Water Rocket Forum

Original:
25 grams 54x66x19 mm (will fit in 54mm dia tube) Miniature:
17 grams 58x24x17 mm (will fit in 27mm dia tube) Room for improvement:
-A smaller, lighter piezo element.
-A custom PCB allowing for a smaller/lighter footprint.
-SMT components would allow for additional space/lighter overall weight.
-SPST switches.

Okay, I have some questions about the design:
1. Is the MSP430 really optional? If it is, then what is its purpose?
2. Can the servo be removed? Can this masterpiece be an altimeter-only?

Alien Space Agency wrote:Okay, I have some questions about the design:
1. Is the MSP430 really optional? If it is, then what is its purpose?
2. Can the servo be removed? Can this masterpiece be an altimeter-only?

No, the MSP430 is not optional. It is required for programming the IC. However once you've programmed the IC on the MSP430, you can remove the IC and plug it into the socket on the minimalist board. So, you need the MSP430, but can fly without it.

I believe the servo is optional and only necessary if you want to actuate something (parachute deploy typically) just after apogee.

Here is the link to the excellent build and programming instructions for the original version w/ MSP430:
http://www.uswaterrockets.com/documents ... manual.htm

-uberpixel

Just woke up from a five year nap and am ready to design and build a smd version of the ALTimeter. All smd components, and not using the SparkFun module, but the individual parts.

Thanks for sharing the detailed Altimeter instructions. This is pretty small, and could fit in just about any size rocket.