Copperhead, squib, electric match, thermalite, flash bulb. What are all these types of igniters, how much current do they require, and when are they used?
Copperhead used to ignite single composite motors; not good for clustering. They will light most black powder motors. Requires strong 12V current source. Electric Match a type of electric igniter requiring little current to ignite. As little as 200ma of current will set them off. Used for igniting high power motors and motor clusters. Thermalite a type of fuse used extensively in pyrotech- nic applications. May be ignited by nichrome wire or flash bulb. Plain thermalite ignited by nichrome wire is often used in black powder clusters. Firestar Igniter kit which has proven popular in general use and is easily shippable. Uses low or high current (6-12v) depending on which bridge wire you dip in the partially pre-mixed solution you buy. Flashbulb/thermalite some types of camera flashbulbs ignite with very little current (typically as little as 50ma) and burn very hot. These are used to ignite a piece of thermalite fuse running into the motor. Used for igniting high power motors and all for
