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Peak of Flight Newsletter #445:

How to Select An Altimeter

Peak-of-Flight Newsletter Cover image

With the increasing number of altimeters available, it can be a daunting challenge for a new user to select one. In this article, we’ll try to simplify things to make it a little easier in the selection.

What makes selecting an altimeter difficult?

I think the main reason is there is a lot of misinformation that people have heard from other rocketeers. It isn't malicious. I believe it is the way people tune into and out of a conversation. Out of the corner of your ear, you may have caught only the word: “inaccurate.” Through no fault of your own, you somehow missed a key qualifier about what is inaccurate.

On top of that situation, altimeter technology is rapidly advancing. I've seen a manufacturer update an altimeter at least three times since it was originally released. The features it has now are different from when you first heard about it several years ago. 

Read the rest of this week's article.

Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page.

 

 

 

 

Check out the latest products to hit Apogee's shelves!

Shrockets Ibis
Ibis kit from Sprockets by Apogee

The Ibis model rocket is patterned after a luxury space liner. It is based on a 1.325" diameter tube, so it is a good size model that will impress those that see it launched. Comes with a resin tail cone, through-the-wall fins, a blow molded nose cone, and a lot of colorful self-adhesive vinyl decals.

Shrockets Johnny Star Commander
Johnny Star Commander kit from Sprockets by Apogee

The Johnny Star Commander model rocket is a sleek rocket with a futuristic look to it. The rocket is built around a 1.325 inch diameter tube so it has a nice size that is easy to see in a crowded launch range. Features through the wall fins, vinyl decals, laser cut fins and a through-the-wall body tube.

Shrockets Sea Sting
Ibis kit from Sprockets by Apogee

The Sea Sting model rocket is a futuristic missile with a naval theme from the mind of kit designer Shrox. It represents "what might be" in coastline defensive missiles. The kit is based on a 1.325-inch diameter tube, so it has nice size and great performance on low-cost rocket engines.

Transition
56mm to 66mm Tubes
ASP Sandia Sandhawk 13mm version

This transition section allows a BT-70 size tube to be mated on top of a BT-80 size tube. Can be used for the TARC 2017-2018 contest year. Lightweight and STRONG!

WAC Corporal from A.S.P.
Wac Corporal from A.S.P.This kit is an unusual looking scale model that flies on standard 18mm diameter motors. It features a balsa nose cone, laser-cut fins, and a lot of exciting surface details. Based on the first sounding rocket of the United States. 
Corporal from A.S.P.
Corporal Missile from A.S.P.This is a beautiful 1/31 scale replica of the Corporal rocket. It features a balsa nose cone, nose block and plywood fins. The paint scheme is really easy -- just paint it white and apply the water-slide decals.  This is a great first scale kit for someone that wants to make a model of a real rocket that was used by the U.S. Army.
Sonda II B from A.S.P.
Sonda II B rocket from A.S.P.

The Sonda II B is the largest of Brazil's series of the Sonda II sounding rockets. The Sonda was first flown during the early 1970s and continues in use today.

This is a 1/12th scale model of that rocket, and you'll find that it is an easy to build bird, and also to paint. It flies great on the standard 18mm rocket engines.

Sandia Sandhawk
(13mm Version)
ASP Sandia Sandhawk 13mm version

The Sandia Sandhawk was developed as an upper stage for sounding rocket systems. The Sandhawk flew three times as a single-stage rocket between 1966 and 1974. 

This 1/24th scale little rocket is so cute, you'll want to show it off to your friends. It features a balsa wood nose cone and coupler, and thin plywood fins. The rocket is special in that the main tube of the rocket is also the engine mount tube. This makes it a "minimum diameter rocket." Minimum diameter rockets are lighter weight and therefore fly a lot higher than other rockets. Because of this, the rocket uses a streamer instead of a parachute, so that it doesn't drift so far after its sky high flight.

Sandia Sandhawk
(29mm Version)
ASP Sandia Sandhawk 29mm version

This is a skinny rocket that uses thick-walled tubes. That means it can take those higher thrust rocket motors and still survive.

The rocket includes a small payload bay below the nose cone. It is the perfect size for an altimeter. And since the rocket is long and stable, it is also a great choice for a strap-on video camera

F-16 Rocket

F-16 rocket kit from Odd'l RocketsThe F-16 rocket kit from Centuri  was in production from 1976 to 1982. Back then, it had cardstock fins to make it less expensive. The new version from Odd'l Rockets has the same near-scale appearance as the original. It launches vertically and returns safely via parachute. Clean lines, super detail and authentic markings make the F-16 fighter a must for every rocketeer.

Skonk Wulf from Shrockets by Apogee
Shrox designed Skonk Wulf rocket kit

This rocket-powered fighter is what might have been developed in a parallel universe where the Allies lost World War II. It is a great example of retrofuturism from the creative mind of Shrox. The easy-to-build kit features through the wall fins, colorful self-adhesive vinyl decals, and a color plastic parachute. Flies on 24mm C, D, and E size rocket engines. 

Shrockets by Apogee are unique designs created by Shrox, and turned into a rocket kits by Apogee Components. The Skonk Wulf is the first of four models to be released.

Hobgolin from North Coast Rocketry
Hobgoblin Rocket Kit from NCR

The Hobgoblin, reminiscent of a popular “D” powered kit from years ago, is designed to be an easy to assemble kit that flys to spectacular altitudes. It is capable of flying to altitudes over 3,300 feet on an Aerotech G80 motor. Features through-the-wall fins and a thick-walled paper tube.

Customer Comments

“No matter how many times I call with questions, they're always friendly and helpful. They seem to do every thing they can to answer any questions you may have or solve any issues you may have with a product. Every one there seems to really love our hobby and make sure to help others enjoy it.”

Robert Veilleux

 
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Customer Comments

Parachute Design Contest

Do you have an exciting pattern you'd like to see printed on the next Apogee parachute? We're having a contest to get ideas, and we'd love to have your submission. If you win, you get bragging rights because your design will be on our chutes. And we'll send you a couple of chutes with your design on it. Submit as many designs as you want. Deadline is June 30, 2017. Go to: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Parachute-Design-Contest

 

Communication Coordinator - Do you know rockets? We mean, really know them well? And do you know how to connect with people and get them excited about rocketry?

This marketing postion requires a person that can come up with a lot of strategies and ideas on how to grow a business. Technical writing ability is essential and required too, as you'd have to produce innovative weekly newsletters and videos for our great customers.

Located in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Apogee Components is a fast-paced and innovative rocketry company that is a leader in rocket information and education. We're growing because we strive to have the products customers want, and ship them the same day. You'll enjoy being part of a small but close-knit and friendly team that pushes each other to be their best.

If you think this could be you and you want to get into the rocketry industry, contact Tim through our contact form on our web site. For additional information, see: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Company/Job_opportunities

 

Barks at Rockets

Have you seen "Barks At Rockets" yet? - The new hilariously funny comic strip by our graphic artist Chris Duran is released every Thursday on our Facebook page. Be sure to check it out and share it with your rocketry friends.

 
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If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site.

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Join UsWe're up to something nearly every day of the week on Facebook, and we'd love it you could join us. Facebook is where you can interact with other Apogee fans. Here is what we do on our Facebook page:

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Tuesday is Rocketry Share - sharing fun and informative space posts from other sites. 

Wednesday is "Newsletter Day" - We'll announce our newsletter for those who haven't subscribed (unlike you), and we'd love to hear your feedback on the video or newsletter. Join the conversation and share your rocketry knowledge.

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Saturday is "Launch Day" - We're out to launch... and we'd love to see a great photo of an Apogee product from one of your personal launches!