AboutJames Bell Expertise I am a member of Tripoli Rocketry Association, and am certified to fly hi power rockets. I can answer questions anyone may have about design, materials selection, stability calculations, motor selection, altitude and performance predictions, and parachute and recovery options.
Experience I make my rockets from existing kits or parts readily made through commercial channels. I do NOT make my own motor propellants (they are challenging enough even for the companies that do this for a living), and I do not advocate making rockets using "typical household item" such as paper towel rolls.
I'm planning on getting my level 3 cert bit later this year,what is the most cost effective way of tracking the rocket without gps telemetry ect.
i have had this kind of smoke module made wich gets actuated as soon as the parrachute get popped out.
the smoke module is built into the piston wich protects the chutes from the hot BP gasses.
The question is do you think that my system will work for keeping track of the rocket till touch down ...its basicly tthe same as putting two cold smoke granades in with each chute
Regards
donovan
Answer Donovan -
I really can't speculate on how well your smoking tracker might work. The design looks sturdy, but it's hard to tell how well it might work without actually seeing the device being tested or in action. On my rockets, I utilize an altimeter that fires two deployment charges. The first breaks the rocket in two at apogee. This destroys it's aerodynamics so it tumbles straight down. A second charge fires when the rocket is only 250 feet above the ground. At that low altitude, it won't drift too far. It makes recovery SO easy.
I have a single altimeter that cost me a little over $100 from Adept Rocketry (www.adeptrocketry.com). The device has the ability to fire two deployment charges and also reports the maximum altitude reached by the rocket. You may find that a better alternative than a smoke device.
Given the amount of money you will be spending on your Level III project, adding electronics is a really economical way add reliability to your rocket. I made a harness that was removable so I could have just one altimeter that I could quickly move from rocket to rocket. No need to get an altimeter for each vehicle.
Adept also has tracking and location devices. They are an outstanding company with a great number of electronics to solve a number of problems.
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