Altimeter & arming switch advice

It's been quite on the forum lately. This should get things going a bit.

I'd like to get some advice and recommendations for an altimeter and arming switches.

I've just started building the Vindicator Jr and will follow it with the Dark Star 4", both dual deploy and both from Wildman Rocketry. This is my first foray into fiberglass kits and truly HP rockets. I presently have a Perfectflight HiAlt45K altimeter that I am happy with and have used it with the LOC Nuke ProMaxx and HotRod Rockets Buffalo. At this point, I've used the altimeter just to record altitude. I haven't used it yet for deployment. I do have an arming switch for both the Nuke and for the Buffalo. These were simple switches purchased from Radio Shack, one is mounted on the airframe and one is mounted on the altimeter bay sled.

My plan is to use both the Nuke and Buffalo to learn dual deploy before using it on either of the fiberglass kits. In the mean time, I can fly either the Vindicator or Dark Star single deploy. I just need to keep the altitude low. The Dark Star will eventually be used to obtain my L2 certification. (I received my L1 last summer with the Nuke.) When I do attempt my L2, I will want to use the Dark Star with a backup deployment system with a second altimeter of a different manufacturer.

So, I could use recommendations for an arming switch, method of mounting (i.e. internal or external) and recommendations for a second altimeter. Any other advice would be appreciated too.

Thanks.

Claude

I've used a few of these mounted in pretty much the same way as Boris does his:



I've got a couple of the Featherweight magnetic switches but haven't had a chance to try them yet.

I'll second the recommendation of the Raven.

If you want something simpler and less expensive try the Adept 22 .

Thanks Boris and Bill.

This gives me a good start. I'll probably try a couple of different switches on the Nuke and Buffalo and decide which one I like best before installation into the fiber glass rockets. I won't actually need a second altimeter until next year. So that can wait.

Claude

Right now my idea is to have full redundancy for the 4" Dark Star (method 2). I know that it is not required, but it will be fun to learn and I would hate to loose such a big rocket.

As I make my way through dual deploy, I'm sure I'll have questions for you and the rest. So stay tuned. My next step is to do some ground testing of apogee ejection this spring with both the Nuke and Buffalo. Then follow that with flights of both rockets with single ejection and motor backup (method 1).

Thanks.

Claude