Altimeters

[Chris LaPanse]

I believe the standard perfectflite needs .5 seconds.

I just ordered an Aerotech EFC – should be a nice little device.

[Conway StevensParticipant]

Maybe the AT deployment is what some will accept. but not me. I see it as basically nothing more then a replacement for motor ejection. I want a real deal on board dual deploy capable with recording funtion myself. Something like what we have in good altimeters now. They just need to be improved on. Sorry to be a bummer but I guess the new AT EFC didnt appeal to me any in the bit.

[Chris LaPanse]

Hmm…

I agree – recording altimeters and the lot are definitely nice, but I still like the simplicity of a basic rocket with motor ejection sometimes. This device is nice, easy, and simple to program, yet vastly improves over the accuracy and range availible in pyrotechnic delays. Sometimes I agree with you, but not always.

Different strokes for different folks I guess…

[Conway StevensParticipant]

I can appreceate the ease and simplicity of the unit. But it will do no good for flights to higher altitudes really other then maybe a back up at apogee. Even then 2 altimeters are going to do fine or even remote devices. Anything I belive up to 3k in altitude for the most parts would be great as deployment for most rockets at those heights are still very single event recoveryable and much more should probably use dual deply so as not to brake the waivers radius or have to hike on the end of the world trek. So yes for lower/mid High power motor flyers sure. 38mm and under you bet. H, I and small J like J350. But those allready have delays and ejection charge capable. to me what is in place allreay works well for those motors. Cant say on any of my flights using motor deployment that i have had problems. Buts yes we do have a difference of opinion on that and thats fine. What I really think is that Electronics manufactures have been set in the way they do things that its just repetition of creating the same old. Now dont get me wrong. I love what we have out there. BUT they could get after some R&D and development and make so much more and better. Being inovative and new so as not to be stagnent. but thats just my opinion.

[Doug GerrardParticipant]

So yes for lower/mid High power motor flyers sure. 38mm and under you bet. H, I and small J like J350. But those allready have delays and ejection charge capable. to me what is in place allreay works well for those motors.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I’m purely speculating here but I believe that sooner or later there won’t be any more motor ejection for high power motors. I’ve been told that if a motor has different motor delay element then every delay element for that motor must be certified. That just tripled the certification cost for the manufacture. That is one reason why Aerotech stopped putting motor ejection on 75 and 98 mm motors. In case you think they never had motor ejection on the larger motors, I’ll bring my 98 mm forward closure made for motor ejection to Oktoberfest 😉

Doug

[Conway StevensParticipant]

I remember them having it Doug, seen them before. But for some time now they have not. I belive that the way will be either this unit or the adjustable delay like what CTI and AMW(not sure about Loki) are doing now.(one way for them to get around certifing multiple delays to) For most consumers (or atleast what I would tend to belive) they will find value in a trimable delay as it will come with the motor and no additional expense (other then a cutting tool) vs buying closures and the electronics for the deployment charge like AT has. That would be as long as a adjustable delay is made and avalible. But thats just an opinion as I have no real idea the directions of things to come.

[Doug GerrardParticipant]

I’m just guessing too and I rarely use motor ejection anymore. It just seems like anytime the delay exceeds about 10 or 12 seconds, the uncertainities compund to the effect that using motor ejection is just too unreliable.

[Conway StevensParticipant]

Good point Doug. recently at the CERG launch (cause all I had to fly at the moment was some AT motors in my lil Endeavour) I used motor delays. Of course all were medium on all 4 flights I had and all worked great. But that was my first use of Motor ejection in over 5 to 6 years. everything else is all Altimeters. So Iunderstand the trend to lean away from motor ejections. of course for low mid and L1 powered stuff or atleast till they make L2 certification require electronics ever. Im just wishful thinking from my favorite places Like Missile Works or any of the other rocket Electronics manufactures to start releasing the ALL NEW!!! label to come out on their produtcs with the new features and durabillities!!!.

[Bruce R. Schaefer]

Conway, next launch I’ll remember to bring my video camera and show you my using too much charge while trying to find the ideal amount. Makes Art Hoag laugh every time. 😀 Destroyed my stand, and I had to rebuild the upper section. It was really cool though. I’m someone who’s never learned from success; it takes a ka-blooey to get my attention and make me learn. 😀 From a business standpoint, it costs A LOT to rebuild and qualify any new, or changes, to a product. Perhaps most altimeter manufacturers are waiting to see if these reloads catch on. Those with accelerometers rated at over 100 g’s don’t have to worry. And, H’s have–at this time–motor ejection, so the H999 isn’t a problem. It was a good business move for AT to offer altimeters to work with their new reloads. Classic and well-thought out. BUT it’s a short-term gain. If their new reloads sell well, then competitors will move in, prices will go down, and improvements will be made. Personally, I prefer longer burning motors, and probably won’t get into the under a second flashes of rocket power. We’ll just have to see what happens. By the way, very insightful of you to notice this. Good way to bring life to a thread.

[Conway StevensParticipant]

That would be cool Bruce I would love to check this video out. I to am not the lover of just an instant on and instant off flight. I prefer at least a couple seconds burn.(probably why I chose a 5 second burn time N motor for my Octoberfest L3 cert flight) besides most flights with those motors need much specific mass to really get altitude. Ive done the Mach thing and the altitude bit for now my love is some Big Dumb Rockets. Lots of power and lots of weight. Also thanks for the compliment. I just wish we could see that aspect of our hobby grow more. besides rockets Im a bit of a comp geek. Tech such as this has MUCH room to grow. But I have yet to see much changes in it at all. Its been a stagnet feild in my opinion. There is so much more that we could be doing or getting out of the electronics we fly. Not just the abillity to handle fast hard kicking motors but just fun stuff as well as insitefull and inspiring. I think it would add to the hobby in ways that would spark more interest from those involved as well as new people. but what do I know. LOL.. just my thoughts.

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