Flux Capaciter FAQ 10/00
  1. What is the Flux Capaciter?

    It is a new type of rocket apogee detector that senses the Earth's magnetic field.
    When tip-over at apogee occurs, the first channel is fired. An adjustable timer is
    used for main.


  2. Does it measure altitude?

    No, only recovery functions are provided. It can be flown with a peak reading
    altimeter, like the Transolve P1, with one 9V battery powering both!


  3. Why should I use the Flux Capaciter for back-up?

    Altimeters from any company have been known to fail for various reasons:

    1. Forgetting to turn on.
    2. Battery failure.
    3. Bad flashbulb / match.
    4. Incorrect Supersonic Inhibit Delay.
    5. Inproper acceleration profile (can prevent accel unit arming).
    6. Microprocessor reboot. (RF from xmtr can affect).
    7. Computer crash at apogee due to power supply droop.
    8. Wiring problems.
    9. Venting / pressure equalization problems.
    10. Ejection charge pressure leak to altimeter bay.



    The Flux Capaciter has a G-switch which actually turns the power on at take-off.
    A Safety Timer that is independent of the computer ensures apogee firing.

  4. Why is there no power switch?

    Auto-power on circuitry is employed to eliminate the need to mount or activate a power
    switch. By eliminating this possible failure point, reliability is improved. After main firing, the power is automatically shut off. Auto-power on/off extends the battery life.


  5. What about safety?

    It is safe to connect the outputs with the battery in. Arming will not occur due to normal
    handling of the rocket, or horizontal positioning. The G-switch is filtered at 2.1G for 0.2 sec. Vigorous shaking may arm it, however. Pushing the test button, putting your fingers
    on the pcb traces, or static discharge can also cause arming (don't handle nylon parachutes around it!). You can use a DPDT slide switch to disable the outputs, if desired (use switch to OPEN circuit, not short). IF THIS SWITCH IS ADDED, YOU
    MUST REMEMBER TO ARM IT ON THE PAD!!!!!

    IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO LET UNIT SIT WITH THE POWER OFF FOR 2
    MINUTES OR MORE AFTER TESTING, BEFORE LAUNCHING. THE LONGER, THE BETTER....the capaciters must discharge before launch, to ensure proper operation.


  6. Doesn't leaving the battery in run it down?

    No, the standby drain is only microamps. When the power is on, about 20mA is drawn
    from the battery. Use alkaline, or fully charged NICAD.


  7. What about metal parts on my rocket?

    It is best to use non-ferrous metals like brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. Screw-eyes,
    threaded rods, etc. made of steel, can distort the magnetic field lines. Steel parts mounted in the indicated "sense path" WILL CERTAINLY DISRUPT the operation.
    Tilt-testing will reveal problem areas. Remember that there are many non-metallic
    materials you can use: fiberglass, carbon-graphite, kevlar, kapton, nylon, wood, etc.
    It is OK to use 4-40 steel screws to mount the board (use the supplied nylon spacers).


  8. Is it Mach safe?

    Yes, supersonic speeds will not affect the operation of the Flux Capaciter.


  9. Is the Safety Timer hard to set?

    No. It comes set for about 10 seconds from the factory. Note that tilt testing must be done before the safety timer times out, to see the 1 sec. blink of the apogee LED, which
    indicates tilt detection. If you push the test button, and don't tilt the board, after 10 sec.,
    the safety timer times out, and forces the apogee output on (stays on). To set the delay,
    just lay the board on a table, and push the button. Time from start to when the apogee LED activates (stays on). This delay should be approximately your rockets time to apogee, plus 1-2 sec. For best accuracy, let the board stay off 2 minutes between tests.
    Adjust the blue 20 turn pot to set the delay.


  10. What about the Main Timer Dipswitch?

    This setting has nothing to do with the safety timer. The Main time delay is set in increments of ~5 sec., and starts when apogee fires. If all the switches are down, that is zero, and main will fire right after apogee. Move only the rightmost switch up for 5 sec.
    Use the chart provided to set other main delay times.


  11. What if I just want to use one channel?

    There are no built-in continuity checkers...you must use a DVM. Using only one channel
    is fine...no resistors need to be connected to the unused channel. The outputs should never be short-circuited.


  12. What if it breaks?

    Return to Transolve with $5 shipback fee. If there is mechanical damage, additional charges may apply.


    TRANSOLVE
    6501 Sebert #3
    Cleveland, OH 44105

    Email: johnf@apk.net
    216-341-5970