Pyrotechnics Igniter Control Box

Hello,

This instructable will show you how to make a simple control box for igniting backyard fireworks displays. I made this one with the capacity for 100 independent ignitions. You may not need that many and can simply scale this down (or up) as needed (although you may need more power if you want more).

I did not get full pictures of the process, but this is relatively simple and the pictures I have should be enough.

Also I didn't have all the parts when I made this. As a result there are only 50 working controls with room for 50 more.

Be sure to follow safety precautions and use this properly. I am not responsible for injury caused by the use or misuse of this device.

Step 1 The Parts

The Parts you will need
-A box/enclosure to meet your needs (I used a cheap Honeywell security box from walmart)
-a peice of sheet metal (12x24 - 26guage)
-A powers supply ( an old laptop supply works great - mine was 3.9 amps and 20 volts)
-Cat5 connectors and jacks (8 conductor - 1 per 4 controls)
-cat5 faceplates (with nuts to fit the screws)
-spool of cat5 cable
-Nichrome wire
-Gator clamps
-Electrical tape
-a master switch (I grabbed one with an LED for arming and disarming)
-several smaller momentary push switches (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002ZPB34/ref=oss_product)

Many of these parts can be substituted based on application and I will explain that more in the specific steps.

Tools
Drill with bits to fit the switches
Tin snips (or something better for cutting the metal)
Wire strippers
Wire cutters
Cat5 terminator and punch tool
File (for sharp edges)

Comments

[xBRAZZMATAZZx]

that igniter has a lot of buttons but where do you plug in the wires that go to the explosive?

[aturtle1]

I plugged them in using cat 5 connectors on the back of the box. If you check out step 5, you will see the picture.