WRA2 wrote:Hello,
Sorry about the delay but our hosting company decided to change the server our database was on (without telling us) and it took a day to get the forum back online.
To answer your questions,
1. The altimeter by US Water Rockets is a good question. When the rules were developed, this did not exist. Since that altimeter is built using "off the shelf" commercial products (the pressure sensor board and the TI Launchpad, we can assume some measure of accuracy as far as the hardware goes and each one will be using the same software makes it similar to a commercial altimeter and that it should be allowed. The original intent of the rule was to prevent each team from making a homemade altimeter using varied designs and accuracy levels. Does any other team object to allowing it to be used?
Although I would like the Launchpad Altimeter to be specifically allowed I believe additional verification should be required in order to maintain the friendly nature of competition here. Also, if it is to be allowed, the rules should be revised in order to avoid any ambiguity and to continue to promote fair competition.
I have built the TI Launchpad Altimeter following the instructions to the letter and had acceptable results when comparing it's reported altitude against the Estes peak altimeter so I had a measure of confidence in its accuracy. My main purpose in building it, however, was to have a reliable parachute deployment system. It did not fit in a standard FTC, though, so I built and ground tested an altimeter that uses the same altitude sensor and MSP430, but does away with the Launchpad board similar to the one posted here by Uberpixel.
http://www.wra2.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2805 I have not compared this second altimeter against a known standard and have no idea how it will perform, in terms of accuracy.
As to the hardware being identical, in principle this is true, though there is no quality control similar to mass produced hobby altimeters. Every build an individual makes is unique. I believe this does not meet the definition of "mass produced"
As to "...each one will be using the same software," the unscrupulous could easily load their own custom software in order to gain an unfair advantage.
I like the simple rules as they are. They are fair and uniform, promoting fun and fair competition.
I wish I had weighed in on this sooner, as there is a record submission in progress at this time and I only hope the best for them, however, at this time I do not support the use of the self-built Launchpad Altimeter for use in competition.
If it is to be allowed, then more discussion and verification is required.
Motorcyclepilot