ESTES Porta-Pad II Model Rocket Launch Pad Instructions

ESTES Porta-Pad II Model Rocket Launch Pad

product information

The product is a launch pad and launch controller designed for model rockets. It includes a vertical launch rod, swivel discs, hub parts, legs, swivel mounts, and a hex head screw. The launch controller has a disengaging safety key that activates the launch system, igniting the model rocket’s engine. The product also includes safety notes to prevent injury.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Assemble the launch rod by attaching the launch rod cap and launch rod to the hub.
2. Attach the legs to the hub using the hex head screw.
3. Place the launch pad on a concrete floor and secure it by attaching the swivel mounts to the legs.
4. Place the swivel discs on top of the launch rod and insert the model rocket onto the launch rod.
5. Insert the safety key into the launch controller only when you and all people are at least 16.4 feet (5 m) away from the flight-ready rocket.
6. Press down hard on the safety key to activate the launch systemand ignite the model rocket’s engine.
7. After each rocket launch, remove the safety key from the launch controller immediately.
8. When the launch pad is not in use, always place the safety cap over the end of the launch rod.

It is important to follow the safety notes provided in the user manual to prevent injury. Never stand directly over the launch pad and never launch in windy conditions. If there is a misfire, do not approach or allow others to approach the rocket until you have removed the safety key from the controller and waited one full minute to be sure the rocket’s engine is not going to ignite. If the LED light in the controller is broken or does not glow, contact Estes for repair or replacement.

KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

PARTS

ASSEMBLE LAUNCH ROD

1. Join launch rod pieces together.
2. Drop one end repeatedly on the concrete floor until the joints are tight.
3. Sand joints and bothends smooth, if necessary.

NOTE

Assembly remains the same for a two-piece or three-piece launch rod.

CONCRETE FLOOR

NOTE

A rough or uneven joint will reduce the performance of your rocket.

ATTACH LAUNCH STAND-OFF

1. Slide blast deflector plate over stand-off stem.
2. Turn the stand-off stem 1/4 turn until it snaps into place.

ATTACH LEGS

1. Attach launch pad legs to launch pad hub. The top of the legs will be even with the top of the hub.

NOTE

You may adjust the launch angle of your rocket in breezy conditions by loosening the wing nut and tilting rod. Retighten the wing nut before launch.

ATTACH LAUNCH ROD AND BLAST DEFLECTOR PLATE

1. Insert the launch rod all the way into a small hole and tighten the wing nut securely.
2. Slide blast deflector with stand-off over launch rod.

NOTE

When using Maxi™ Launch Rod, anchor the launch pad to the ground and never launch in windy conditions.

• Place cap on top of launch rod.

SAFETY NOTES TO PREVENT INJURY

1. Always replace the safety cap when not in use.
2. Never stand directly over the launch pad.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Launch Controller has a disengaging safety key. When the safety key is inserted into the controller and pressed down hard, it activates a launch system that ignites the model rocket’s engine. To prevent potentially serious injury to yourself and others, always follow these safety rules. NEVER connect Launch Controller to a starter, a flight-ready engine, or a rocket until you are outside at the launch site preparing to launch. At the launch site, NEVER insert a safety key into the controller while you or others are near a flight- ready rocket. Insert the safety key into Launch Controller only when you and all people are at least 16.4 feet (5 m) away from the flight-ready rocket. In case of a misfire, NEVER approach or allow others to approach the rocket until you have removed the safety key from the controller and waited one full minute to be sure the rocket’s engine is not going to ignite. Remove the safety key from Launch Controller immediately after each and every rocket launch.
NOTE: Small LED light in the controller tells you when the circuit to your rocket is complete. If you drop the controller, retest as shown in Step 2. If the LED light is broken or does not glow, please send the controller to Estes. We will repair or replace it for you. When the launch pad is not in use, always place the safety cap over the end of the launch rod.

FULLY EXTEND YOUR LAUNCH CONTROLLER WIRE BEFORE LAUNCHING

• Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged.
• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the controller before being charged.
• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision.
• Batteries are to be inserted with the correct polarity.
• Exhausted batteries are to be removed from the controller.
• The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
• Different types of batteries or new and used batteries are not to be mixed.

INSTALL BATTERIES

1. Remove screws from the back of controller.
2. Insert batteries according to polarity markings.
3. To replace cover on controller, insert the tab into the eyelet and press the cover in place. Reinsert screws. Do not over-tighten. Doing so will damage the plastic.

TEST CONTROLLER

1. Connect micro-clips together. If the light glows without a safety key in place, do not use controller. Return it to Estes for a replacement.
2. Insert safety key. Light still should not glow. Press safety key down hard and hold. Light should glow bright. This means controller is active and there is continuity.
3. Hold safety key down hard and press the launch button down. The light should go out when both the key and launch buttons are pressed down.

WARNING

The safety key should never be in the controller when anyone is near a flight- ready rocket. Ignition may occur and could cause serious injury.

NOTE

The safety key is designed to remove itself when not held down. This breaks continuity to deactivate controller.

If the controller does not work as described, check that

• Batteries are charged and installed correctly.
• Micro-clips are clipped to each other.
• The safety key is pressed down hard.
• If the controller still does not work correctly, please see the enclosed warranty.

If the controller works correctly, remove the safety key and disconnect the micro-clips.

Follow the COUNTDOWN AND LAUNCH instructions included with your rocket to launch it. Always follow the enclosed NAR Model Rocketry Safety Code.

© 1999-2017 Estes-Cox Corp. All rights reserved. estesrockets.com.

References

• Estes Rockets

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