New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

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2009 Archived News by Planet News

Sunday, June 07, 2009

FAIRPORT, New York USA — John Derimiggio announced today the debut of a new 4-channel altimeter at this year's LDRS28, to be held in Potter, NY. The MARSA4 altimeter features an integrated LCD screen and on-board joystick, eliminating the need for you to lug around a computer to launches in order to program the unit or read its data output.

With four channels, and a being a little larger than most altimeters due to the LCD screen, the unit may not appeal to 100% of the market, but the features make it an intriguing choice for rockets that are 3" in diameter and up.

New 4-channel altimeter expected to make debut at LDRS28 in Potter, NY.

On Derimiggio's website, the information on the unit said the altimeter was originally custom designed for "an eclectic" group of L3 rocket folks," but that is soon became apparent that the device would have a broader appeal, leading to a design cleanup and optimization for commercial production.

"It may not be for everybody but some may find it appealing," Derimiggio said in an online posting today. "The prototype flight testing program should be wrapping up soon, so far so good."

The altimeter features four independently configurable pyrotechnic channels capable of delivering 10A per channel on pulse, 7A for two seconds and 2A continuously, with an LED status indicator for each channel. It operates on 7-11 volts, with a single 9 volt battery being sufficient for full channel output, although an 8-cell (9.6v) NiMH battery of MAHA 230mah or equivalent is recommended. On-board sensors feature a barometric and single axis accelerometer with options for 40g, 50g, and 100g.

The four programmable events include apogee deployment, with initiation provided by barometric sensor, accelerometer sensor, or both, with programmable delays; main deployment configurable from 100 to 65000 feet; timer, from launch event, motor burnout or altitude up; and a secondary backup time, individually programmable for each channel. Mach detection is automatic, so no configuration is needed.

Post-flight data available from the on-board LCD includes: peak altitude (barometric), peak altitude (accelerometer), peak velocity, peak acceleration, time of motor burn-out, time of barometric apogee, time of accelerometer apogee, and time each pyro channel fired.

The only problem Derimiggio is currently experiencing is a shortage of key chips. due to the economic slowdown, which could impact the number of units he has available at LDRS. A limited amount of beta units will be available for those who may want to participate in the unit's beta testing program, hashing out new software features in exchange for a sizeable discount of the device's price.

Manufacturer's suggested retail price is expected to be around $225.

Website: http://www.marsa4.com/

Reader comments:

#1 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

That is a nice looking altimeter. What are the dimensions? Can the data be downloaded to a PC? When do you foresee full production and availability?

Mark

markkoelsch on 06-07-2009 04:17 PM

#2 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Wish I could beta test that in my large project.

skycopp on 06-07-2009 04:18 PM

#3 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Quote:

That is a nice looking altimeter. What are the dimensions? Can the data be downloaded to a PC? When do you foresee full production and availability?

Mark

Mark,

The board dimensions are 55mm x 100mm ~(2.125 x 3.95"). Data can be retrieved with a Windows program (supplied) OR there is an option for simple ascii download to any computer running a terminal program so Mac and the quirky linux folks are not left out.

Availability will depend on demand which I do not know right now. Hopefully we will be up to speed before July is over with.

--john

jderimig on 06-07-2009 06:27 PM

#4 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Looks nice - I may be persuaded to pick one up (not a beta, though...) at LDRS.

Question - do you have to use the joystick to move to a 'data download' or 'set configuration' option before performing those tasks with a computer...? Or does it always listen to the USB port and jump to the necessary routines automatically? I ask because I have an ATHA FC-877 flight computer, and it *requires* you to use the LCD menu to set for up or download. It's frustrating, because my altimeters are buried in my avionics bay, and with everything routed to a single control panel, it takes a fair bit of time to pull everything apart for a download or to change settings...

Len_Lekx on 06-07-2009 08:33 PM

#5 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Quote:

That is a nice size for a rocket 3" or up. Obviously not intended for small rockets, but that market is pretty well stocked these days.

The question I also have is about the setup of the altimeter. I usually prep my e bay hours or the night before, so it is closed up. Does the alt save the current program as the power on default if you power cycle it? Also, can I also program it through the USB port without having to open my ebay and use the joystick?

Mark

markkoelsch on 06-07-2009 08:48 PM

#6 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Quote:

You do not need use the board interface (joystick) to initiate a download to a connected PC.

Quote:

The question I also have is about the setup of the altimeter. I usually prep my e bay hours or the night before, so it is closed up. Does the alt save the current program as the power on default if you power cycle it? Also, can I also program it through the USB port without having to open my ebay and use the joystick?

On power-up the altimeter recalls the last configuration from NVM (non-volatile memory) from the last setup. In fact a power cycle is required to put the altimeter into launch mode from setup mode. (Because you most likely have to have electronics off until rocket is on the pad for most launches).

Currently event programming can only be done from the joystick. Based on these requests the next software release will allow programming from a connected PC.

--jd

jderimig on 06-07-2009 09:27 PM

#7 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

How easy is it to upgrade the firmware for new features etc? Can this be done by the user?

cheers

edit: Just to calrify can the user upload a vendor provided firmware update. Not can the user upload their own fimware.

Init 6 on 06-08-2009 01:17 PM

#8 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Quote:

Right now no. Future releases yes. We'll do a free like-for-like exchange if someones wants that feature in the future. Like all projects the hardware gets mature first while the supporting software lags a bit.

jderimig on 06-08-2009 01:56 PM

#9 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Just a FWIW - I had a chance to fly an alpha version of this altimeter, and it is very cool - easy to use, very fully featured, and robust. Can't wait to get my hands on one.

Best feature, IMO, is the ability to use virtually any initiator on the output channels without browning out the altimeter. It is VERY robust - it fired estes igniters without any problem - not that I'd ever use them, but I was wondering how much it could push. That was on a used, single 9v alkaline.

Kevin

Nesssalco on 06-08-2009 06:01 PM

#10 Re: Article: New 4-channel altimeter to make its debut at LDRS28

Quote:

Currently event programming can only be done from the joystick. Based on these requests the next software release will allow programming from a connected PC.

If you can get the software re-written in time for LDRS, I'll very likely pick one up.

Len_Lekx on 06-09-2009 09:33 PM

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