Comparison of Altimeters

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(by Drake Damerau - 09/14/05)

This is a comparison article of three altimeters that I have been using for years. All three of them would make a good altimeter for your first duel deployment project. I chose these three only because they are ones I have the most experience in using. There are many altimeters out there. Use this comparison and ask your self how the one you are looking at compares with these.

All three altimeters have peak altitude reporting and duel deployment. They also have mach speed capabilities. But that's where their similarities end.

The following (in no particular order) are briefs on them.

The PerfectFlight Mini Alt WD (Full Review)

The PerfectFlight Mini ALT/WD Main deployment is from 300' to 1,700' in 200' increments. The beeper reports e-match continuity check when it's first turned on and peak altitude after each flight. Once the flight is over, it stores the flight data so you can download it to a computer. A small computer program and is offered with it so the flight data can be seen. I do this by hooking it to my lap top after each flight.

The G-Wiz LC Deluxe (Full Review)

The G-Wiz LC Deluxe has both a G-force sensor and a barometric sensor. The baro sensor is used for altitude reporting. The G-force sensor is used for launch detect and motor burnout. Having two sensors enables it to add an additional output channel for clustering, staging or air-starts. LED's show e-match continuity before launch and altitude after landing. It can only be purchased with a preset main chute altitude. Your choices are the 400 foot model, or the 800 foot model.

The Transolve P6 (Full Review)

The Transolve P6 is a barometric sensor altimeter. The P6 also comes in a kit form called the P6K. The on-board beeper signals continuity, altimeter status, and peak readout in feet. This unit is also capable of triggering Transolve's air-start board timer for staging, air-starting motors or other timer dependant events.

Below is the main features and specifications on each unit.

Feature	PerfectFlight MiniAlt/WD	G-Wiz LC Deluxe	Transolve P6K
Size	0.9" x 3.0"	0.7" x 3.9"	1.4" x 4"
Weight	0.7 oz	0.9	1.1 oz
Maximum Altitude	25,000'	38,000'	25,000'
Events	Drogue - Main	Drogue – Main – Cluster - Airstart	Drogue – Main – Cluster – Airstart (With Optional airstart board)
Main Select	Selectable at 300' to 1,700' in 200' increments	Fixed at 400 or 800 specific to the model	Selectable at 400 or 800
Sensors	Barometric Only	Barometric and G-Switch	Barometric Only
Altitude Report	Beeps in Feet	LED Blinks in Feet	Beeps in hundreds of feet
Mach inhibit	Delay adjustable from 0 to 14 seconds	Yes	5, 10, or 15 seconds Delay
In-flight telemetry	yes	No	No
Power interruption	2 seconds allowed	none	None
E-match continuity detection	yes	yes	yes
Secondary power option	none	yes	Yes, with optional relay board
Data download	Yes	No	No
Memory storage	Yes	No	No
Price	$99.95	$134.95	$58.00*
Pros	1- Two second power backup 2- Data storage and downloading	1- Three pryo channels 2- one or two batteries can be used	1- Least expensive 2- Optional add-ons available
Cons	1- Only two pyro channels	1- No mains altitude adjustment 2- Most expensive of the three	1- Largest of the three 2- The P6K has to be built

*The P6K is the kit form of the P6. The P6 can be purchased already assembled for $80.00

So which one should you chose? There's no correct choice. Each model has benefits over the others. You need to decide what you expect out of it and, perhaps more importantly, what your future needs may be. I have several of each model. Each one has it's place in my collection.

GUEST's OPINION:
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