HERNDON, Virginia USA -- Pratt Hobbies is proud to announce the M-RTLS, Modular Remote Tanking and Launching System. This system will fill and fire any commercially available sport rocket motor, solid or hybrid. “Modular” means that you can start with a basic system and add more capability as your interests grow.

The M-RTLS is based on our successful SureFire launch system (which is still available). It has these features:

• Self-contained rechargeable 12v battery
• Battery test circuit and meter built in
• Audible continuity check
• Relay circuit delivers maximum power to the igniters
• Plug-in clips (spares included) are quickly changed at the pad
• Key safety switch on control box
• Light bulb tester included
• Everything packs into a convenient “toolbox”

There are four modules in the M-RTLS system:

Module 1 is the Basic RTLS, Remote Tanking and Launching System. This unit is similar to the SureFire, in that it has an onboard 12V battery, battery test circuit, audible continuity, and relay circuitry. All components and wires pack into a single “toolbox.” The Basic RTLS has 100 feet of cable to connect to the hand controller. The Basic RTLS includes circuitry that will command filling and firing of hybrid motors, but it does not have valves or hardware, so it is used only for conventional solid rocket motors. The Basic RTLS module sells for $110.00.

Module 2 is the Valve Manifold. This includes a solenoid fill valve, a solenoid dump valve, and hardware to connect it to a NOX supply tank. It plugs into the Basic RTLS, and makes a system that will fill and fire floating-injector hybrid motors. The solenoid valves are guaranteed not to fail under normal use. Fittings are included to attach to the fill lines in RATT Works, Propulsion Polymers and West Coast Hybrids motors. The retail price of the Valve Manifold Module is $195.00.

Module 3 is the Longwire system. 100 feet of wire is fine for J motors, but the Safety Code requires 500 feet for larger stuff. This module uses a transmitter and a receiver on either end of a 500 foot cable. The transmitter plugs into the RTLS hand controller, and the receiver connects to the RTLS box at the pad. The Longwire comes with a 500 foot cable on a convenient winder spool. The system has been tested to 2000 feet and will probably do much more if anyone needs that kind of length. It will also work with any existing SureFire or RTLS system, and since it’s self-powered, the launch battery still delivers full power to the igniters. The Longwire Module costs $85.00. Custom cables of different lengths are available.

Module 4 is the GOX Box. This unit plugs into the ignition jacks on the RTLS. It requires a separate 12v battery. It includes a high voltage ignition box and a GOX solenoid valve and regulator. This module allows you to connect to a HyperTEK fill stem assembly, and provides the high voltage required for ignition. The GOX Box retails for $235.00.

Rocket modelers can select combinations of these four modules that suit the kind of flying they do. For example:

• A Basic RTLS will fire conventional solid rocket motors up to the K range. It is excellent for clusters, because its relay circuitry is capable of delivering 30 amps of current to the igniters.
• A Basic RTLS and a Longwire will fire K, L, and M solid motors with the operator at the safe distance from the pad specified by the Safety Code.
• A Basic RTLS and a Valve Manifold will fill and fire floating-injector hybrids up to the K range, including RATT Works, Propulsion Polymers and West Coast Hybrids. You will need a NOX supply tank. Add a Longwire for the RATT Works K and (upcoming) M motors.
• A Basic RTLS, Valve Manifold and GOX Box gets you into I and J sized HyperTEK hybrids. Add the Longwire when you are ready for K, L and M motors.

(Note: to fly HyperTEK hybrids, you will need a GOX tank, a NOX tank, hoses and a fill stem assembly. We highly recommend the X-Rockets drop stem assembly; from personal experience, it is worth every penny. Of course, the HyperTEK drop stem assembly is also of excellent quality. Pratt Hobbies stocks both systems.)

Modules 1 and 2 are in stock for immediate shipment. Modules 3 and 4 will be available in early October 2002. Contact Pratt Hobbies at http://www.pratthobbies.com for delivery information and club package pricing. Dealer inquiries are welcome.