Missile Works - RRC2 (Rocket Recovery Controller) {Accessory}

Missile Works RRC2 (Rocket Recovery Controller)

Missile Works - RRC2 (Rocket Recovery Controller) {Accessory}

Contributed by Al Casper

Manufacturer:

Missile Works

Missile Works - RRC² review is provided courtesy of:

Missile Works Rocket Recovery Controller

Features, Setup, Operation and Evaluation

By: Al Casper

The Missile Works RRC2 altimeter is one of the most attractively priced units available to the high power rocket community; my unit was under $100 including shipping. The size (Fig-1), simplicity, features and price contributed to my decision to purchase the RRC2; however reading through the very well done manual convinced me to place an order. The complete RRC2 manual is available via downloading from the Missile Works web site.

I placed my order through the Missile Works on line store and received it in less than a week. The RRC2 is a well thought out quality product. The unit is a bit longer than I had anticipated, which ruled out it’s use in one of our rockets. The large screw terminals are easy to use and any small screw driver should fit. The onboard battery has a clip to make sure it stays where it belongs. A piezo beeper, LED and five dip switches allow you to communicate with the RRC2.

The RRC2 has all the basic functions you would expect from a reasonably priced altimeter; mach delay setting of four or eight seconds, standard dual deployment with apogee and main chute deployment at 300, 500, 800, or 1000 feet; and a redundant apogee mode which fires the main chute (J2) one second after the apogee chute (J1). This gives you a backup on your rockets not using dual deployment.

A fresh 9 volt battery is always recommended for use with altimeters or timers to assure the flashbulb or electric match fires, but how do you know the state of your battery? The manual explains the use of a multimeter with a 10 amp DC current measurement. An analog multimeter will work best, my digital meter was not able to perform the test properly. They recommend a current reading of at least two amps when the leads of the meter are connected to the battery; I prefer at least a five amp reading. Make the measurement quickly; the test is almost the equivalent of shorting out the battery. Check brand new batteries too, they're not always as fresh as you would think.

Before using the altimeter, thoroughly read the manual to become familiar with all the functions of the RRC2. Knowing your equipment inside and out comes in handy when your out at the pad; your mind has a way of blanking out just when you need it most, before the launch. Take time to run through the on board diagnostics and fire off a couple flashbulbs or electric matches.

I cut a section of 38mm motor mount tubing one inch longer than the RRC2 and put four 3/8 inch holes in it (Fig-2). Each end is plugged with 1/2 inch thick foam pads to help protect the unit. I simply place this tube in the rocket. The manual gives guidelines for the required static pressure ports which you will need to drill in your airframe. All my larger rockets have an access door to the electronics bay. I have found this to be the only easy method of arming the electronics at the pad. I have done away with external switches or safety pull plugs; switches can shift from the forces of the rocket; the sockets for safety plugs are usually of poor quality. When I prep the rocket (away from the pad), I first check the continuity of the flashbulbs or electric matches for open or short state; I then connect two wires to the connections for the on off switch and connect the flashbulb charges to the RRC2 and power it up by twisting the two wires together (Fig-2). After the RRC2 goes through a fifteen second self test it will beep out it’s status; one beep if only the apogee (J1) is connected. Two beeps for the main chute (J2); and three beeps if both functions are to be used. Assuming the unit is giving you the correct message, separate the wires and put tape on the exposed ends. When you get to the pad, simply reconnect the wires and tape them together, wait for the self test and double check that you hear the correct number of beeps; close the door, and it’s ready.

My RRC2 has performed flawlessly, I have used it for several dual deployment flights (Fig-3) with the main deployments set at 500 or 800 feet. I also have used motor ejection for the apogee and the RRC2 to fire a second or backup chute at 500 or 800 feet. If the design of you rocket permits, you could use the RRC2 for apogee only and use the motor with a longer delay as a backup. When you recover your rocket, the RRC2 will be announcing the altitude via the beeper.

The RRC2 may be missing a few bells and whistles of other more expensive altimeters, however the performance and value make it great buy.

Other Reviews

Missile Works RRC2 (Rocket Recovery Controller) By Nick Esselman
The Missile Works RRC² (Rocket Recovery Controller) was my introduction into electronic deployment. The cost of the unit and the programmability are what drew me to the product. That introduction, though, has been excitingly frustrating due to my own mistakes. However, the product is proving to be a success despite my influence. The RRC² is 5.9" x 1.3" which allows it to fit ...

Comments:

R.A.F. (October 1, 2000)

You have to be careful using it in hybrid rockets that vent to the atmosphere, Rattworks and Hypertek. The RRC2 is barometric arming, and it uses a historical barometer First In First Out buffer for determining launch. There is no G-switch. So if the tube and/or altimeter bay is pressurized by the N2O vent and it bleeds off it will fire the deployment charge. The unit is pretty sensitive so it doesn't take much pressure to do the deed. Happened to me last launch, I was filling the nitrous tank on the motor and the vent was cocked a bit. Some snuck into the airframe and triggered the baro unit. Bloop .... and the nosecone and chutes were on the ground in a pile. This failure is pilot error and not a fault of the unit itself. Other than that, it's robust, relatively inexpensive, fairly compact, and a no-brainer to use successfully. The review from the guy who hasn't used it successfully is kind of off-putting. Wasn't there someone out in rocketland that had used if 50 times with only a couple of glitches rather than being 0 for 4?

T.E. (April 1, 2001)

I have the PML Co-Pilot version of the altimeter and it works great as well. Two perfect flights at Whitakers. One in a PML Nimbus and one in a modified VB38 Extreme. Very easy to use and seems to be very accurate. Both flight readings were within 150 ft of RocSim / Altmark predictions. Main deployment seemed to be right on the money on both flights.

W.G.K. (July 1, 2001)

If you are looking for a first altimeter, it is hard to beat the RRC2. It has screw down terminals, user selectable main deployment, audible status reporting, very thorough instruction manual. The battery holder works very nicely, and the altimeter board mounts easily. And the price is only $90, what a bargain!

J.J. (December 28, 2001)

I just wanted to say that I ordered a RRC2 (rocket recovery controller)on 12-19-01 and received it on 12-24-01. I opened it up as soon as it came and checked to see that it was in good condition, which it was. I read the directions about three - four times so that I would know them perfectly. After I read the directions I pulled out a few electric matches out so that I could test the unit. It worked great for the test. I have not yet tested the unit in a rocket, but I am planning on doing so very soon. I guess what I am getting to is this unit seems very simple to me (a 14 year old that has never used electronics in his rockets). I would really recommend this unit because of how easy it is to use and because of it's great price of around $90.00

S.D.H. (January 6, 2002)

I just ordered my second RRC2. I have been in rocketry for a little over a year and have only recently entered the electronic phase of the hobby. I met and talked with a couple of guys who were already into electronics and they recommended a couple of units and I picked the RRC2. The main reason I chose it was the audible arming verification it offers. In the instructions Jim kindly gives a formula for determining the vent hole sizes and when I figured it, I thought I had made a mistake because they seemed too small. I contacted Jim and got a prompt reply which verified the size that I arrived at. I have found that Jim offers the best in customer follow up and service. My unit has performed flawlessly and has given me complete confidence in electronic recovery. I now put an electronics bay in every rocket I construct. I like the idea of having two RRC2 units because it allows me to prepare a couple of rockets without having to launch and disassemble one in order to reinstall in another. I was so impressed with Jim and his electronics, I purchased a Digifire wireless launch controller and it also has performed flawlessly. If you're looking to get into electronics, and want a dependable unit that has some of the best illustrated instructions, along with the best customer service, I would contact one of Missle Works' dealers and make a purchase. You will be very pleased and cut a lot of time off of the electronic learning curve. No more chasing rockets for a mile on the high altitude flights is a great reward as well as watching your unit deploy it's second event close to the ground (which is easily programmable).

J.G. (March 4, 2004)

I got the Missileworks RRC2 for Christmas from my son. He noted that he ordered it late and got it right on time. And Missileworks actually saved him money on shipping. I have not put it in a rocket yet but have tested it with my home-made electric matches. These matches are made from Cat5 solid core wire and 30 gauge nichrome wire. They are dipped in home-made pyrogen made from black powder and nitrocellulose lacquer. The unit had no problem firing these in dual deploy configuration and also in redundant appogee mode. My ignitors typically read 1.4 ohm approx. I wanted to make sure that when I use it, the unit will function properly. At my work I am regularly involved in quality control. Say a raked it over the coals so to speak. The unit performed flawlessly on Duracell #1. It fired 14 ignitors without fail. I let the battery sit about a week and it lit ignitor #1 then it failed to light ignitor #2. (Mains) I checked battery with a digital multimeter. It dropped below 5 amps in 2 seconds. I replaced the battery and tried again. I used another 10 ignitors without fail and have officially certified this unit A1 ready for launch! Make sure you use a new battery! The instructions are great except make sure you do not use the 2 amp battery draw standard stated or you are asking for trouble. Insure you have over 5 amps. I have also purchased the Pet2 timer and had similar results with my testing regime. Both units have excellent construction and will be VERY high over Pennsylvania next week! Overall rating 5 of 5!

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