I know this isn't the kind of video we would post here usually, but it's outdoors and it was just too much fun not to share. We promise we'll be back to your regularly scheduled programming (and not Python) soon though, as we are moving back to Alaska in April, and plan to spend the whole summer outside.
About the rocket launcher though: I built the project inside of an old Pelican Case I had laying around. It was some promotional thing that was suppose to get sold with binoculars at an old job I had, they didnt arrive until after the binoculars were sold... long story short I picked a couple of these cases up for 5 dollars each.
The brain of the deal is a raspberry pi 2 B, unfortunately purchased mere days before the pi 3 came out. The pi recieves input from a key switch (to arm and disarm,) a regular on/off rocker switch (to control countdown duration,) and a big red button (to launch the rocket of course.) I've also put a 7 inch lcd display on the lid, so I can tweak my programming in the field if I need to.
There is a board with four relays, only three of which are currently in use. They control the starter solenoid (which sends power to the igniter,) A pair of red led bars, and a pair of green led bars.
The project is powered by a sealed 12v battery. I got usb power by purchasing a cheap three plug car charger (two 1amp, one 2.1amp) from Autozone and disassembling it to get it's circuit board into my project.
I taught myself enough python in about two days to complete this project, previously having very little programming experience and none with Python. If you want my code, you can have it, but I need to post it somewhere first so I can put a link here. (remind me in the comments if I forget.)
The inspiration for this project:
Every new years my friends and I get together in Alaska, bust out the empty wrapping paper tubes from Christmas, some hot glues guns, a box of fireworks, and a case of beer and do things that most definitely violate the codes of any organized model rocketry club. I won't go into detail here, but you can find evidence on my personal channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/erikhalfacre
Anyway, with things blowing up everywhere, we like to have everyone safely in their vehicles when the launch happens, at least for the scariest ones. Until now, one brave soul, Amos, has always had to be out there, braving the hail of fire, so that he could touch the ends of the wire to a car battery. Well no more Amos! You now have 10 or 30 seconds, whichever you choose, to sprint for the safety of your Volkswagen. We take safety seriously, and now Amos doesn't have to risk putting an eye out.
