How To Make An N64 Rocket Launch Controller

Here's how to hack an N64 game controller, into a remote rocket launch controller ... That'll launch freakin' rockets in real life, and ignite fireworks up to 30 feet away.

Some quick links to a few of the materials I used:

Endcard Links:

See What Else I’m Up To:

Project Inspired By:

This was an original idea. (Original to me anyway).

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume responsibility for the results of your actions. Have fun, but always think ahead, and remember that every project you try is at YOUR OWN RISK.

Project History & More Info:

This project was inspired by the old Estes Launch Controllers for small model rockets.

Looking inside, I saw that basically all it was, was a simple circuit using 4 AA batteries, with a switch to close the connection and send electricity to two alligator clips at the end. There were a couple of other components, but they aren't really worth mentioning.

For $25 I thought I could do a lot better than that, and perhaps make a controller that looked a lot cooler, and nerdy?, than a square yellow box.

I went online and found a yellow N64 game controller for $10 (free shipping).

I thought the yellow controller would be a nice touch, because of how it matched the rocket and launch-pad color scheme.

I knew that basically all I needed to do was rig the controller with an internal power source, and find a way to re-route the circuits to deliver 2+ amps of electricity when a button was pushed.

Originally I tried soldering and re-routing the existing circuitry, but the internal resistances of the contact pads severely limited the available output current.

I made a trip to Radio Shack to play around with buttons, LED's, and buzzers, and eventually found some that worked for around $5-8 total.

I had to modify the slot with a file to shave down the walls enough to hold the batteries firmly in place, but not so tight that they couldn't be removed.

I left the other buttons in the controller for show, and left the circuit board inside even though it doesn't serve any electrical purpose anymore. It just helps hold everything together, and keeps the buttons firm.

I made the lead wires 30 feet long, which reduces the amount of available DC current at the igniter end.

I have measured 2.5 amps at the igniter end, while the controller shows you can get closer to 7 amps of current without the wires connected. I imagine different lengths of wire will produce results between 2.5-7 amps. However, all you need to light an igniter is 2 amps, so it works!

But that's just my opinion. :)
#tkor #thekingofrandom

[adriandiaz]

When you lose a match of smash bros but little does he know you called a missile on his home

[yokier]

He makes everything look so easy to make

[FootHonda]

thats too sick.

this guy never runs out of ideas

[Quazap]

While playing Super Mario 64, someone at the nuclear missile silo mistook their N64 Rocket launch controller as a regular controller. The world is now in a nuclear fallout created entirely because of the N64.

[darksskull]

It's a nice project, but seems like a waste of a perfectly good n64 controller XD those things are valuable to nostalgics.

[overk]

"Now, one question... Will this void my controller warranty?"

[jackofallspades]

I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your channel. I see a lot of channels like yours that can't seem to think of ideas anymore. You, on the other hand, are always creating things that are really cool, work well, look awesome, and are not gimmicky. Not to mention how well you explain things and really show us in depth how to make the things in your videos. Congratulations, and keep up the great work!

[ctvyujygkuygggyujffyt]

Who else never does the experiments but still watch the vid ?

[shotshelloutdoors]

you should use all the buttons and build a rocket launching stand that you can aim with the joystick

[ReddiSathvik]

You always release your videos when i reach my home from the school!! :D:D

[BLAZENYCBLACKOPS]

I wonder if Grant was ever in the military, I know that if I was out in the bush or somewhere in the desert I'd definitely want this guy by my side, pure genius.

[sene]

why dont u just build a little remote with a button ?

[ahmenasarabas]

Kids in Africa could have eaten that N64 controler.

[HellopeopleYSS]

Every video he uploads he finds a new way to improve his rocket. i wonder how this is gonna end:)

[Freakreader]

dude, you are more productive in one week than me in 100 years

[aiearthquakeyt]

4:42-5:16 why the electricity moving backwards?it's -to+ not +to- :)

[goldbond]

I was so jealous, he had his own desert for testing!!!

[PivotBanq]

I gotta be honest man, I'm loving the schematics. Most videos expect you to have previous knowledge in electrical engineering, however with this awesome diagram anyone can accomplish this project!

Not saying I'm just anyone, but AWESOME, as always!

[ItsJimdevera]

fml, in every video you make everything always fits perfectly.

[bromodz]

Love the tutorial Grant, Just one question --- How long do the double 9volts last you ? Because when I made my own version of this the batteries used so much current and they lost juice in about 20 minutes of using the igniter