Quick answer
Choose the TeleBT if you need a dedicated ground station with Bluetooth connectivity for live data on your phone or laptop. Choose the TeleMetrum if you need an onboard flight computer and altimeter that also transmits telemetry. They serve different roles in your rocket's telemetry chain.
Understanding the roles: ground station vs. flight computer
The TeleBT is a ground station—it stays on the ground and receives telemetry data from Altus Metrum flight computers via radio, then relays it to your device over USB or Bluetooth. It does not fly in the rocket.
The TeleMetrum is a flight computer and altimeter that rides in the rocket. It records flight data, manages deployment events, and transmits telemetry back to the ground. You pair it with a ground station like the TeleBT to see live data.
This distinction is critical: if you already own a TeleMetrum or another Altus Metrum flight computer, the TeleBT gives you a convenient wireless ground link. If you are starting from scratch, you need both a flight computer and a ground station.
Connectivity and device support
The TeleBT provides both USB and Bluetooth/BTLE connectivity, letting you use AltOS on notebook computers, AltosDroid on Android devices, or third-party AltosUI on iOS. This flexibility makes it easy to view telemetry on the device you already carry.
The TeleMetrum's telemetry output is received by a ground station; it does not directly connect to your phone or laptop. You must have a compatible receiver (like the TeleBT) to capture and display its data.
If you value real-time telemetry on a mobile device without a cable, the TeleBT is essential. If you only need post-flight data logging and onboard altimetry, the TeleMetrum alone (with a basic ground receiver) may suffice.
What each package includes
The TeleBT package includes the ground station hardware needed to track Altus Metrum Tele products. It is a complete ground solution but does not include a flight computer.
The TeleMetrum (not detailed in supplied records) is a separate product that includes the flight computer board with altimeter and telemetry transmitter. You must purchase it separately.
When budgeting, remember that a full telemetry setup requires at least one flight computer and one ground station. The TeleBT is only half the system.
TeleBT vs. TeleMetrum: Trade-offs at a glance
- Role in your rocket system: TeleBT is a ground station; TeleMetrum is an onboard flight computer and altimeter. They are complementary, not interchangeable. You need at least one of each for a complete telemetry setup.
- Connectivity options: TeleBT offers USB and Bluetooth/BTLE for flexible device pairing. TeleMetrum transmits telemetry via radio but requires a ground station to receive it. If you want live data on your phone, the TeleBT is necessary.
- Onboard vs. ground functionality: TeleMetrum records flight data and controls deployment. TeleBT does not fly and has no altimeter or deployment logic. Choose TeleMetrum for flight control; choose TeleBT for ground data reception.
Product facts
-
Altus Metrum TeleBT Tracking System: The TeleBT is a ground station for use with Altus Metrum flight computers that provides both USB and Bluetooth/BTLE connectivity. This means you can view live telemetry on a notebook, Android phone, or iOS device without a wired connection to the rocket.
Altus Metrum TeleBT Tracking System
Which one should you choose?
Best for
- Hobbyists who already own an Altus Metrum flight computer and want wireless ground telemetry on their phone or laptop
- Flyers who prefer viewing live data on Android or iOS devices using Bluetooth
Not for
- Anyone needing an onboard flight computer or altimeter—the TeleBT does not fly in the rocket
- Budget builds where a basic ground receiver is sufficient for post-flight data retrieval