Trying to find the best route in creating dual deployment electronic/programming.

[JackTheMan]

Hello,
This past summer, I achieved my HPR Level 1 Certification, and I am now working toward earning my Level 2 Certification. Recently, I’ve been learning how Arduino works and exploring resources from Instructables to analyze code and deepen my understanding. As part of this, I’m particularly interested in building and programming a dual deployment. I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations on the best way to learn and develop this skill.

Just to note I am a novice stage 1 in Arduino so any resources would be great!

Thank you

 

[Ronz Rocketz]

Start with the Eggtimer Ez-DD. Only $99 so buy two. Then get the 4in payload from LOC or Madcow. If you really hate money, go fiberglass.

For my L2, I used JLCR which is easier than DD. I’ve recently got into DD.

 

[Art Upton]

I 'think' your plan to create your own deployment altimeter?

I played with Arduino when it came out, still have a bunch of boards, shields and modules

If you read threads here, from many students trying the same thing with experience in Arduino, you will see they have problems in doing so. It's not easy to cover all the 'things' that can happen up there to be safe in the many ways that need to be safe. Unplanned Energetics and Ballistic recovery are not fun

To start, get an Egg Timer altimeter electronic kit:

https://eggtimerrocketry.com/

For the experience of coding , you can build your own baro altimeter to 'ride along' with the EggTimer, and doing comparison of data with the EggTimer. Then work to figure out how best to tweak your code just to get the altitude readings correct.

This is a simple unit that beeps out altitude as well as having deployment $20
https://eggtimerrocketry.com/eggtimer-quark/

if you have the money, I would get this however. It is a full featured "Flight Computer" with WiFI connection. $40
https://eggtimerrocketry.com/eggtimer-quantum/

If you can't solder, @Raythain can build the EggTimer kits for you. I've had him build my EggTracker even, as now my fingers/hands are having nerve issues in my age

 

[cwbullet]

Good luck. If you decide to make products or do a how to, those hobby could use alternative options.

 

[Art Upton]

There are also other options besides Dual Deploy to get your rocket closer to where it was launched on landing.

'Dual Event' is what it is sometimes called, and uses a Jolly Logic Chute Release to hold your chute closed until like 400-500 feet then lets the chute open.

You do not have to make 'special' dual deploy rockets, it works with single deploy designs.

https://jollylogic.com/products/chuterelease/

Video in Action

 

[waltr]

There is an Electronic & Software forum here:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/forums/rocketry-electronics-software.36/

Many threads about and discussions on doing this.
Enjoy reading and learning.

I also highly recommend using a 'proven' DD electronics and have your 'experimental' electronics along for the ride.
I have seen many DIY electronics fail with a very rapid disassembly upon impact with the Earth.

 

[Arjun K]

As someone who was once in a very similar position, I agree with the previous commentors.

-Start with kits like Eggtimer. They allow you to get familiar with the different components required to build such an altimeter through a hands-on experience. You will also gain much needed practice soldering (if you don't already have some experience).

-Build prototypes on breadboards, then convert them onto protoboard PCBs using headers (or solder the devices directly).

-Test your electronics with ride alongs, don't expect that they will work as expected the first time

When creating an altimeter, keep in mind that it is responsible for deploying a BP charge. Safety, of course, is a huge deal and should be reflected in your hardware and software design.

My biggest piece of advice, DON'T give up. I also started with Arduino to familiarize myself with everything. Build small and then work your way up, you will learn a LOT as you go. It won't always work, sometimes you'll completely mess up a board or device. Just keep going.

I would start with building a simple Arduino-device that uses a barometer (like a BMP 180) that simply returns your maximum altitude post flight. This way you can familiarize yourself with the concept of altimeters before building deployment circuits.

Best,
Arjun

 

[DavidBellhorn]

vNARCON 2022 included a session about building an Arduino based recording altimeter. That might be a good resource as you begin learning about the technology.
vNARCON 2022 - Arduino Build It, Fly It

 

[Voyager1]

Some good advice above! Start with something small such as an Eggtimer altimeter kit. Don't try to design your own altimeter to use in your rocket as the primary altimeter to use for deployment until you have gained more experience with the electronics and coding methods. Here is a link to an Arduino-based altimeter project that might be useful.
Good luck and have fun with the journey.

 

[BNev]

I would get something reliable (Like a MissileWorks RRC2). If for some reason your experiment doesn't go well you have either a functional backup or a platform to validate software on.

 

[nickt.mrc]

I know this is a thread about electronics, but, just as an aside, what beautiful fillets on the Ronz Rockets video!

 

[JackTheMan]

I know this is a thread about electronics, but, just as an aside, what beautiful fillets on the Ronz Rockets video!

Thank you for the advice!

 

[JackTheMan]

I would get something reliable (Like a MissileWorks RRC2). If for some reason your experiment doesn't go well you have either a functional backup or a platform to validate software on.

Thank you, I'll look into that!

 

[JackTheMan]

Some good advice above! Start with something small such as an Eggtimer altimeter kit. Don't try to design your own altimeter to use in your rocket as the primary altimeter to use for deployment until you have gained more experience with the electronics and coding methods. Here is a link to an Arduino-based altimeter project that might be useful.
Good luck and have fun with the journey.

Thank you, I'll take a look into it!

 

[JackTheMan]

As someone who was once in a very similar position, I agree with the previous commentors.

-Start with kits like Eggtimer. They allow you to get familiar with the different components required to build such an altimeter through a hands-on experience. You will also gain much needed practice soldering (if you don't already have some experience).

-Build prototypes on breadboards, then convert them onto protoboard PCBs using headers (or solder the devices directly).

-Test your electronics with ride alongs, don't expect that they will work as expected the first time

When creating an altimeter, keep in mind that it is responsible for deploying a BP charge. Safety, of course, is a huge deal and should be reflected in your hardware and software design.

My biggest piece of advice, DON'T give up. I also started with Arduino to familiarize myself with everything. Build small and then work your way up, you will learn a LOT as you go. It won't always work, sometimes you'll completely mess up a board or device. Just keep going.

I would start with building a simple Arduino-device that uses a barometer (like a BMP 180) that simply returns your maximum altitude post flight. This way you can familiarize yourself with the concept of altimeters before building deployment circuits.

Best,
Arjun

Awesome, I appreciate the advice!

 

[JackTheMan]

Hello,
This past summer, I achieved my HPR Level 1 Certification, and I am now working toward earning my Level 2 Certification. Recently, I’ve been learning how Arduino works and exploring resources from Instructables to analyze code and deepen my understanding. As part of this, I’m particularly interested in building and programming a dual deployment. I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations on the best way to learn and develop this skill.

Just to note I am a novice stage 1 in Arduino so any resources would be great!

Thank you

Thank you for the advice everyone, I will try it out and let you know how it goes in a few months lol