Rocketry Planet

JEDDO, Michigan USA — The Public Missiles Ltd. Co-Pilot v2.0 altimeter was developed exclusively for PML by Missile Works Corp., and was designed specifically for PML’s CPR3000 Recovery System though it can be used in other applications as well, such as scratch-built deployment systems.

The Co-Pilot v2.0 provides two-stage barometrically-controlled (pressure-sensing) deployment of rocket recovery systems and equipment. Using the Co-Pilot v2.0 altimeter and CPR3000 technology, a small drogue or streamer is deployed at apogee allowing for a fast but controlled descent. At a user-selectable lower altitude, the altimeter fires a second charge to deploy the main chute allowing for a soft landing. This system allows a high-altitude flight to be returned much closer to the launch area than if the main chute were deployed at apogee.

PML's new Co-Pilot v2.0 recovery deployment altimeter.

The Co-Pilot v2.0 is a very rugged and reliable unit in both design and construction. The Co-Pilot v2.0 uses a standard 9 volt alkaline battery, and has clearly-marked terminals for connecting the On/Off switch and the Drogue and Main deployment charges. The Co-Pilot v2.0 is also clearly labeled “Fore” (toward nosecone) and “Aft” (toward fins) to aid in proper mounting.

Physical and Operational Features:

• Same footprint as the original Co-Pilot.
• On-board 9volt battery with heavy-duty mount and lockdown.
• Sea level to 40,000 MSL operational capability
• Works perfectly with any PML CPR-3000 or CPR-MAX kit.
• Clearly marked, dedicated "large-screw" compression terminals for connecting On/Off switch and ejection charges.
• User selectable main chute deployment altitude.
• Works just like original Co-Pilot in default mode, but has MANY new advanced features such as Drogue Delay, Main Delay, multiple Main AGL settings, Mach Inhibit (and more!) that are user-selectable (see link to instructions below for details)

Functional, Diagnostic, and Data Features:

• Interactive menu programming and operation via pushbuttons and LED`s... No dip switches
• All user setpoints are stored in non-volatile EEPROM
• 2 complete setpoint "profiles" are available by the flip of a switch for programming or flight ops
• All flight data is stored in non-volatile EEPROM for post-flight recall, even across power cycles
• Complete on-board diagnostic capability, including battery voltage, current MSL elevation, input and output test modes, and more.
• Post-flight log data such as peak AGL elevation, peak velocity, time to apogee, and more!

Website: http://www.publicmissiles.com/

Reader comments:

#1 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Hmm.. According to the PML website the CoPilot is "functionally the same" as the MissileWorks RRC2 mini, but costs $50 more. I must have missed something.

Kevin

Nesssalco on 09-14-2008 04:57 AM

#2 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Quote:

Hmm.. According to the PML website the CoPilot is "functionally the same" as the MissileWorks RRC2 mini, but costs $50 more. I must have missed something.

Kevin

I don't know...Smaller maybe? I would be interested to see what PML says for the operational temperature range. Glancing though the manual I did not see anything in the specs.

-DAllen

DAllen on 09-14-2008 07:44 AM

#3 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Can't be smaller, it has a 9V battery on board and the same foot print as the original Co-Pilot. I think what makes this altimeter different from the RRC2 Mini is that this is a bolt-in replacement for the original Co-Pilot, which means it works in existing and new CPR3000 systems.

ddmobley on 09-14-2008 12:36 PM

#4 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Quote:

Hmm.. According to the PML website the CoPilot is "functionally the same" as the MissileWorks RRC2 mini, but costs $50 more. I must have missed something.

Kevin

Quote:

Works just like original Co-Pilot in default mode, but has MANY new advanced features such as Drogue Delay, Main Delay, multiple Main AGL settings, Mach Inhibit (and more!) that are user-selectable

Does the RR2 have a couple of different "profiles" that you can program in and select which you fly on-the-fly?

My question is why, if it's a baro altimeter, it matters whether you mount one end Fore or Aft, or even mount it sideways?

n5wd on 09-14-2008 03:59 PM

#5 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Quote:

Does the RR2 have a couple of different "profiles" that you can program in and select which you fly on-the-fly?

My question is why, if it's a baro altimeter, it matters whether you mount one end Fore or Aft, or even mount it sideways?

The RRC2 Mini does have two different profiles, as does the CoPilot v2.0. Neither the original RRC2 nor the original Co-Pilot did.
When used with the CPR system, the onboard 9v battery is forced away from the contacts if the altimeter orientation is reversed. The original RRC2 instructions also advised one to orient the altimeter so the battery was above the electronics. I never realized that and used it the other way for years with no problems , but the logic is sound.

Steve_Shannon on 09-14-2008 04:07 PM

#6 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Quote:

I don't know...Smaller maybe? I would be interested to see what PML says for the operational temperature range. Glancing though the manual I did not see anything in the specs.

-DAllen

It's actually the same size as the older CoPilot and has the same spacing for the mounting holes, which makes it easy to mount on the CPR charge holders/mounts. One thing it has which the recent RRC2 Mini does not have is a battery holder. Also, the terminal strips will work well with the CPR. I used the older RRC2 with the CPR, but the location of the terminal strips made it harder to connect electric matches. The side opening terminal strips on the original CoPilot and this new CoPilot make it very easy to hook up the electric matches without having to dismount the altimeter from the urethane mounts that PML designed.
So, here is where the CoPilot v2.0 differs from the RRC2 Mini:

1. Drop in fit for use with CPR mounts
   
2. Integral battery holder
   
3. side facing terminal strip.

Is that worth $50? If you have quite a few rockets with the CPR system, like I do, it may be. Otherwise I am going to have to build some carrier boards or convert all my CPR rockets to something else. The thing is, I like the CPR system for small diameter rockets.

Steve_Shannon on 09-14-2008 04:28 PM

#7 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

I have bought the Co-Pilot version 2.0 unit and I am learning how to use it now. On my instructions there was found to be an error on p.7 and 13 under the start menu. The flight log should be green (not yellow) and the diagnostics should be yellow (not green). Also, those lights should be slow flashing not solid.

As Steve mentioned the mounting holes for the version 2.0 are in the same location as the holes for orignal version. I just checked this fact and it is correct. I did not like the CPR 3000 system so I have used my own ebay in my Eclipse. I do like the PML ejection charge holders and I have been buying and using them all the time.

Bob

aerostadt on 09-17-2008 11:57 PM

#8 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Quote:

I have bought the Co-Pilot version 2.0 unit and I am learning how to use it now. On my instructions there was found to be an error on p.7 and 13 under the start menu. The flight log should be green (not yellow) and the diagnostics should be yellow (not green). Also, those lights should be slow flashing not solid.

As Steve mentioned the mounting holes for the version 2.0 are in the same location as the holes for orignal version. I just checked this fact and it is correct. I did not like the CPR 3000 system so I have used my own ebay in my Eclipse. I do like the PML ejection charge holders and I have been buying and using them all the time.

Bob

I wouldn't make such an investment in CPRs again either, but I have to crash a few rockets (fewer now) before I no longer use it.

Steve_Shannon on 09-18-2008 12:01 AM

#9 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

I am also planning to cut holes in the mounting board for the Co-Pilot version 2.0 so that I can see the "select" and "enter" buttons along with the mode indicator light on the back side of the altimeter, once the unit is mounted.

Bob

aerostadt on 09-18-2008 09:37 AM

#10 Re: Article: PML releases new Co-Pilot Version 2.0 recovery altimeter

Quote:

The RRC2 Mini does have two different profiles, as does the CoPilot v2.0. Neither the original RRC2 nor the original Co-Pilot did.
When used with the CPR system, the onboard 9v battery is forced away from the contacts if the altimeter orientation is reversed. The original RRC2 instructions also advised one to orient the altimeter so the battery was above the electronics. I never realized that and used it the other way for years with no problems , but the logic is sound.

Don't forget that if a charge is located above the av-bay, the g-loading opposite from the motor direction will typically be much higher than what you get from the motor. If the charge above the av-bay is the main chute, then no problem if the altimeter resets. But even for an apogee deployment beneath the av-bay, the jerk from the shock cord going tight commonly causes Gs higher than what you get from the motor thrust, and in the opposite direction.

Adrian A on 09-18-2008 11:55 AM

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