Originally posted by Karl
I was wondering if my Level1 Rocket would benefit from it, it's maiden flight puts her up to around 3000ft/4000ft , and even higher once I can start using those bigger motors.
Karl,
I would recommend
not introducing the complexity of flying with electronics for one's Level 1 certification flight unless you feel 100% certain that you won't screw it up. That is: complete confidence in yourself that you know what you're doing.
I am an experienced flyer and can prep and launch a motor ejection rocket in ~15 minutes including recovery attachment and packing and motor building. It takes me way more than an hour to prep and launch a dual deployment rocket, which in addition to the above, includes making and installing 2 ejection charges and packing the extra 'chute. There are many more failure points added with dual deployment that you learn to overcome over time with successful cracks at it. Personally, I am
still experimenting with drogue and main placement and recovery harness length to minimize tangling.
Since I've given you the "why nots", now consider this . . . It sounds like you have a bird that can stand the extra added weight of electronics and additional recovery system components. You can always use it to learn how to do dual deployment with smaller impulse motors
before attempting your Level 1 flight. Just because you don't
need dual deployment, there is no reason you can't still fly a rocket to 1000' or 1500' and test out your dual deployment skills. In fact, flying low with dual deployment lets you see some of your screw-ups. For example, I see a lot of main 'chutes coming out at apogee for new dual deployment rookies (sorta eliminates the benefit of all the extra prep time invested, eh?). The primary reason is usually not electronics malfunction or miswiring, rather it is usually that the forces of the popping and yanking required to get one section open causes the other to get yanked open, too. If this can be easily seen from the ground, the more experienced flyers can advise you on how to solve that little problem. BTW, a longer recovery harness, tighter couplers/nosecone, and/or plastic rivets are all potential solutions to this problem, depending upon your circumstances.
Good luck with your flight. I have relied on the experience and expertise of other flyers more than anything else I have done in rocketry to learn how to do dual deployment correctly. It is a godsend once you master the skills, and
YES it does require skill.
HTH, --Lance.