We fly some pretty amazing extreme performance rockets here at ShadowAero. And over the course of the last few years, we have come to painfully realize that the only thing that is letting us down repeatedly is poorly engineered hobby quality electronics. We have found that our flight performance levels are sometimes even exceeding previous military standards.

The plain fact is: The existing hobby electronics simply CANNOT handle the acceleration rates at which we fly (well over 100G accelleration in many circumstances). The 'toy' electronics out there are fine for the average heavy, slow, underpowered rockets that you see at the 'Club' launches, in which they only fail about 20% of the time. But for those pushing the envelope, their failure rate is more like 80%. After the flight, average hobby electronics usually end up as 100 tiny broken parts inside of an airframe, as they cannot handle the small chute recovery that is standard on our higher altitude flights.

So, out of strictly selfish interest, we decided to pursue the engineering and creation of a superior, -RUGGED- electronic timer, a -HARDENED-, mil-spec unit that could handle all of the stresses we could throw at it with extreme reliability.

Enter XTime.

The XTime is the most rugged, reliable way to initiate any event for experimental rocketry activities. The functional components are capable of withstanding 1000G. flights (or impacts). The XTime is set with customized software on your laptop (PC, MAC, or UNIX), and the software is used to run complete diagnostic checks on the unit, including a 'benchtest' function to verify correct operation of the XTime. No more confusing combinations of tiny switches, no more shaking with all your might in an attempt to activate the unit to test it, all the while 'hoping' that it is set...! The XTime sets in a logical manner, and you -know- that your unit will function -precisely- as programmed. The software also displays the resistance of the load applied to each channel, allowing you to sense bad ematches or igniters -before- the flight.

Bottom line: The XTime has been engineered to execute all aspects of the -most- high performance flights, in a simple, robust and easily verified manner. Any project involving substantial investment deserves the XTime, as no other unit on the market can operate as reliably under the most demanding flight conditions, -PERIOD-.

The XTime can execute 3 high current output events, each capable of firing -multiple- electric matches or igniters (up to 30 amps in high current mode!). The XTime can also be operated in low current mode if desired.  Here are some of the other capabilities of the XTime:

-Timer Range:  0.5 second to 1000 seconds in 0.1 second increments

-Timer Accuracy:  +/-2%

-Acceleration trigger: Progressive Launch Detection: XTime uses an advanced   motion energy detection algorithm to determine Launch;  +2.3G for 0.5 second, +4G for 0.25 second, or +8G for 0.125 second

-Trigger Time Point: From first motion of rocket (as qualified by the launch detect algorithm)

-Maximum acceleration: 1000G's in plane parallel to PC Board, 100g's perpendicular to the component or solder side of the PC Board

-The XTime is potted in a proprietary encapsulation for ultimate ruggedness.

-Pyro channels: Low Current: 600mA for 2.5 seconds, High Current: 15+ amps (battery dependant) for 2.5 seconds

-Active (On) Time: 2.5 Seconds

-Continuity: Continuously monitored by the RISC CPU

-Continuity status for each channel is continuously beeped out and flashed out on the Status LED until launch detection. One beep is good continuity (<30 ohms), two beeps is bad continuity (>30 ohms).

-Each channel is fired at the programmed time, regardless of the continuity status.

-Battery: Pyro and Computer batteries are fully supervised by the RISC CPU. Pyro and Computer Battery voltage status is continuously beeped out and flashed out on the Status LED until launch detection. Specific battery supply must be specified for each application.

-The XTime fits into a 38mm. airframe when used in low current mode (dual 9v. battery power), or in a 54mm. airframe when used in high current mode (variable power pack). The batteries are remote from the unit. Mounting is via 2  #4 machine screws on 3.60" centers.

-Vacuum capable high current battery packs are available for the XTime.

-The XTime is capable of sensing launch and activating events in the extreme flight envelopes of Zinc/Sulphur rockets. Also, motors with more sporadic or uneven burn patterns do not phase the XTime.

-XTime programming and benchtest software included with the unit on CD, for PC, MAC, or UNIX operating systems. DB9 Serial connection cable included, USB connection adapter available.

-LED charge simulation kit -included-

-Your XTime will be made to order, and personally tested by Dave Triano. Expect delivery of your unit in two weeks, after a project consultation to advise on the best setup for your needs.

-A USB adapter is available for MAC and PC users for 30.00

-The XTime is 5" long, 1" wide, and .5" deep.

The XTime is priced at 325.00