Hi
I am looking to get a better understanding of how robust my
TM-groundstation link will be in some scenarios.
Its only with the TM in flight mode that i am concerned with...
The only way you can tell if you have lost contact with the TM in flight is
to observe that nothing is updating on the altosui screen?
If the signal is lost for a while (e.g. forgot to man the the yagi) and
then comes back (e.g. remembered to point the yagi) the screen will then
start updating again?
If you accidentally pull out the usb cable to the teledongle while the TM
is in flight can you reconnect to the teledongle and resume receiving
packets from the TM?
If you close down and restart the altosui software while the TM is in
flight can you reconnect to the teledongle and resume receiving packets
from the TM?
If you lose signal from the TM (e.g. it lands over a hill) and you go
looking for it with the altosui/teledongle will you start getting packet
updates when the signal is re-acquired?
Does the TM send its RDF tone in all states?
Any info much appreciated!
Geoff
I just got a new Gateway Notebook LT40 running Windows 7 Starter.
Installed Firefox.
The computer properties say it's system type is "32-bit Operating System"
Tried running the Altos-Windows-1-0-3.exe and after the
window "Altus Metrum Windows Software used Java 1.6 32-bit, it will now be
downloaded and installed" and get another window "Download failed: /TIMEOUT=30000"
Installed Java v7 update 5 from Java website
Still same problem.
Do I need to upgrade to something more than Windows 7 Starter or do something else?
thanks
Brian
Does any one use the Q2G2 ignitors for ejection charges?
I am down to two ematches and ordered some Q2G2 in hopes of using them for a
few flights this Sunday.
Hopefully I can get them by Saturday afternoon for a bench test.
Second, is the antenna.?
There are a few ways I can think of doing this. Some may be better than
others, but all have problems as I would see it.
My avionics bay is only 7in.
1. is it best to mount the altimeter the furthest aft I can, and bend
the antenna at the top.
Would protruding the forward bulkhead and allowing the antenna the extra 2"
enhance the link.?
My thoughts here, are that just bending the antenna, would be best, so that
it isn't damaged. I usually pack dog barf, a quick link, and a hefty 2 gram
FFFFG charge. *54mm*
I don't think protruding into the payload bay would assist in any way as the
packing of the materials would bend the antenna.
2. Mount the altimeter as far forward as possible. This would allow the
full length of the antenna to be above the bulkhead.
I think this would provide the best wiring setup, but again has the draw
backs of having the antenna in an active area, not safely in the av bay.
In the future, I can just make a longer e-bay. But this is a retrofit, to
lighten up my sons rocket, and use the stock coupler tube.
I welcome any comments.
Writing this, I think one of those clear poly antenna tubes from the RC toys
may be the ticket. I can even put a dap of epoxy on the end to seal it off.
Do the farthest back thing, and a short protrusion with the antenna tube.
Thanks,
Clay
We have very successfully used both Q2G2 ingniters and small
incandescent Christmas tree light bulb filaments with our Altusmetrum
altimeter. With the easy availability of Quest igniters, we don't even
try to keep electric matches around anymore. It is the wrong season to
go find any of the Christmas tree lights, but if you or someone you know
has some in the attic, they are a quick and easy solution. Just break
off the tip (I use a Dremel cut off tool to make it nice, but pliers
will do), fill the remainder with black powder and insert into your
usual ejection charge holder. We use independent, disposable plastic
vials for our ejection charges, so it is easy to cut a hole in the
bottom and hot glue what remains of the light bulb into the vial.
Should also work similarly with the black powder in plastic baggie
approach. The telemetrum allows you to test the ejection charge on the
ground via radio link.
-Dan & Magda
