Model Rocket Avionics
Prepared for the 9/27/2004 WPI AIAA Meeting
Complete Systems:
Home Made:
http://www.expresspcb.com/Feedback/FlightComp/FlightComp.htm
- Many options, since we can build ourselves
- If it fails, we only have ourselves to blame.
AED Electronics R-DAS:
http://home.iae.nl/users/aed/rdas/rdas.htm
- Measures acceleration and barometric pressure.
- Easy to configure from a PC (software included).
- Large memory for storing 8 minutes of data (including 2 seconds of pre-launch data).
- 6 analog and 4 digital inputs in addition to built in sensors.
- 2 igniter outputs driven by 9 volt battery or capacitor. More available on expansion boards.
- Integrates with available GPS board, air-to-ground telemetry transmitter, etc.
- Costs around $250
ATHA Aerospace AFC-877 Flight Computer:
http://members.shaw.ca/fc877/index.html
- Measures acceleration and barometric pressure.
- Easy to configure from a PC (with included software) or using buttons and LCD display.
- Memory for storing 5.5 minutes of data.
- 4 pyro outputs driven by battery and capacitor.
- Integrates with available (and very expensive) GPS/air-to-ground telemetry board.
- Costs around $275.
G-Wiz MC Recording Altimiter:
http://www.gwiz-partners.com/html/g-wiz_mc.html
- Measures acceleration and barometric pressure.
- Memory for storing 4 minutes of data (downloads with included software).
- Includes safety key (RBF tag extra $8).
- 3 pyro outputs: Burnout, Apogee, and Descent.
- Integrates with available GPS board, air-to-ground transmitter, etc.
- Costs around $200 ($270 for high-g version).
Component Systems:
Adept Rocketry ST231 Electronic Stager:
http://www.adeptrocketry.com/DDCS25.htm
- Measures acceleration.
- Fires once when first stage burns out.
- Only can be used as stager -- needs separate deployment controller.
- Costs around $70.
Adept Rocketry DDCS25 Deployment Controller:
http://www.adeptrocketry.com/DDCS25.htm
- Measures barometric pressure.
- Fires once at maximum altitude (which it will record), and once again at a lower altitude that you specify.
- Only can be used with chutes -- needs separate stager.
- Costs around $120.
PerfectFlite miniALT/WD Logging Dual-Event Altimeter:
http://www.perfectflite.com/catalog/MAWD.html
- Measures barometric pressure.
- Memory for storing 5 minutes of data (requires $15 computer kit to access).
- Only fires chutes -- needs separate stager.
- Costs around $100.
Other:
MissileWorks WRC˛ Wireless Remote Control System:
http://www.missileworks.com
- 900MHz 300mw transmitter with 2 mile range.
- 2 channel.
- Costs around $300.
Resources:
