E-Matches are pyrotechnic devices that use electricity to create a flame to ignite flammable materials. Commonly used in the fireworks industry to ignite fireworks with an electronic control system. Similarly they are used to ignite model rocket motors remotely as a safety precaution during launches. I use mine for the later purpose. Commercially available model rocket igniters (also called solar igniters) work well with standard small rocket motors from Estes rockets. However larger custom motors usually require a hotter and longer burning flame to properly ignite the motors. I prefer to make them myself. This e-match requires a pretty high current to reliably ignite. I use a single 3.6v 18650 Lithium ion battery to ignite them and its worked well for me.
The materials I use:
Two thin solid core copper wires 20-24 AWG. (Network Cat5 cable)
Small piece of wire (Single strand from picture hanging wire)
Shrink tubing( 1/4 inch)
Wooden Matches
Scissors
Small pliers
All the required materials layed out.
Cut a pair of wires from the cable and twist the wires together and strip the ends.
Bend the wire ends over to create a U shape.
Crimp the thin piece of wire between the U shape. Crimp one side first, then the other side about half in inch apart and trim the excess off.
Cut a small notch in the match head near the bottom.
Wrap the match with the thin wire through the notch and the wire pair pushed low.
Slip a small piece of shrink tube over the match and wire to just past the notch in the match head leaving the match head exposed, use a lighter to shrink the tube down.
The match stick makes it easy to insert the e-match into the rocket motor or firework. Optionally you can trim it off.
