What is the Eggtimer Telemetry System?
The Eggtimer Telemetry System allows you to view real-time data from your Eggtimer altimeter while in flight, and it also gives you “historical” data such as apogee and maximum velocity. Data that you can view includes altitude, elapsed flight time, velocity, deployment channel status, and more.
Why do I need this?
Good question. How many times have you had a rocket go out of sight, and you didn’t know if the deployment events happened, or how fast it was descending under chutes? Just like “real” rockets, the Eggtimer Telemetry System will tell you what’s going on, so you know if your flight is nominal (or not…)
How is this different than GPS telemetry?
GPS tells you where your rocket is located, but generally doesn’t tell you very much about what your rocket is actually doing. The Eggtimer Telemetry System sends data to you directly from your Eggtimer altimeter, so you can view (or hear) pretty much the same data that it’s collecting in flight, while the flight is in progess.
What do I need to get started?
Assuming that you already have an Eggtimer altimeter (it’s supported on the Quark, Quantum, and Proton), you will need an Eggtimer Telemetry Module and an Eggfinder LCD receiver. The Eggtimer Telemetry Module (ETM) goes in your rocket and connects directly to the Eggtimer altimeter, using the altimeter’s power; it does not require a separate battery. The Eggtimer LCD receiver receives and decodes the telemetry data, and displays it on a 2-line LCD display. To have selected data (real-time altitude, apogee, deployment events) spoken, you’ll need the Eggtimer Voice Module add-on for your LCD receiver.
What is the range?
You can expect at least 30,000′ from the base system with the included wire antenna and the LCD receiver with its included external antenna, probably more. Chances are pretty good that you’ll run out of FAA ceiling before you run out of ETM range.
Do I need a license to use it?
The basic system is on the 900 MHz license-free band, similar to our Eggfinder GPS transmitters. If you have a Ham radio license, we offer a 70cm Ham version; you’ll get about twice the range vs. the 900 MHz license-free version… 50,000′ is a good bet, although we haven’t flown one that high yet.
How much does it cost?
The Eggtimer Telemetry Module transmitter is $20, the base Eggfinder LCD receiver is $55. The Eggfinder LCD receiver includes a 3dB external antenna. If you purchase both as a set, they’re $70; you get $5 off. 70cm versions include the antennas, so the ETM is $10 more ($30 for the ETM, $55 for the LCD receiver, $80 for the combo). The Eggtimer Voice Module add-on (for spoken voice telemetry) is $20.
I already have an Eggfinder GPS system, can I use it with the Eggtimer Telemetry System?
Yes, however the Eggfinder LCD receiver can only decode and display one type of data at a time, either GPS or ETM. If you want to use both the Eggfinder GPS and ETM, you’ll need a second Eggfinder LCD receiver for the ETM data. You do NOT need to purchase the GPS module for it, however… just the base Eggfinder LCD receiver is fine.
I live outside the USA, do you have international versions?
Yes, we have versions in different bands and frequency allocations to support the EU/UK, AUS/NZ, and most other countries.
What does the Eggtimer Voice Module Do?
The Eggtimer Voice Module (EVM) speaks out your apogee, deployment events, and other data (altimeter-dependent) in real time during your flight. It’s an add-on board for the Eggfinder LCD receiver, which you need anyway to decode the Eggtimer Telemetry data. You can use 3.5mm earbuds with it, or you can use a standard AUX cable and connect it to an amplified speaker or your car stereo. It also works with our GPS systems… if you have the Eggfinder LCD-GPS module in your LCD receiver, it will speak out where you need to go to retrieve your rocket. It’s very handy for those long recoveries in rugged terrain… plug it into your vehicle’s stereo, and you can concentrate on where you’re going instead of looking down at a display all the time.