Modified a model rocket with movable fins and an Arduino Pro Mini with an accelerometer to keep the rocket flying straight. The link has all the info and videos. Let me know what you think.
Did you record any telemetry data during the flight? Recording accelerometer values and servo positions through out the flight could have been useful for post flight analysis. Interesting project nonetheless.
We did not record any flight data. Future rocket projects will have data recorded.
Be aware that in many jurisdictions, any such device is illegal.
AWOL:
Be aware that in many jurisdictions, any such device is illegal.
Such is the pitiable state of our supposedly modern societies.
Such is the pitiable state of our supposedly modern societies
And you'd be happy with some of the posters here launching their creations near you/your house/car/family?
AWOL:
Such is the pitiable state of our supposedly modern societies
And you'd be happy with some of the posters here launching their creations near you/your house/car/family?
I would assume that people on here would have enough technical knowledge to keep the risks minimal. 
On the whole though, I fully agree with you. Rockets are not the safest of things, so there is a strong potential for danger if they are not treated with respect.
Nice project though! I have an RC plane which I cannot fly. I considered doing the same thing as you, and kitting it out with sensors and servos. Even if I cannot fly it, I could leave it to the arduino to control it safely!
Onions.
I would assume that people on here would have enough technical knowledge to keep the risks minimal.
Have you read some of the posts about mains electricity?
I make few assumptions here.
AWOL:
Such is the pitiable state of our supposedly modern societies
And you'd be happy with some of the posters here launching their creations near you/your house/car/family?
I assume you are referring to the same posters that our governments allow drive multi-thousand pound vehicles at high velocities on our roads on a daily basis? You truly believe that's any safer than a model rocket? Don't even get me started on the far more pitiable state of our poor excuses for driver education and testing requirements.
Benjamin Franklin:
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Don't even get me started on the far more pitiable state of our poor excuses for driver education and testing requirements.
At least there are defined standards 
AWOL:
Don't even get me started on the far more pitiable state of our poor excuses for driver education and testing requirements.
At least there are defined standards
Defined standards?! Didn't you notice JRaskell is from New Hampshire? ]
You guys worry about toy rockets with some intelligence... and could probably buy a Kalashnikov, Uzi or even a Gatling gun at the next best hardware store.
That's what I call misguided (pun intended) paranoia.
AWOL:
Be aware that in many jurisdictions, any such device is illegal.
I can't speak for other countries/juridictions, but when I saw this yesterday I started looking into FAA restrictions on amateur rocketry, and as far as I could tell (albeit with my cursory investigation), there weren't any limits to control systems (provided none of the components had a substantial metal content).
Then again, this kind of thing (electronic stabilization/control of amateur/model rockets) seems to have long history of concern in the rocketry community (for good reason); certainly as far back as the 1980s (perhaps further).
I do know that in the US there are restrictions on autonomous r/c plane flying (GPS guidance and such) - but I have yet to find anything for model rocketry (this is probably a case of the laws not being caught up to the technology)...
Quote from: Benjamin Franklin
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.
I love the irony of a pronouncement on liberty by someone who owned slaves.
tastewar:
Defined standards?! Didn't you notice JRaskell is from New Hampshire? ]
Live free or die.
navic:
Modified a model rocket with movable fins and an Arduino Pro Mini with an accelerometer to keep the rocket flying straight. The link has all the info and videos. Let me know what you think.
http://sites.google.com/site/airwavershr/Home/guided-rocket
Well done !
A couple of questions:
-Is that a breadboard ?
-It seems you are using a 9V battery ? It must be something lighter/smaller available.. but I don't know what. If someone could help with this I would appreciate.