3 When [Keith](http://keithp.org) and I released a new version of
4 [AltOS](http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS/), the open source firmware and
5 software system associated with our [Altus Metrum](http://altusmetrum.org/)
6 hobby rocket avionics systems last week, we forgot to mention one small but
7 really neat new feature Keith spontaneously added a few months ago. When a
8 rocket is on the rail waiting to launch, we now beep out the igniter
9 continuity status over the radio link instead of just sending periodic
12 This is particularly useful when flying
13 [TeleMini](http://altusmetrum.org/TeleMini), which is just too small to
14 include an on-board beeper. Previously, you had to check the ground station
15 computer to see if the board powered up correctly and was ready to fly. Now
16 all you need is an HT tuned to the right frequency, which is easy to have in
17 your pocket or clipped on your belt while preparing a rocket for flight!
19 Son Robert and I made heavy use of this last weekend flying at the
20 [Tripoli Colorado](http://tripolicolorado.org) Fall Frenzy 2012 launch, where
21 4 of our 5 flights were in TeleMini-equipped rockets set up for apogee-only
22 electronic recovery deployment with motor backup. I also found it really
23 handy when setting up [YikStik3](http://gag.com/rockets/airframes/YikStik3)
25 [Airfest 18](http://kloudbusters.org/airfest.html). It was hard to
26 hear the altimeter beepers on the two
27 [TeleMetrum](http://altusmetrum.org/TeleMetrum) boards buried deep in the
28 airframe, but they were loud and clear through the HT in my back pocket!
30 Thanks, Keith! So much improvement in flight-line experience from so