From da80f1499c90e5cd755f0fe5f0a9912b31413b3f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Bdale Garbee Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:07:06 -0600 Subject: [PATCH 1/1] cool new feature deserves mention! --- .../posts/Igniter_Continuity_over_Radio.mdwn | 31 +++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 31 insertions(+) create mode 100644 bdale/blog/posts/Igniter_Continuity_over_Radio.mdwn diff --git a/bdale/blog/posts/Igniter_Continuity_over_Radio.mdwn b/bdale/blog/posts/Igniter_Continuity_over_Radio.mdwn new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a41d0e9 --- /dev/null +++ b/bdale/blog/posts/Igniter_Continuity_over_Radio.mdwn @@ -0,0 +1,31 @@ +[[!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... -- 2.30.2