Alti Trak

Estes Alti Trak

Overview:

The Single most often asked question regarding launching a model rocket is how high did it fly? Human estimation of heights can range from awful to "who knows?" However, fairly accurate measurements of the maximum launch height is possible. Over the years, model rocketeers have most often used one of two methods, geometric or electronic based, to measure altitude. 

The geometric process requires a baseline (or leg of a right triange) from the launch pad and a protractor based instrument like the Estes Altitrak, is used to determine the maximum height at apogee of the rocket. Gotta love trigonometry!

The geometric method requires a team approach, usually the launcher and a helper. After the launcher places the rocket on the pad, the helper with Alti Trak in hand paces off 300 ft from the launch pad. As the launcher begins countdown, the helper lines up the crosshair of the Alti Trak on the rocket and pulls (holds) the trigger.

At ignition, the helper follows the flight path of the rocket in the crosshair and releases the trigger when the rocket reaches apogee. The Alti Trak swing arm aligns with numbers that are painted on the side of the Alti Trak. These numbers represent the altitude reached in meters, which can be converted to feet by multiplying by 0.3048