Radio controlled backup pyros FTW

[AllDigital]

My son and I have been testing an experimental spring/latch recovery system that does not require BP. The test vehicle is a 90 pound 8" beast of a rocket. It has an 18' main and drogue out the top, using the spring and electronic latches and in the fin can it has a backup 14' main with pyros triggered by radio (our "FTS" backup). In the third test this weekend, the primary altimeters failed, so the nose did not separate. We held our breath watching the beast spin like a top, waiting for the FTS signal to trigger the backup chute. Happy to report she landed without a scratch.

Note this was done out at FAR, launched on a M-class sugar motor (KNSB), with everyone safely in bunkers.

 

[Troy3003]

I understand your purpose for using the r/c Pyro setup and it does sound cool. On the other hand that seems to be a dangerous practice for the hobby (imo). Mainly because of how others outside of the hobby may perceive it nefarious in design.

 

[Titan II]

I understand your purpose for using the r/c Pyro setup and it does sound cool. On the other hand that seems to be a dangerous practice for the hobby (imo). Mainly because of how others outside of the hobby may perceive it nefarious in design.

Ridiculous. There are a lot more things we do the Karens of America could perceive a nefarious. I use RC activation as needed. Nice work OP.

 

[Troy3003]

I would hardly call it ridiculous, you have seen the world lately right? People will have issue with anything you do anymore.

 

[cerving]

R/C chute activation has its place, but for most projects it isn't all that effective. If you can't see the rocket, it's not much help, and it doesn't help with mechanical issues such as a stuck chute or nose cone either. I think a freefall detection like we put into the Quantum and Proton is more effective in most cases; if it detects that you're exceeding a set downward velocity, pop the main early. You'll drift, but you get your rocket back.

 

[MidOH]

I eat those people.

Radio controlled rocket is no worse than a radio controlled airplane.

 

[waltr]

I see the OP using RC as a back-up to the experimental deployment he is working. And this was done at an Experimental launch site.

To me this seems perfectly reasonable.

 

[Troy3003]

I'll admit I did miss the part where he was testing at.

 

[AllDigital]

I think a freefall detection like we put into the Quantum and Proton is more effective in most cases; if it detects that you're exceeding a set downward velocity, pop the main early. You'll drift, but you get your rocket back.

Yep. I would not normally advocate for remote controlled pyros, but in our testing for this rocket and the experimental recovery system it has proven the right solution (twice). Our flight on Saturday had an unusual profile. After apogee it went into a flat spin falling only at 100 fps, so a downward velocity trigger wouldn’t have helped. From a telemetry perspective it looked like it was under drogue, but we also had sensors indicating the the nose was still on during the fall. Also, we intentionally fly this test low and slow so we can easily see the whole flight and can manually deploy a backup chute if needed.

 

[speed]

I use a pager system like the RRS guys used years ago. Works well when needed! From Radio Shack and modified.

 

[rocket_troy]

I'm one of those people who design and make everything for the rocket - electronics/pyroless recovery system/airframe/motors/motor components/propellant and even fuel and oxidizer on occasion. So R/C backup is a pretty important thing to have.

Anyway, congrats on the flights and recovery success.

Troy

 

[Voyager1]

I would hardly call it ridiculous, you have seen the world lately right? People will have issue with anything you do anymore.

I agree, it’s not ridiculous, and it’s a valid concern. However, in these cases, the backup measures employed are appropriate. Safety should always take priority over the ignorance and perceptions of others.

Good work AllDigital!

 

[plugger]

I agree, it’s not ridiculous, and it’s a valid concern. However, in these cases, the backup measures employed are appropriate. Safety should always take priority over the ignorance and perceptions of others.

Good work AllDigital!

without getting into the politics of over there I feel confident that what matters most in this conversation is legality. and to my knowledge the above is not illegal. and if it was illegal I doubt radio enabled Altus Metrum FCs would have a 'test ignitor over the radio link' function. Same with the Missile Works WRC+, granted I'm not 100% on that one as I've not used one myself.