U.S. Water Rockets is pleased to announce the release of the LaunchPad AlTImeter, the Model Rocket Altimeter that you build yourself using the FREE plans and software that are available for download on our website!
The LaunchPad AlTImeter was designed to meet the needs specific to both Pyro Rockets and Water Rockets, and it is packed it with useful features. Even so, the designers worked tirelessly to keep the project cost very low!
Some of the main features of the LaunchPad AlTImeter design include:
- Peak Altitude Report (up to > 32,000 feet)
- <1 foot (30 cm) Altitude Resolution
- Automatic Apogee Detection with Deploy Trigger Outputs
- Configurable Deploy Output Polarity
- Configurable Deploy Delay
- Automatic Launch Detection detects slow acceleration (small nozzle water rockets)
- Direct Servo Deploy Driver Output
- ~3.3V Digital Deploy Output
- Visual and Audio Feedback
- Low Power Texas Instruments MSP430 Microcontroller Core
- Low Cost
- Easy to build (Extensive Documentation on USWaterRockets.com)
- Free Plans and Software Downloads
- Operates from 3.7VDC to 10.0VDC (Max 6.0VDC if Servo is used)
- Weekly Tutorial and Demonstration Videos (Click Here to Subscribe)
To keep the cost to the end user as low as possible, we chose the Texas Instruments MSP430 LaunchPad development board as the core for the platform, and added a few simple components to create a very easy to build project. By using the MSP430 LaunchPad as a starting point, we have provided a path for those who are using our previously released ServoChron Servo Timer system to upgrade to a fully functional peak recording altimeter with servo motor deploy.
To lean more about the LaunchPad AlTImeter and find out how to make your own, please visit the new section of our website: Click here for the LaunchPad AlTImeter Documentation.
Enjoy!
