G-Wiz and G-Wiz LC Deluxe
The G-Wiz LC and G-Wiz LC Deluxe are the smallest altimeters sold by Slack Pete's Rockets, as well as probably the most popular. They both easily fit in a 29mm diameter body tube. With a smaller sized battery, it is possible to fit these altimeters in a 1 inch diameter body tube, although they will not fit in an Estes 18.7mm diameter body tube. They both weigh only about 28 grams (1 ounce) without a battery. This small size makes them ideal for applications in model rocketry as well as High Power Rocketry !
Why not fly a G-Wiz LC altimeter in an Estes model rocket ?
The G-Wiz LC and G-Wiz LC Deluxe, are 2, identically sized peak altitude measuring altimeters, the G-Wiz LC with 2 output channels and inertial peak altitude sensing, and the G-Wiz LC Deluxe with 3 output channels, and barometric pressure peak altitude sensing. Both use surface mount technology to reduce size and mass, need only 2 screw holes in the rocket airframe, and are turned on merely by plugging the 9 volt PP3 battery in.
The G-Wiz altimeters monitor the following key events:
- Launch
- Booster Burn-out
- Sustainer Ignition (when applicable)
- Sustainer Burn-out (when applicable)
- Coast
- Apogee
- Low Altitude
Both the G-Wiz LC and G-Wiz LC Deluxe flash out the peak altitude on the status LED, so that the altitude can be determined after the flight (as long as the battery is not removed)
In use in the U.K. the G-Wiz altimeters have proved to be very rugged units, with 2 of them surviving a heavy landing from an altitude of around 18,000 - 19,000 feet and still working when plugged in to new batteries when they were found in a wet field 2 weeks later! They have also survived impacts in several other situations, and in each case, have been found to be intact. Truly rugged!
NOTE
There is a G-Wiz mailing list at:
http://www.egroups.com/group/G-Wiz
It is an unmoderated list and anyone can sign up for it. It provides a great deal of useful information.
| Parameter | G-Wiz LC | G-Wiz LC Deluxe |
| Maximum Acceleration | +/-50g | +/-50g |
| Maximum Barometric Altitude | - | 35,000 feet MSL |
| Peak Altitude Measuring Method | Inertial | Barometric |
| Number of Pyro Channels | 2 | 3 |
| Maximum Current per Pyro Channel | 8 Amps | 8 Amps |
| Number of Batteries required | 1 to 2 | 1 to 2 |
| Recommended Battery | 9 VDC battery (Duracell MN1604 / PP3) |
9 VDC battery (Duracell MN1604 / PP3) |
| Max Voltage applied to Flight Computer (terminal block pins 7 and 8) | 15 VDC | 15 VDC |
| Computer current consumption | 8 mA (typical) | 8 mA (typical) |
| Maximum Pyro Channel Voltage | 60 VDC | 60 VDC |
| Pyro Channel test current (9 VDC Battery) | 3.5 mA | 3.5 mA |
| Pyro Channel Firing Time | 1. Stage/Cluster 2. Apogee parachute deployment |
1. Stage/Cluster 2. Apogee parachute deployment 3. Low Altitude Parachute Deployment |
| Low Altitude Pyro Channel Activation | - | 400 feet Above Ground Level (+/- 80 feet) |
| Altitude Readout | Flashing LED Status LED Inertial Altitude | Flashing LED Status LED Barometric Altitude |
| Number of LEDs | 1 Status LED 2 Pyro Continuity LEDs |
1 Status LED 3 Pyro Continuity LEDs |
| Main Battery Life (with separate Pyro Battery) |
40 Hours | 20 Hours |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 - 70 C | 0 - 70 C |
| Dimensions | 0.7"W x 3.9"L x0.55"H | 0.7"W x 3.9"L x0.55"H |
| Weight | 1 oz (28 grams) | 1 oz (28 grams) |
