Hey all.
I basically joined this to hopefully get some options. I'm not a rocketry guy by trade or hobby.
I launch helium balloons that carry a 7lbs payload. The balloon needs to reach and maintain an altitude of about 27k feet.
Because of restrictions governed by 14 CFR 101 I need to have a device integrated into the system that will be able to cut a fiber twine tether after a predetermined amount of time.
The company that sells the balloons can make a device that works off a Cypress AAD line cutter with a timer built into it. Problem is, the balloons/payload is a one-time use and not recoverable. So I'm looking for a much cheaper alternative.
I have looked at the Archetype Cable Cutter and it looks like a pretty solid system. I think the guy that came up with it might be a member on this forum. I shot him a message to get a few more details on that product.
I'd like to find out what other options are available for cutting a tether.
I thought about using an e-match by itself to burn the twine. Run it off a spring wound timer, a digital kitchen timer, or possibly a solid state circuit using a 555 timer. I'm not sure whether altitude would effect electronics.
Any recommendations and input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Matt
I basically joined this to hopefully get some options. I'm not a rocketry guy by trade or hobby.
I launch helium balloons that carry a 7lbs payload. The balloon needs to reach and maintain an altitude of about 27k feet.
Because of restrictions governed by 14 CFR 101 I need to have a device integrated into the system that will be able to cut a fiber twine tether after a predetermined amount of time.
The company that sells the balloons can make a device that works off a Cypress AAD line cutter with a timer built into it. Problem is, the balloons/payload is a one-time use and not recoverable. So I'm looking for a much cheaper alternative.
I have looked at the Archetype Cable Cutter and it looks like a pretty solid system. I think the guy that came up with it might be a member on this forum. I shot him a message to get a few more details on that product.
I'd like to find out what other options are available for cutting a tether.
I thought about using an e-match by itself to burn the twine. Run it off a spring wound timer, a digital kitchen timer, or possibly a solid state circuit using a 555 timer. I'm not sure whether altitude would effect electronics.
Any recommendations and input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Matt