Estes Hydrogen rocket / not working

I think you'll find that you've moved the O-ring down too far at one of the connections. Slightly wet them, and make sure they are all (and I do mean ALL) seated properly. You must put the rocket itself on tightly, as well.

I'm not aware of any replacement parts, but I've had some spectacular 'night' launches with them. The problems I've had (thus far) have always come from moving the O-rings out of position.

David Erbas-White

Not personally owning one, and JOOC, how long does it take that sucker to "gas up"? It does appear to be a pretty cool concept.

My middle son is doing a science fair project on utilizing renewable resources for hydrogen production through electrolyisis, and it takes a fair amount of time just to produce a weensy bit.

tah

About a minute or so...

Biggest problem is not releasing the gas prematurely (due to the nature of hydrogen), the o-rings must ALL be well in place.

David Erbas-White

What are the pellets about ?

Also, can you see the igniter glow red ?

Citric acid to make the water more conductive.

Yes, especially with new D cells, but I did it at night which might make a difference. Bear in mind that the thing will drain batteries pretty quickly. You also have to make sure that you pull the 'cord' tight as they make 'sure' you're 15 feet away when it launches.

David Erbas-White

Well, I'm still suspecting my igniter (or a bad electrical connection). I cannot get the igniter to glow red under any circumstance, even in near total darkness. Any suggestions at this point?

Have you tried using new batteries? Make sure you're using top-quality alkaline D cells, not some cheap store brand.

I reiterate that you need to make sure that you've pulled the 'safety cord' tight, or the connection isn't made. Bear in mind the igniter won't glow until that final step, but if you haven't pulled the 'cord' tight, it won't make that last connection to the igniter.

David Erbas-White

How far does He have to pull the cord, after "slack"?

Or, more importantly, how tight is "tight"?

Yes, the cord's pulled tight, and the batteries are brand-new. I'm guessing that I've got a connection problem, since the igniter at least LOOKS perfect...

your experience sounds the same as mine. I called Estes and the nice lady sent me a new base, but it made no difference. so I must suspect something in the tower, most likely the ignitor. eventually when I get a round-tu-it I will mail the entire pile of junk back to them. for the price I don't think I should have to debug the thing.

by the way, the marble in the level on the top of the base is an interlock for ignition. the base must be dead flat level or no circuit to the ignitor.

or Jerry? It has all the earmarks of their "handiwork".