Goals

1. Confirm that the timing is reasonably accurate. Late is much better than early.
2. Confirm that the cutting mechanism functions reliably.
3. Confirm that the cutting mechanism will function at altitude.
4. Confirm that the cutting mechanism doesn't pose a threat to the rest of the equipment.

Tests

Basic functionality:

Test: Attach the cutting mechanism to a short length of rope which is suspending a 1lbs weight. Set the timer for 5 minutes. Time the interval until the timer activates, how long it takes to sever the rope, and what the behavior of the cutting device is after an extended period.

Verify:

• That the timer is reasonably accurate.
• That the timer's power consumption is minimal.
• That the cutting device is effective.
• That power draw after the cut occurs is minimal.
• That the cutting device can remain active for an extended period with minimal danger.

Result: Everything looks good. The timer shuts off automatically after 60 seconds.

Thermal test:

Test: Same as the basic test, except inside a thermal chamber. (See thermal testing page)

Result: We didn't test it in the thermal chamber, but tests at ~35 degrees (F) ambient showed that the device worked, although at a slower rate.