Eggtimer Rocketry Eggtimer User Manual page 46

Appendix B – Deployment Channel Testing
You can perform a deployment test on your igniter channels using the Monitor mode. This
allows you to make sure that the battery and the igniter that you are going to be using for
deployment and/or airstarts are compatible, before actually flying them.
SAFETY WARNING: ALWAYS TEST IGNITERS OUTDOORS, WITH A SUITABLE
DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE IGNITER (AT LEAST 5 FEET), AND NEVER
TEST WITH A PYROTECHNIC LOAD. If the igniter has a lot of pyrogen, i.e. it's going to
be used for Airstarts, we strongly recommend that you put it in a tin can or other reasonably fire-
safe container when you test it.
Note that only one deployment channel can be tested at a time, and the igniter will be fired for
the amount of time that you set on the programming screen. This includes the "0 – continuous"
setting, so make sure that you set it up properly ahead of time.
To test the CHA (Main) deployment channel, enter the monitor mode by holding the Button
down while turning on the Eggtimer. You will hear a long beep, and you will see a MON>
prompt on the terminal screen. Hit the "M" key, and you will hear a continuous warning beep.
Press the Button, and the Main igniter channel will fire for the programmed amount of time
To test the CHB "B" deployment channel, enter the monitor mode by holding the Button down
while turning on the Eggtimer. You will hear a long beep, and you will see a MON> prompt on
the terminal screen. Hit the "B" key, and you will hear a continuous warning beep. Press the
Button, and the Channel B igniter channel will fire for the programmed amount of time
To test the AUX output channels, enter the monitor mode by holding the Button down while
turning on the Eggtimer. You will hear a long beep, and you will see a MON> prompt on the
terminal screen. Hit the "1", "2", or "3" key depending on which AUX channel you want to
test, and you will hear a continuous warning beep. Press the Button, and the selected AUX
output will be turned on for two seconds.
NOTE: The output channels are designed to be used with some kind of resistive load, i.e. an
igniter, a Christmas Tree light bulb, a 39 ohm 1/4W resistor, etc. NEVER CONNECT A
SIMPLE PIECE OF WIRE ACROSS THE DEPLOYMENT TERMINALS TO
PERFORM A CONTINUITY TEST. If you do, and your battery is capable of sourcing more
than 8A of current (i.e. a LiPo battery) you will damage the Eggtimer's output transistors.
- 46 -