Timestamper

TIMESTAMPER

A cockpit timer made for training flights.

Built to make takeoff and landing logging quick and reliable, with the flight timing tools you actually use in the cockpit.

Timestamper v0.2 prototype mounted on a C172 yoke
C172 yoke-mounted v0.2 prototype

How It Started

I still remember the workload the first time I was holding short of the runway and got cleared for takeoff: landing light on, strobe on, transponder to ALT mode, then check my watch and write the time on a kneeboard while rolling onto the runway.

It was just too much. I wanted a device that could capture a one-button timestamp that I can review later and copy into my logbook.

KEY FUNCTIONS

What it does in flight.

GPS disciplined time

Keeps the clock synced to GPS time when a signal is available.

One button time stamp

Tap once to log events like takeoff and landing during training flights.

Fuel timer and stopwatch

Built-in fuel timer and stopwatch for day-to-day flying.

In-flight reference metrics

Shows GPS altitude, track, and ground speed at a glance.

Smart power gating

A P-MOSFET lets the system fully cut GPS power when it is not needed.

AAA battery power

Runs on 3x AAA batteries or 3x Ni-MH rechargeables.

USB-C power input

Can also run from USB-C power.

Yoke mounting

Velcro mounting works on a yoke.

OPEN SOURCE

Open hardware and open software.

Everything is shared: firmware, PCB files, and enclosure CAD.

GitHub repository Project code and firmware. PCB files KiCad PCB design files. Enclosure 3D model CAD models on Onshape.

Demo Status

This first demo shows the current hardware direction and core feature set.