Optical apogee test circuit.mp4

This little comparator circuit is testing the possibility of using an optical apogee detector in a rocket.
The circuit is based on one by Bernard Willaert, and uses a pair of reverse-based photodiodes and an LM393 comparator.
Because the sky is brighter than the ground, one photodiode detects less light than the other. When the rocket flips over, this situation reverses, and triggers the light.
This circuit can be used to trigger an electronic parachute release mechanism. I'm going to link it to my PICAXE based flight computer.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• electronics
• howto
• diy
• software
• optical
• apogee
• optogee
• photodiode

[marcerosario]

Well done! ;-)