cool new feature deserves mention!

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+[[!tag tags/rockets]]
+[[!tag tags/hamradio]]
+When [Keith](http://keithp.org) and I released a new version of
+[AltOS](http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS/), the open source firmware and
+software system associated with our [Altus Metrum](http://altusmetrum.org/) 
+hobby rocket avionics systems last week, we forgot to mention one small but 
+really neat new feature Keith spontaneously added a few months ago.  When a 
+rocket is on the rail waiting to launch, we now beep out the igniter 
+continuity status over the radio link instead of just sending periodic 
+audio beeps.
+
+This is particularly useful when flying 
+[TeleMini](http://altusmetrum.org/TeleMini), which is just too small to
+include an on-board beeper.  Previously, you had to check the ground station
+computer to see if the board powered up correctly and was ready to fly.  Now
+all you need is an HT tuned to the right frequency, which is easy to have in
+your pocket or clipped on your belt while preparing a rocket for flight!
+
+Son Robert and I made heavy use of this last weekend flying at the 
+[Tripoli Colorado](http://tripolicolorado.org) Fall Frenzy 2012 launch, where
+4 of our 5 flights were in TeleMini-equipped rockets set up for apogee-only 
+electronic recovery deployment with motor backup.  I also found it really
+handy when setting up [YikStik3](http://gag.com/rockets/airframes/YikStik3)
+on the flight line at 
+[Airfest 18](http://kloudbusters.org/airfest.html).  It was hard to 
+hear the altimeter beepers on the two 
+[TeleMetrum](http://altusmetrum.org/TeleMetrum) boards buried deep in the 
+airframe, but they were loud and clear through the HT in my back pocket!
+
+Thanks, Keith!  So much improvement in flight-line experience from so 
+little code...