Rocket Electronics
New Zealand Sales Only - See vendor sites for international.
Freight from Altus Metrum was USD $ 46.75 =$ 77.26 (Credit card exchange rate .6051 on 2/1/2024 ). Rates have fluctuated significantly over the last year.
The prices below are based on a share of the freight less a discount. If the the item is in stock then the price will be correct. If not then it is dependent on the exchange rate and import costs.
High Resolution Data
Summary Flight data in metric and imperial measurements
Example 1/4 Patriot Board
EasyMini V3
Dual Deployment recording altimeter and flight computer
Fits inside a 24mm coupler tube, weight 6.5 grams. Board can be mounted on any axis. Dimensions mm 35mmx 20mm x 15mm
Data recording 100 Samples per second on ascent and 10 per second on descent.
3.7-12 Volt LIPO or 9V battery required. 160 or 450mah lipo recommended. Board has separate battery and switch circuits.
On-board USB interface, connect direct to Windows, Linux and Apple computers.
Uses free AltOS software for configuration and analysis of flight data.
Download and clear data after 1-2 launches.
3 units available NZ$ 143.99 saving NZ $ 72.38 off a one off purchase at .586 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland. Excludes NZ Courier.
Note: The equivalent older technology RRC3 altimeter sold in NZ costs $ 187 + $ 76 for the USB interface total $ 263.
Altus Metrum
Prices listed include a share of the shipping to NZ. NZRA members can collect at launch days.
MicroPeak Altimeter
MicroPeak is a Barometric logging altimeter for precision model rocketry altitude measurements, that weighs less than 2 grams including the battery!
Requires a MicroPeak USB interface to read the data which is sold in the combo option below. Pressure samples every 96ms. Data is recorded at 5 samples per second. for 48 seconds. The free MicroPeak Windows, Mac and Linux software displays the flight graph and statistics to a higher level of detail and accuracy than other options.
Boost detect is 30m altitude change within 5 seconds starts the recoding.
A MicroPeak will fit into an 18mm BT20 nosecone and is a 5th of the weight of the Jolly Logic 2 which only records summary data.
Altimeter dimensions Board dimensions 18mm x 14mm x 6mm
CR1025 button battery included. Approximately 40hr battery life. It pays to keep one spare. Replacement CR1025 button batteries (30mah) available here. Simpower
2 in stock at $ 61.75 saving $85.46 off a one off online purchase including US freight at .586 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland. Excludes NZ Courier.
Read the manual carefully before flying. Out on the pad you have 30 seconds after switching on load the alt, insert nosecone and load onto the launch rod. If you do that it will record reliably. All altimeter sensors need to be protected from sunlight and ejection gasses.
MicroPeak Alt Combo
1) See details for MicroPeak Altimeter above. Barometric logging altimeter for precision model rocketry altitude measurements, that weighs less than 2 grams including the battery!
2) USB Interface. The circuit board is in a plastic box with a hole aligned for easy use... just stick the LED on MicroPeak into the hole and you can expect perfect downloads every time!
1 in stock NZ $ 143.13 Saving $ 73.24 off a one off online purchase with US freight at .586 NZD-USD. Collect Auckland. Excludes NZ Courier.
EasyTimer
EasyTimer is a low-cost alternative to flight computers whilst retaining the safety aspects of gyro based tilt-limiting. Ideal for projects that require staging or air starts.
Fits in 24mm coupler tube. Weight 6.5 Grams. Board must aligned with flight axis.
Data recording 100 Samples per second on ascent and 10 per second on descent
Two programmable timer-based pyro channels with tilt limits.
3.7-12 Volt LIPO or 9V battery required. 160 or 450mah lipo recommended.
Board has separate battery and switch circuits.
The same Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) and tilt detection of the Telemetrum' and Telemega
Uses free AltOS software for configuration and analysis of flight data.
Dimensions mm 35x 20 x 15
Estimate NZ $ 147.98 saving $ 68.39 off a one off online purchase with freight at a .586 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland. Excludes NZ Courier.
Altus Metrum Tele products (Telemini, Telemetrum, TeleGPS, TeleMega)
These products include a 70cm two way radio system and require a 70cm groundstation.
The transmissions are received vai a TeleBT 70cm radio groundstation that can be connected direct to a Winodws or Apple laptop to run Altus OS or via bluetooth to an android or apple phone or tablet to run Altus Droid.
The mobile software applications AltusDroid allow you to
Check battery, ignitor, GPS and RSSI status on the pad
Monitor the live downlink during the flight with the speaker annoncing speed altitude and appogee on boost and landing direction and altitude during descent
Recover the rocket with using direction guidance based on your direction and heading and show the position of the rocket on google maps which can be downloaded pre-flight for the area you are flying in.
Automatically saves the telemetry data that you can download and analyse later.
Boot the flight computer in monitor mode and then re-boot before flight into flight mode.
Carry out ignitor tests in monitor mode
View summary flight statistics
Altus Droid is available from
The desktop applications allow you to
Configure your flight computer via radio telemetry
Download and graph your data
Replay a flight
Upgrade flight computer firmware
Save and export flight data
All Altus Metrum Tele products other than the Telemini can be configured via USB. The Telemini is configured via radio to minimise the size and weight.
All Tele products can have their 70cm transitions tracked using a directional antenna. This is particularly useful when a rocket is hidden in crops where yagi directional antenna can help pinpoint it's position as the last GPS transmission ( transmitted every 1-2 seconds) before it entered the crops could be many meters away.
Batteries: Please note that this board requires a 1S LiPo battery with appropriate JST connector for operation. To ensure proper voltage and polarity, and to avoid unexpected resets during pyro events, we strongly suggest you buy an Altus Metrum battery for use with TeleMega or Telemetrum as they have had the overload protection board removed so that they will not cut out if they experience un-usually high resistance from the ignitor.
TeleMini V3
Compact recording altimeter and flight computer with 70cm band live down link .
16cm antenna soldered to the board. Total length 20.5cm.
Dual Deployment up to 100,000ft
10 samples per second downloaded via a ground station only as there is no room onboard for a USB interface.
Radio Beacon Tracking for recovery
Power input single cell 3.7v lipo 120mah - 850mah, battery not included.
A TeleBT ground station is required to communicate with this altimeter (see below). Alternatively check if your local rocketry club members can set it up and track it for you. At NZRA we have three members who have purchased the TeleMini flight computers thata re supported by other members to track their rockets and download the data.
Uses the free AltOS software for configuration, analysing flight data, live flight voice announcements of altitude, apogee, main and landing.
This unit is too small for a GPS receiver. To track the radio beacon you will need a 70cm Radio and Yagi antenna. A number of NZRA members have this equipment and can assist with tracking.
Fits 18mm coupler tube.
Wire antenna included. Your choice of single cell lithium battery with overload protection removed not included.
Available to order estimated NZ $ 257.73 saving $ 85.68 vs a one off purchase at .586 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland.
TeleMetrum v3.0
Recording altimeter and flight computer with 70cm band downlink and GPS
Fits 29mm airframe tube. Board must aligned with flight axis with antenna either up or down. Weight 21 Grams.
Power input is exclusively 3.7v single cell lipo 160mah to 850mah, battery not included.
Separate Battery and Switch Circuits
Dual Deployment up to 100,000ft and 4 additional pyro events
Data recording 100 Samples per second on ascent and 10 per second on descent
On-board USB interface, connect direct to Windows, Linux and Apple computers
Uses free AltOS software for configuration and analysis of flight data.
1 axis accelerometer
GPS Receiver for live position and easy recovery
Beacon tracking helps with locating rocket in crops
USB Interface
Dimensions mm 27 x 70 x 16
Wire antenna included. Your choice of single cell lithium battery with overload protection removed not included.
Configuration and downloading of data can be done via USB connection. Check if your rocketry club has members who can set it up and track it for you. Otherwise you will need a TeleBT to communicate with your altimeter out on the range (see below). The TeleBT can communicate via bluetooth with a smart phone or to Windows, Linux or Apple computers. TeleBT can be plugged into a computer via USB. The computers use the free AltOS software for analysing flight data, live flight voice announcements of altitude, apogee and main events and landing. Android phones use the free AltusDroid software. Paid software is available for Apple smart phones.
Available to order. Estimated NZ$ 517.80 Saving $ 78.37 off a one off online purchase with freight at .586 0NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland.
TeleMega v6
AltusMetrum's top of the line recording altimeter and flight computer with 70cm band downlink and GPS
Fits 38mm coupler. Board must aligned with flight axis.
Power input 3.7v Lipo of your choice, battery not included.
Separate Battery and Switch Circuits
Dual Deployment up to 100,000ft and 4 additional pyro events
Uses free AltOS software for configuration and analysing flight data.
On-board USB interface, connect direct to Windows, Linux and Apple computers
3-Axis accelerometer, gyros and magnetic sensor, servo drivers
GPS Receiver for live position and easy recovery
Beacon tracking helps with locating rocket in crops
On Board Lipo Battery Charger
USB Interface
Wire antenna included. Your choice of single cell lithium battery with overload protection removed not included.
Configuration and downloading of data can be done via USB connection. Check if your rocketry club has members who can set it up and track it for you. Otherwise you will need either a TeleBT to communicate with your altimeter (see below). The ground stations use free AltOS software for analysing flight data, live flight voice announcements of altitude, apogee and main events and landing. The ground station can also be used for ground testing ejection charges.
Available to order. Estimated NZ$ 646.75 Saving $ 121.36 off a one off online purchase with freight at .586 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland.
TeleBT
70cm band radio transmitter, receiver and ground station (no Ham licence required in NZ)
Will communicate with any transmitting flight computer or tracker in the Altus Metrum range.
Excludes antenna. Includes single cell lithium battery.
1 available in New Zealand for NZ$ 250.14 Estimated $ 85.46 Saving off a one off online purchase with freight at .586 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland.
Note: The Altus Metrum Teledongle that was the alternate ground station option is no longer available leaving the TeleBT as the only option. The good news is you can plug the TeleBT into a USB port on your laptop or computer and run without Bluetooth.
EasyMega
High-end recording altimeter and flight computer with 6 pyro channels, tilt limits, etc. The design is essentially identical to TeleMega 4, but without the GPS receiver and radio telemetry link.
Fits 38mm coupler. 14 grams. Board must aligned with flight axis.
Data recording 100 Samples per second on ascent and 10 per second on descent
Power input 3.7v single cell lipo 160mah to 850mah, battery not included.
Separate Battery and Switch Circuits
Uses free AltOS software for configuration and analysis of flight data.
Dimensions mm 57 x 33 x 12
Wire antenna included. Your choice of single cell lithium battery with overload protection removed not included.
Available to order. Estimate NZ$ 481.61 Saving $ 85.46 off a one off online purchase with freight at .858 NZD-USD card conversion. Collect Auckland.
Perfect Flight (Not Altus Metrum)
PefectFlite Stratologger CF
The StratoLoggerCF from PerfectFlite is ideal for people who want a simple altimeter they can fly without needing a computer to program the main altitude or read the flights maximum velocity and altitude. They are very robust and I have never known one fail. Programming is via a button on the board. The Stratologger reports battery voltage and main altitude on the pad and maximum velocity and peak altitude audibly on landing. It's ideal as a backup altimeter in a redundant deployment system. Collect Auckland or NZRA launch. Excludes NZ Courier.
Requires a 4-16 volt battery not included. No USB connection. Requires a separate custom data cable to download the data. (A few NZRA members can download for you)
A USB
Unavailable from Perfectflight. Last stock NZ$ 148.94 saving $ 32.00 off a one off purchase from PerfectFlite
Altus Metrum Batteries (Reversed polarity and peak load protection removed )
Altus Metrum Supplied 160mah Battery 4.7 Grams (overload protection removed)
$ 16
Altus Metrum Supplied400mah Battery $ 20 (overload protection removed)
Accessories
Email me a list of accessories and I will check stocks and send a Paypal invoice.
TeleBT Mounting Bracket
$ 4.00
ASA UV Resistant 3D Printed Part
9v Battery Clip
$ 1.00
Charge batteries on site with using a portable powerbank and a USB Lipo charger with connections reversed for charging of Telemetrum batteries.
Altus Metrup Supplied USB Lipo Charger $ 38 including freight share.
Nylon Altimeter Mounting Hardware Set of 12 m3 x 10mm nylon 'shock protection' parts, $ 3
USB Battery Meter with patch cable reversing polarity for Altus Metrum
$ 15
Terminal Block
$ 1
Terminal Block.
Suits 3mm SS mounting screws.
3.5mm
Quick Link $ 2 Each
Stainless Steel. Shock cord quick links for 1/4 Patriot and up to J motor <5gk rockets.
Remove Before Flight Flag and Fibreglass Rod. (You round the ends on the rod and drill a hole for the keyring)
6mm X 10cm $ 4
China NA-771 Dual Band Antenna 144/430 38cm long
$ 12
2 x Male and 2 x Female Quick connector $1. Ejection charge and electronic bay cable.
Delrin 1010 Rail Buttons and countersunk screw
$ 8 pair
SMA to BNC Pigtail 32cm $ 5
SMA Antenna 32cm $ 5
G10 Fibreglass Plate $ 13
Boards 1 mm 300mm x 170mm .
G10 Fibreglass Plate $ 19
Boards 1.5mm 235 x 235mm .
G10 Fibreglass Plate $ 17
Boards 2 mm 300mm x 170mm
Building a Better Ebay
Many good ideas here to consider when designing your ebay and flying GPS flight computers with radio ground links.
Protecting Your Altimeter
Altimeter boards are built as light and compact as possible for rocketry and have no protective case to mechanically attached the USB connector to the case so it's soldered directly onto the altimeter board. Take care to wiggle the USB cable into and out of the socket to ensure that it does not separate from the board. Most USB cables have spikes to stop the cable falling out of a phone. These spikes can catch and stress the USB connector. You can snip off the spikes with a pair of electronic snips.
Altus Metrum batteries have the battery overload protection remoted using this method. If you don't remove the overload protection there is a risk that the ignitors fail to fire. https://altusmetrum.org/Documents/FixBattery/
Use a watchmaker's screwdriver to ensure that you do not damage the terminal block by overtightening the screws. Don't leave the screw up after removing a cable as the screw could fall out and there are no spares.
I recommend lightly tinning the end of your wires with solder. The solder squashes a bit giving extra bite and the wires do not get damaged or frayed with repeated connecting and disconnecting. Tinning is not recommended by electricians for permanent installations because it's soft but it works well here.
Altimeters sense the altitude via a gel membrane covered sensor that is calibrated to sense minute pressure differences. Pressure sensors in all brands of altimeters can be damaged by UV, shock ,heat and excessive high or low pressure.
Do not leave an altimeter in a closed car in the summer as the excessive heat can damage the sensor. Closed cars can exceed 53c (127f) on a sunny day.
Try to avoid driving at highway speeds with the car windows open as in some cars this can produce excessive pressure fluctuations and stress the sensor.
If you are not using a fibreglass or carbon airframe then it's easy for the black powder explosion to force gasses into the altimeter bay. I have seen pressure sensors damaged in this way multiple times. Pressure sensors can be replaced by the manufacturer but return shipping to USA and repair cost can be half the cost of a new board. You can test the seal on your altimeter bay by removing the altimeter, sealing up any cable holes and all but one static port with heavy tape. Blow hard into the remaining static port and see if there are any air leaks.
If you are using stepped bulkhead plates on the altimeter bay you can create a silicon gasket by cleaning the step between the two bulkhead plates with acetone and painting on a thin layer of silicon and letting that dry overnight to act as a gasket to seal the bay. It's important to screw the bay connecting rods tight to keep a tension on the alt bay to resist the explosive force of the ejection charges.
All altimeter boards are tested by the manufacture before shipping. Most flight computers also do a self test when starting up to ensure that the pressure sensor is operating. There is no need to artificially test your altimeter by 'simulating' low pressure and it's possible to damage your pressure sensor by using a vacuum to suck the air out of your test container exceeding the negative pressure limits. If you think you may have damaged your altimeter you can test it by sending it up in a friends rocket and check the flight data.
Take care that your Lipo battery does not have short circuit protection built in. If it does the battery may sense a short circuit and cut out instead of firing your ignitor. The AM batteries do not have short circuit protection.
Off the shelf batteries typically have reverse polarity to the Altus Metrum batteries so you need to switch the wires around in the plug.
Altimeter boards typically do not have reverse polarity protection so wiring the power wrong can result in an expensive puff of smoke.
The MicroPeak can be flown in the airframe of a black powder rocket as long as there is plenty of wadding and the altimeter is at the top of the airframe above the parachute and the nosecone is loose enough to push off when the ejection charge goes off.
As you can imagine black powder explosions, corrosive gasses and high G shocks are dangerous for electronics.
Warranty claims are subject to use and inspection by the USA manufacturer. Reversing polarity on a battery can destroy altimeter components on initial testing. With the USA return freight costing NZ 160+ it pays to protect your altimeter.