THE ALTOIDIMETER

摘要

Do you wonder what altitude your model Cessna made it to on that last flight? Need to know how high up the face of Half Dome you've climbed? Wonder how far down it is to the swirling Pacific as you hang glide over Torrey Pines? Sounds like you're a candidate for a Zlog miniaturized recording altimeter. This intriguing device is the brainchild of Matt Woolsey, sole proprietor of Hexpert Systems located in Grass Valley, CA. Principally created as an accessory for hobbyists engaged in model aircraft flight, the concept of a recording altimeter lends itself to a number of applications. This article explores how it works and how it can be adapted to your own project. The fully assembled unit weighs only eight grams and measures 1.57" x 0.92" x 0.37" or in metric terms, 40 mm x 23.4 mm x 9.4 mm. The device is a stunning example of state-of-the-art electronic miniaturization. It was designed to provide a lightweight, compact device for measuring and recording altitude over time. It is specifically for use onboard a radio controlled (R/C) aircraft, but should be useful in other applications, as well. ZLog provides live altitude information in the field via its self-contained digital display, and recorded altitude data through a USB interface.