How do I get my launch controller to work?

To test your launch controller’s continuity/circuitry:
1. Make certain that you have correctly installed fresh, alkaline batteries.
2. Attach your launch controller’s micro clips to each other.
3. Insert the safety key into the keyhole and PUSH DOWN HARD until the black rubber safety spring under the safety key is fully compressed. The key should now make a complete circuit and the controller’s light bulb should light up brightly. (A dim or flickering light indicates that the batteries are not fresh or new enough. Or the battery contacts in the controller may need to have battery build-up carefully scraped off.)
4. While continuing to hold the safety key down HARD, press the controller’s launch button; this should make the light go off.
5. If you complete steps 1-4 and the controller responds as noted, the controller is operational and ready for use.
6. *Remember: ALWAYS keep the controller’s safety key removed from the keyhole until you are prepared to launch.

Using your controller at launch time:
1. Make certain that you have correctly installed fresh, alkaline batteries in your launch controller.
2. Make certain that your model rocket is prepared for launch on the launch pad with the correct engine and starter installed.
3. Attach your launch controller’s micro clips to the starter wires of a correctly installed starter. (See “How do I properly install a starter in my Estes model rocket engine?”
a. Make certain that the micro clips are not touching each other or the blast deflector plate.
4. Make sure that your launch controller wires are fully extended (16.4 feet when launching rockets with A through D engines and 30 feet when launching with engines larger than D).
5. Insert the safety key into the key hole. PUSH DOWN HARD. The launch controller’s light should light up brightly.
6. Continue to push the safety key down hard and begin countdown. “5—4—3—2—1—Launch!”
a. At “Launch”, press the launch button with your other hand—all the while holding down the safety key.
b. If you stop pushing down the safety key when you push the launch button, you will break the circuit, and your rocket will not launch.
7. If this still does not help please Contact Us.