John Beans is working on a clever new gadget to give one the effect of having a dual deployment setup with a half-ounce device that holds on to the main parachute until a preset altitude, then lets it go to open. So far, it's called the Chute Release.

Here's a big thread on "the other forum" on it. http://www.rocketryforum.com/showth...ual-Deployment/

I had a chance to fly a prototype this past weekend. Results are in post 135 in that thread.

It's a pretty cool device, I have to say.

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Bernard Cawley
NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member
SAM 0061
AMA 42160
KG7AIE

Did I see an onboard camera in at least one of those pics? Flight video show anything cool?

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Charles McGonegal
Ciderwright
AEppelTreow Winery & Distillery
Ad Astra Tabernamque!

That's a Mobius Action Cam, yes. I was hoping to catch the Chute Release "in the act" but the Vagabond's body is stable enough with that weight forward that the camera was pretty much looking at the ground during the period shortly after the ejection charge fires until the 'chute actually opens. There are a few nice frames of ejection events - and one frame that's just full of flame from the CATO I wrote about. At some point I'm going to have to post a video or two.

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Bernard Cawley
NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member
SAM 0061
AMA 42160
KG7AIE

Chute Release will go on sale next week.

Cool, I have been following it's development, it's a really neat concept. I do believe I see one in my future.

Sounds great. The WAC launch tomorrow just got canceled (rain and wind forecast) so there will be plenty of time to get one before the next chance to fly.

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Bernard Cawley
NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member
SAM 0061
AMA 42160
KG7AIE

I think it is a great new product. I am still likely to get one, even though I have rolled my own non altimiter based version, sort of.

Working great so far.

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Tom Blakeney
NAR 52002 L1
AMA 28682
TRA 2150 (lapsed)

I like the simplicity of this concept for a rocket. His Altimeter Three product records flight and location data and connects with a smartphone of almost any flavor. I plan to buy some for our test site for folks to use.

Jerry

Interesting idea, but the price point is WAY above where I'd have to say "Sorry, I'll pass."

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Rich Holmes
Camillus, NY
Secretary / newsletter editor
Syracuse Rocket Club

http://richsrockets.wordpress.com

I just looked at the price. Shockingly high price IMHO.

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-Wolfram v. Kiparski
NAR 28643 - TRA 15520
MTMA Section #606 President