Prop based rocket flight controller - Input requested
Basil
Posts: 380
**If this is in the wrong forum, please feel free to move**
Hi All you rocketeer's out there. I have a few questions I would like your input on.
I am designing a Propeller based, recording altimeter·with 4 x 10A pyro outputs for recovery/drogue/stage ignition.
It will be expandable with camera, extra pyro outputs, memery, GPS etc.
I would like this device to be able to be used in a·wide range of rockets (small to large) by a large range of people so need to know whats the most popular choices for the following.
1) Flight events for timers to be triggered from. Each of the 4 outputs can be configured to start from any of these.
I have made the following list which is pretty standard.
-Disabled
-Time after Stage Ignition (Basic timer for something like next stage ignition)
-Time after Motor Burnout (Used for next stage ignition)
-Time after Stage Appogee (Used for drogue chute ejection)
-Low Alt Reached Going Down (Used for primary recovery device ejection)
Now im stuck on wether I need the following?
-Alt Reached Going Up (I can see this having catastrophic results, like a chute being ejected at 400kmph
. Maybe someone would have a use for it, but it could be wise to not have it for saftey reasons?)
-Time after Aux Low to Hi (timer starts on external event)
2) Setup and programming method options.
***LCD Programming***
-All programming is done prior to each flight using an onboard LCD and a few buttons.
Pros:
-Powerful features
-Easy to program but not so quick as DIP switches.
-Flexbile setup options.
-Visual readouts after flight
-Easy to add new settings
-Does not need PC to program, only if you want to view detailed flight info (graphs)
Cons:
-Heavy
-Most expensive option
***DIP Switch programming***
-LED and/or audible readouts after flight.
Pros:
-Cheap
-Lightweight
-Does not need PC to program, only if you want to view detailed flight info (graphs)
-Very fast to program and launch but not as simple as LCD.
-Can view settings at a glance.
Cons:
-Reduces max outputs to·2·due to PCB space required for DIPs.
-Least number of settings available.
-Can't add new settings easily.
***USB Programming***
-Uses same interface as Prop programming input'
-LED and/or audible readouts after flight an option.
Pros:
-Very little extra hardware needed
-Powerful features
-Easy to program but not so quick.
-Visual readouts after flight
-Easy to add new settings
Cons:
-Needs a PC to program.
Ok I think thats it. Your input is much appreciated.
Alec
Hi All you rocketeer's out there. I have a few questions I would like your input on.
I am designing a Propeller based, recording altimeter·with 4 x 10A pyro outputs for recovery/drogue/stage ignition.
It will be expandable with camera, extra pyro outputs, memery, GPS etc.
I would like this device to be able to be used in a·wide range of rockets (small to large) by a large range of people so need to know whats the most popular choices for the following.
1) Flight events for timers to be triggered from. Each of the 4 outputs can be configured to start from any of these.
I have made the following list which is pretty standard.
-Disabled
-Time after Stage Ignition (Basic timer for something like next stage ignition)
-Time after Motor Burnout (Used for next stage ignition)
-Time after Stage Appogee (Used for drogue chute ejection)
-Low Alt Reached Going Down (Used for primary recovery device ejection)
Now im stuck on wether I need the following?
-Alt Reached Going Up (I can see this having catastrophic results, like a chute being ejected at 400kmph
. Maybe someone would have a use for it, but it could be wise to not have it for saftey reasons?)-Time after Aux Low to Hi (timer starts on external event)
2) Setup and programming method options.
***LCD Programming***
-All programming is done prior to each flight using an onboard LCD and a few buttons.
Pros:
-Powerful features
-Easy to program but not so quick as DIP switches.
-Flexbile setup options.
-Visual readouts after flight
-Easy to add new settings
-Does not need PC to program, only if you want to view detailed flight info (graphs)
Cons:
-Heavy
-Most expensive option
***DIP Switch programming***
-LED and/or audible readouts after flight.
Pros:
-Cheap
-Lightweight
-Does not need PC to program, only if you want to view detailed flight info (graphs)
-Very fast to program and launch but not as simple as LCD.
-Can view settings at a glance.
Cons:
-Reduces max outputs to·2·due to PCB space required for DIPs.
-Least number of settings available.
-Can't add new settings easily.
***USB Programming***
-Uses same interface as Prop programming input'
-LED and/or audible readouts after flight an option.
Pros:
-Very little extra hardware needed
-Powerful features
-Easy to program but not so quick.
-Visual readouts after flight
-Easy to add new settings
Cons:
-Needs a PC to program.
Ok I think thats it. Your input is much appreciated.
Alec
Comments
Interesting idea, never thought of that.
So would you take a tv/kbd and mouse to your rocket launch? or do it before leaving home?
Im thinking of something that can be field programmed easily.
Hmmm that would work. Something like a portable programming device.
Thanks, Any more suggestions