There are a lot of fantastic altimeters and flight computers on the market these days. Many of them with very reasonable prices, which makes it unnecessary to make your own. However, there are still many reasons that you may aspire to make your own altimeter. Perhaps you desire features not available elsewhere? Or maybe you just like a good challenge? Regardless, this article will describe an altimeter that almost anyone can make with a very limited budget.

Features:

• Arduino core
• Barometer – MS5611 – 10cm resolution, capable of 100,000k ft altitude
• GPS
• Accelerometer
• 128×64 OLED display

I will document the sourcing of each of these elements, how to “talk” to them (using Arduino and C programing), and finally, how to integrate them all into a useful device. I’ve produced many similar projects in years past… from an electronic control unit for a turbine engine to a biometric fingerprint scanner interface. This one will be especially unique because it will be flown on a rocket at hundreds of miles per hour.

This is a project currently in the works, with progress already made with the barometric pressure sensors. I’ll start posting pictures and info. as more progress is made. -2/7/15