….
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  #14  
Old 11-10-2021, 06:48 PM
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And here is an eBay listing for one. Been out there for a handful of days with one bid; has almost three days left.

Not my listing, but I *think* this is a listing by Bob Craddock.

Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1651706633...4.c100667.m2042

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  #15  
Old 11-11-2021, 01:31 PM
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One last file for the Servo Launcher: launcher kit bag face card.
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  #16  
Old 11-11-2021, 08:59 PM
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There is a BIG reason it did not last long in the catalog.
Rube Goldberg CONTRAPTION of multiple breakage points.
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  #17  
Old 11-12-2021, 09:38 AM
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Questions for those who used launchers with photoflash batteries back in the day:

Were the batteries expensive? A premium over the cost of regular D cells?

How long did a set last? Could you get a few launch sessions out of the four cells in your Electrolaunch or did you need a fresh set each time?
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  #18  
Old 11-12-2021, 10:40 AM
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My launcher had a couple of old Ray-o-vac photoflash cells still in it, dead of course. IIRC, they are 1.5v cells like a normal D, but are designed to dump high current quickly. I have no clue on the cost or durability.
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  #19  
Old 11-12-2021, 09:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stefanj
Questions for those who used launchers with photoflash batteries back in the day:

Were the batteries expensive? A premium over the cost of regular D cells?

How long did a set last? Could you get a few launch sessions out of the four cells in your Electrolaunch or did you need a fresh set each time?


I don't really remember how much extra the photoflash D cells cost...that was a long time ago. I also don't remember having to change them out frequently in my E-L, but I didn't fly nearly as much back in those days as I do now. I do remember the E-L being fussy (and one of the two I have now, neither of them my original) is fussy....but it's about the contacts inside, not the cells themselves.

Photoflash cells were carbon-zinc, just like regular flashlight cells of the time, so I would be rather shocked and amazed if there were any that still had any usable energy left in them. Carbon-zinc cells self-discharge much faster than alkaline.

According to this, the difference was the proportion of manganese dioxide in the cathode, optimizing them for short bursts of high current — great for flashbulbs, and rocket igniters: https://www.chemeurope.com/en/encyc...sh_Battery.html


Four alkaline D cells in an Electro-Launch have plenty of punch and I've yet to wear a set out.
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  #20  
Old 11-12-2021, 10:13 PM
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4 alkaline D cells right near an igniter is a lot more ZAP than 2.
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ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !
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