I’d like to see if anyone can help me with a technical issue. I’m busy preparing for the 4th of July. I’m having a problem fabricating an ignition system for a large number of fuses at once.
My first idea was to simply run a car battery to a fine peice of copper wire and hold it tight inside a nonconductive surface, with holes cut in the top to lay the firework fuses inside. The wires from the battery got hot but the copper didn’t. I figured I needed a diode to keep the electricity flowing from the positive, but not back to negative. For some reason, no setup I was using would produce current, although I still had a charge on the battery.
Next I tried using the guts to a toaster, but I couldn’t remove the toast ejector without removing whatever kept the filaments from burning out. From my limited knowledge of electronics, I thought the ejector was a heat based cuttof switch. This I wanted to replace with a momentary switch, but after hooking up the elements sans ejection parts POOF! Instant burned filaments. Im figuring that I removed some sort of Ressistor or Potentimeter, but I just don’t see it.
I’m thinking of taking apart a hair dryer, removing the fan unit and using the coils and heat controls from the unit.
Before I get a lecture, yes I know I REALLY shouldn’t mess with AC power. Yes I know if I am careless, AC can be deadly.
I’m being as safe as possible and using grounded plugs when I test things AS WELL as standing the hell away/removing all power and double checking when working on hardware etc etc. I’ve been working with electronics and electric locks for about 15 years now, and I know what NOT to do (yeah… my hair got frazzled and I started listening afterward…)
I just need a heating element for the max of 3 seconds. I do a show with fireworks and this year we need to set off a large number of works at the same time. Quickfuse is not available around here, and my only contact in the industry got REAL weird when I called them. I don’t feel comfortable buying explosives from people who answer the business phone with a scream.
I’ve been doing fireworks for longer than I’ve been doing electronics and I’ve had NO INCIDENTS. Some of the pros I know can’t even say that.
Anyone with any ideas or links that could help me please chime in.
BTW I know about Rocket igniters, they are what we used up until last year. The problem with them is the fragility of the design. They are made to fit inside a premade hole and light a solid rocket fuel. Attaching them to fuses is hit and miss as they either break or don’t light the fuse half the time…