Project Overview
The main goal of this project (v1) is to create a pathfinder or prototype of a flight computer specifically designed for model rockets that can smoothly integrate into a range of model rocketry levels—also propelling enthusiasts and hobbyists into the future of rocketry, offering great flexibility.
Where I am heading...
The Swiss Army Knife of Model Rocketry: Tackling Diverse Challenges
With each iteration in the development, I want to develop a Flight Computer that is reliable and flexible enough to be used by anyone.
This project aims to provide a sole solution to the following:
- Expanding Model Rocket Mission Capabilities with Flight Computer Adaptability
- Ready-to-Use Flight Data Recorder
- Exploring Active Control Systems and Hardware Concepts.
- Environmental Data Collection Technology.
- Expandable Sensor Capacity: Accommodating Specific Data Collection.
- Wireless Data Transmission Capability
Expanding Model Rocket Mission Capabilities with Flight Computer Adaptability:
As model rocketry comes with various mission goals and design challenges, with the flexibility of this Flight Computer, rocketeers/enthusiasts can configure and add more components without thinking about basic computer design and data logging.
Ready-to-Use Flight Data Recorder:
Sometimes no active control systems are required as the mission entirely relies on mechanical and aerodynamic stability. In this case, flight data logging is needed. This Flight Computer seamlessly integrates into the rocket, serving as an efficient Flight Data Recorder.
Exploring Active Control Systems and Hardware Concepts:
This Flight Computer offers active control systems such as Thrust Vectoring and Active Fin Stabilization (one at a time), which allows precise control over the rocket’s trajectory and enhances stability during flight. It is a valuable tool for Model Rocketeers and enthusiasts to test their hardware concepts and designs.
Environmental Data Collection Technology:
This Flight Computer can measure the following:
- Altitude
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Acceleration
- Vibration
- G-Forces
- Orientation
- GPS Coordinates
- Speed
Expandable Sensor Capacity: Accommodating Specific Data Collection:
The Flight Computer’s flexibility allows for easy integration of various sensors through exposed communication protocols.
Wireless Data Transmission Capability:
With the help of onboard radios, this computer can transmit live telemetry to the ground station.
Where am I now...
Features of this version
- Active control methods (Thrust Vector Control or Active Fin Stabilization) are introduced in this flight computer’s version to test their mechanism and functioning.
- Using various onboard sensors, this flight computer can also record accelerations and angular rotation in all three axes, GPS-based geolocation, speed, altitude, and environmental data like temperature, pressure, and altitude.
- Due to its downlink telemetry capability, this flight computer also transmits telemetry to the ground station for logging and further analysis.
Visualizing the Prototype
System Overview:
A Closer Look:
Components:
In this prototype of the Flight Computer, there are two controllers. One is for GPS and its data transmitter (telemetry radio).
The other is for IMU, system voltages Sensor, Barometric sensor, Servos (for Active Control Mechanism), an auditory feedback buzzer, and a Transmitter, a power distribution system with 5V
and 3.3 voltage regulators.
| Components | Module | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
GPS |
Adafruit GPS v3 |
GPS coordinates,
Altitude, Speed |
|
Radio Transceiver |
nRF24L01 |
Telemetry |
|
IMU |
MPU6050 |
Accelerations and
Angular Rotation |
|
Barometer |
BMP180 |
Pressure and
Altitude |
|
MCU |
Arduino Nano |
Brain |
|
Buzzer |
5V Piezo |
Auditory Signals |
|
DC-DC Converter |
LM2596 |
Voltage Control |
|
5V Regulator |
MPM3610 5V |
5V regulation |
|
3.3V regulator |
AP3429A 3.3V |
3.3V regulation |
Communication and Data Handling:
This section describes how sensors and the controllers inside the flight
computer connect and communicate with each other.
Power:
This section explains how voltage is regulated and distributed to the components.
The Ground Station
Receiver Prototype:
Ground Station Telemetry GUI:
Ground Station (GUI) to receive and visualize live telemetry.
The Telemetry software (GUI) is open source; all the information is available on Ground Station’s GitHub repository.
Telemetry GUI Screenshots:
Python version:
MATLAB App Designer:
