The ways of ignition

[Zaitsevsky]

The electric current should be supplied for activation of the electric fuse. The mechanical closing of the electric circuit, implying use of the standard servo or use of the speed controller, meant for the electric motor, when the electric igniter is connected instead of the motor, serve as the universal solutions for supply of feeding, meant for certain equipment, installed on the board of the model. Absence of protection against accidental operation is the main drawback of these methods. If interference occur in the radio-channel or in the electric circuit, then spontaneous launching of the pyrotechnics is possible. Another drawback is the possibility to deprive the model of the board feeding, if the short circuit occurs in the circuit of the electric igniter. The short circuit in the igniter usually occurs through the burnt insulation of the wire. Application of the special device “FireStarter” is a professional solution. The device allows managing of six fuses along one control channel.

[Zaitsevsky]

I have received the question why the device “FireStarter” fails to operate with certain fuses. I have in mind the self-made fuses. Some companies sell the half-finished fuses with a short nichome thread, which should be soldered to the wires and coated with the combustible substance. The current for ignition of these fuses is less than 5A. The problem is that their resistance is too low. Prior to ignition the consumed current may be higher by ten times. This impulse may be very short, but protection of the device “FireStarter” goes off quicker. The current is calculated according to the Ohm’s law, i.e. I=U/R. Resistance of good igniters should not be less than 1 Ohm. If resistance of the igniter is 1 Ohm and tension of the feeding is 10V, then the first impulse of the consumed current will make 10A. In such case the device “FireStart” will switch off quicker than the nichrome thread will burn off in spite of the fact that only 3A are necessary for its burning off.

[Zaitsevsky]

Use of the nichrome fuses according to MyResearch.
In the majority of cases these fuses should be coated with the combustible substance. For example, with gun-powder or with sulphur, meant for matches, dissolved in the liquid varnish. However, these fuses are good without coating only in one case, i.e. when the smoke granule inflames on a light model. The fuses with the pyrotechnical coating produce a fierce flash, which may burn through the foam rubber body. The granule out of the pressed mixture of the smoke composition is fixed on the light model with the help of the steel wire. The fuse (Nichrome fuse, MyResearch) is pressed to the granule. Smoke starts to appear without the preliminary flash at the moment of activation.
One more variant of use, which is worth doing, i.e. burning of the fixing threads through (separation of the decorative elements, rescue devices or other mechanisms).

[Zaitsevsky]

It is convenient to use the button, installed on the control panel and meant for controlling the pyrotechnics, instead of the switch. If the button is missing on the control panel, it can be installed. I have selected a convenient place for installation of the button, i.e. I drilled a hole in the body of the control panel and installed the button. The button is connected either in parallels with the switch of any control channel, or instead of the switch. If the button is connected in parallel with the switch, then the switch should be switched off, seeking for functioning of the button.

[Zaitsevsky]

The light-illuminating diode, which warns about readiness for activation, is installed on the device FireStarter. It is possible to connect either a brighter light-illuminating signal or the sound signal. The siren from the safeguarding alarm system may produce the sound signal.
Here is the scheme, meant for connection:

The minus of the siren should be connected to the minus of the battery, connected to the FireStarter; the plus of the siren should be connected to the first contact of the first fuse on the FireStarter. The siren, connected in such a way, should consume not more than 3A. All similar connections are done at your own risk. If you are not sure about the things, then do not do anything.