Cheapest Velocity Logging Solution

[UPscaler]

Alright, folks, I'm just curious here.

What is the most affordable option for an altimeter that data logs speed? I love the Featherweight Raven and its accelerometer, but what other options are out there for a small and affordable altimeter that can tell me how fast a rocket went?

I've been sort of out of the loop on electronics for some time because I'm stuck on my Missileworks and Perfectflite collection

Braden

 

[rharshberger]

Eggtimer Proton, Eggtimer Quantum, even cheaper when you can get them is Flightsketch Mini

 

[dvdsnyd]

Check out the Eggtimer Rocketry ION, $20 bucks, solder yourself.

 

[waltr]

The Eggtimers are Baro Only and derive Velocity from differential altitude measurement.
This gives ok Velocity data.

Better is integrate Accelerometer data to Velocity.
If you simply want to log data then build a logger using breakout boards from Adafruit.
Combine a Feather board with the sensors you want.
https://www.adafruit.com/category/943https://www.adafruit.com/category/521https://www.adafruit.com/category/114
Adafruit also has great code examples and tutorials which make using these part very easy.

 

[rharshberger]

The Eggtimers are Baro Only and derive Velocity from differential altitude measurement.
This gives ok Velocity data.

Better is integrate Accelerometer data to Velocity.
If you simply want to log data then build a logger using breakout boards from Adafruit.
Combine a Feather board with the sensors you want.
https://www.adafruit.com/category/943https://www.adafruit.com/category/521https://www.adafruit.com/category/114
Adafruit also has great code examples and tutorials which make using these part very easy.

Wrong on one count Waltr....the Eggtimer Proton has a 120G Accelerometer.

 

[waltr]

Wrong on one count Waltr....the Eggtimer Proton has a 120G Accelerometer.

Thanks for the correction.
120G accel is good for very high thrust the weight rocket/motor but not so good for lower due to loss of resolution. And it is $70.

The Eggtimer ION is only $20 and will log data based on Baro measurements.
Probably the least expensive option.

 

[rharshberger]

Thanks for the correction.
120G accel is good for very high thrust the weight rocket/motor but not so good for lower due to loss of resolution. And it is $70.

The Eggtimer ION is only $20 and will log data based on Baro measurements.
Probably the least expensive option.

You were correct on all the others though!

The FS Mini also has a 3 axis accelerometer and at $29 is definitely in the running, and its not a kit, BUT.....FS Mini's are afaik having the same supply chain issues as everyone else when it comes to electronics.

 

[Buckeye]

A good simulation is more accurate for velocity measurement than any of our hobby accel or baro devices. RASAero and OpenRocket are free of cost, so there you go. Cheapest solution.

 

[tfish]

Do you have room for an ARTS and a 9v battery?

an ARTS flight file https://drive.google.com/file/d/120geRyHIbnjwcPHAftAX-BEHTTRIUqrp/view?usp=sharing

The ARTS "program" https://lokiresearch.com/ozark.asp

Tony