Going up the ladder. Need advice for DD

[Killachrome]

Firstly, I tried searching the forums but there are way too many pages to go through. I am doing my first DD with a Madcow Super Dx3 and I was wondering what Altimeter (with ejection) and activation switch should I use? My budget is around $100.

 

[jus_rockets]

You can not go wrong with a Stratologger SL100 or the new RRC3 mini altimeter. As for the switch I will use a rotary switch or a push on/off button.

Altimeters

https://www.perfectflitedirect.com/products/StratoLogger-Altimeter.html
https://www.missileworks.com/store/#!/~/product/category=5760485&id=25239688

Switch
https://doghouse.blastzone.org/DogHouseRocketry/Alt_Bay_Elect.html

 

[KenRico]

Jim at MissileWorks has the recommended rotary switch also :

https:// https://www.missileworks.com/store/#!/~/product/category=5760490&id=24591187

I just flew the RRC3 in my G-Force for the first time yesterday .. perfect Dual Deploy flight !

Kenny

 

[Killachrome]

sweet thanks! Does anyone have photos of their ebay setups so I can see how the charges are setup?

 

[Viperfixr]

These charge wells or Blastcaps make it easy--highly recommended.

 

[Handeman]

If you get the Stratologger SL100 the instruction book will have a description of a switch setup you can use. It is what I used on my first av-bay. That worked just fine on flight to +80G with I1299N-P motors with a 3 lb rocket.

 

[Green Jello]

I'll try to take some pics of my setup since it's the exact same kit. Also....if you ever want to meet up, I'd be happy to show you. It's much easier to digest in person.

 

[Green Jello]

Here. I quickly snapped a few for you to look at. I can explain in detail later, but the non-kit related things you see in this are....9V battery holder, wire, terminal blocks, CPVC pipe, aluminum tubing, zip ties, etc.

 

[Pantherjon]

First off , nice avbay GJ!..Now, what I see and say is not to be construed as over criticizing..
Terminal blocks, if they work for you- great, I see them as further lnks in the chain that can be broken. I wire my charges directly to the altimeter...
Switches, again, another source of failure.I run a wire out one of the vent holes attached to the switch terminal and use the 'twist and tape' method..Twist the bare ends together and tape to rocket and good to go!

 

[Green Jello]

First off , nice avbay GJ!..Now, what I see and say is not to be construed as over criticizing..
Terminal blocks, if they work for you- great, I see them as further lnks in the chain that can be broken. I wire my charges directly to the altimeter...
Switches, again, another source of failure.I run a wire out one of the vent holes attached to the switch terminal and use the 'twist and tape' method..Twist the bare ends together and tape to rocket and good to go!

How do you wire charges without some kind of extra connection? Do you use the 8" Quest igniters or something?

 

[Pantherjon]

How do you wire charges without some kind of extra connection? Do you use the 8" Quest igniters?

No, but those would work..I use electric matches(e-match)..Generally used in fireworks but work great as ejection charge initiators..A club member buys them by the box as he has an LEUP(I don't) and I buy them a few at a time from him..

I use the 'fingertip method' for my charges..Cut off tip of a finger from latex gloves, put in desired amount of BP, put e-match in BP, tape closed..Cheap, simple and works.

 

[dlb]

yep, I stopped using terminal block, just adds a extra way for failures to happen. The fewer connections the better, Straight to the altimeter with E-matches and a little tape to seal he holes for back pressure getting in to the AV bay.

 

[z_wright]

I use the fingertip method wired to e-matches that I made routed through a terminal block. Yes it is extra places that could go wrong, but as long as you make sure your terminal blocks are tightened correctly you shouldn't have an issue. I use a Stratologger with a magnetic switch for easy arming and disarming of the altimeter. This means less holes for the altimeter as well as smaller holes, however I have also used the Wire to Wire method. (having a positive and negative wire coming from the altimeter and twisting them together on the pad. Both methods work pretty well.

 

[Titan II]

This was made with the coupler that came with the DX3 kit. I cut the band from the payload section. You need to buy or make three more bulkheads. The altimeter is a Missile Works RRC3 and the switch is a rotary. I access the switch through a vent hole.

Bill Jehle

 

[Killachrome]

Wow thanks! I'm a visual learner, so the more I see, the better I understand. Now I just have to pay for all the parts :eyeroll:

 

[jd2cylman]

How do you wire charges without some kind of extra connection? Do you use the 8" Quest igniters or something?

Get these https://www.wildmanrocketry.com/ShowProducts.aspx?Class=846&Sub=848
From Wildman. They are pretty darn long. Three feet, I believe. With or without the cardboard tubes. A pretty good deal.

Adrian

 

[Green Jello]

Get these https://www.wildmanrocketry.com/ShowProducts.aspx?Class=846&Sub=848
From Wildman. They are pretty darn long. Three feet, I believe. With or without the cardboard tubes. A pretty good deal.

Adrian

Oh, that's cool. I'll have to order some of those. Thanks. Are the tubes just for keeping them safe in transport?

 

[jd2cylman]

Oh, that's cool. I'll have to order some of those. Thanks. Are the tubes just for keeping them safe in transport?

Dave,

Tim glues on the tubes himself so all you have to do is load the tube with your favorite gas expanding powder :wink:
I think he said they hold about 6 grams, but I'd email him to be sure. So far, I've only gotten the ones without tubes, as I had already made charge cups. But I might think of changing to these. Just stuff them with powder and go!

Adrian

 

[Green Jello]

Dave,

Tim glues on the tubes himself so all you have to do is load the tube with your favorite gas expanding powder :wink:
I think he said they hold about 6 grams, but I'd email him to be sure. So far, I've only gotten the ones without tubes, as I had already made charge cups. But I might think of changing to these. Just stuff them with powder and go!

Adrian

Oh, ok. I think I'll go that way too. I really like this system I've been using. With the CPVC tubes.