Features & Benefits - More than Delayed Deployment
It is true that the idea driving the invention of the Chute Tamer™ control was to simulate dual deployment recovery in a simple, easy to use device that also worked with most any single-deployment mid to high power rocket. The Chute Tamer™ control certainly accomplishes this goal allowing racketeers to achieve higher altitudes than they otherwise could. The Chute Tamer™ control's many features have other benefits that help protect and recover the rocket safely.
No E-Match Required: The Chute Tamer™ control provides delayed parachute deployment without the use of an ematch or any explosive black powder charges (other than the rocket engine's built in ejection charge).
Anti-Zipper: Because the parachute is bound during motor ejection, it presents a much smaller profile to the air stream than an open parachute would have. This means less zipper damage should the motor ejection happen too early or too late and when the rocket is traveling at a high velocity.
Parachute Dependability: Because the parachute is tightly bound before and during motor ejection, it can not unfurl inside the rocket during flight. The bound parachute slides easily out of the rocket's airframe ensuring a successful parachute deployment and requiring less engine ejection charge.
Forget Delayed Deployment: "Anti-Zipper" and "Parachute Dependability" alone is a good reason to use the Chute Tamer™ control. Program the delay time to be equal to the engine's boost time plus its delay time plus a couple of seconds. With this time delay setting, your rocket's parachute will open at or near apogee more reliably and with less chance of zipper.
Easy Retrofit: The Chute Tamer™ control works with existing "single deploy" rockets with an inside body tube diameter of 2 inches or more. One Chute Tamer™ control can be easily moved from rocket to rocket without modification.
Built-in Beeper: The Chute Tamer™ incorporates a loud built in tone generator to help locate your rocket in tall grass and corn fields. The tone generator also verifies heating element continuity (to know that your parachute will be released) and audible confirmation of the delay time setting.
Light Weight: The Chute Tamer™ control's light weight (145 grams, or 4.4 ounces with alkaline 9V battery installed) allows it to be used in most rockets using "F50" engine power and above with a minimal affect on altitude (about a 150 foot reduction).
Impact and Heat Resistant Enclosure: This tough ABS enclosure is flame retardant and has survived rigorous testing. Do not be surprised if Chute Tamer™ is the only part to survive your next motor CATO!
Easy Delay Calculation: Start with the engine's boost/thrust time (about 2 seconds); add the engine's delay time (depends on the delay grain being used); and add the desired tumble time (start with 2 seconds and work your way up). That's all there is to it! For more detailed estimation of the tumble time there are two easy to use worksheets with all the necessary calculations provided. Use these convenient worksheets to keep a printed record of delay times used for each rocket and motor combination. This ensures quick, reliable, and hassle-free delay time programming at your next launch.
Easy Setup: The Chute Tamer™ control functions are all accessible from the outside of the unit. The only reason to open the Chute Tamer™ control is to replace the standard 9V battery:
- Secure Attachment Point: High strength nylon strap and D-ring ensure that the Chute Tamer™ control stays with the rocket. Connect it securely to your rocket's existing shock cord or directly to the nose cone eye bolt.
- On-Off Switch: Easily accessible during pre-flight check or at the launch pad. Remembers the most recently programmed delay time, even when turned off or after battery replacement. Switch is strategically placed between the nylon strap and the heating element to protect it during operation.
- Delay Time Programming: Set the delay time appropriate for any rocket/engine combination from the outside of the enclosure. Once the time is set and the Chute Tamer™ control is operational, the delay time can not be changed until the Chute Tamer™ control is again turned off.
- Heating Element Replacement: New heating elements just snap into the correct position to ensure proper positioning and tying of the parachute. The heating element is encased inside of a modular plug to protect it from damage and to shield it (and you) during heating operation.
And of Course, Lower the Risk of Loosing Rockets: The parachute is ejected from the rocket's body tube, but it is prevented from opening at apogee because it is bound to the Chute Tamer™ control until the pre-programmed time expires. This greatly reduces the effects of higher winds aloft and prevents a long walk, or a lost rocket.