Remote Firework / Rocket Igniter

Have you ever wanted to remotely launch a model rocket or some fireworks safely? I know I sure have. So I came up with this method using an RC airplane transmitter, receiver, and electronic speed controller (ESC). By using the built-in ESC safety feature that requires the throttle to be raised, lowered, and then raised again before powering a motor, I could do just that. For rocket ignition, you simply connect the ESC to the rocket igniter. If you don’t have any of those lying around, some low-wattage resistors work well. Essentially, by overloading the resistor, you cause it to get hot enough to ignite a fuse.

To keep all the electronics safe, I placed them in a hobby box, then added a super loud tweeter as an additional safety feature. That way everyone is aware when the system is armed and active.

Happy 4th of July!