1 [[!meta title="TeleLaunch"]]
3 # TeleLaunch — Multi-channel Wireless Launch Controller System #
5 TeleLaunch is secure radio-controlled rocket launch system capable of
6 operating up to 792 pads from a single controler. A typical TeleLaunch
7 system consists of one LCO board and one or more pyro boards.
9 TeleLaunch uses a two-way digital radio communications system for
10 positive indication of all operations. The communications link is
11 secured with AES CBC-MAC to prevent accidental or intentional
12 operation from unauthorized transmitters.
14 TeleLaunch operates in the 70cm amateur band at low power using
15 Altus Metrum's proven modulation and coding schem to avoid interference
16 with any rocketry electronics or other communication devices.
18 All boards in the TeleLaunch system are easily configured using USB for
19 parameters like operating frequency, callsign, cryptographic key, and
20 in the case of pyro boards the designated bank number.
22 ## Launch Control Boards ##
24 All launch control boards in the TeleLaunch system are designed to use
25 a lithium polymer battery that can be recharged over USB. They support
26 distinct arm and fire switches, continuous indication of igniter
27 continuity, and have super-bright LED indicators for remote arming,
28 continuity, and RF link quality plus an audible indication of arming.
32 <a href="telelco-v2.0/telelco-v2.0-optn.jpg"> <img src="telelco-v2.0/telelco-v2.0-open_800.jpg"></a>
34 TeleLCO controls up to 100 TeleFire banks, comes packaged in a rugged
35 case, and is typically placed on a table for use by the designated LCO.
37 * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected bank and pad
39 * Rotary knob for pad selection
41 * Packaged in [Pelican 1170 orange box](https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/protector/1170)
43 Note that while the photo of the prototype above gives a good feel for many
44 of the system features, production units will have several changes. We're
45 moving to a bright orange Pelican box, instead of separate knobs for bank
46 select and pad select there will be one knob with in-built push button, there
47 will be 8 continuity LEDs instead of 4, and the choice and placement of
50 In production versions, drag races are supported with a separate normal/drag
51 mode selection switch, drag mode LED, and select pushbutton. Channels that
52 are included in the current drag race selection have blinking continuity
55 The TeleLCO hardware design is available from
56 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
57 [hw/telelco](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelco;a=summary).
61 <img src="protos/telelcotwo.jpg">
63 A small LCO board capable of handling up to two TeleFireOne pyro
64 boards, or one channel each on TeleFireEight boards. TeleLCOTwo is ideal
65 for individuals or clubs that have an existing launch control system but
66 want to use TeleLaunch for an "away" launch cell.
68 TeleLCOTwo is configured in advance by USB to know which two pyro channels
69 it should interact with, and then a simple rocker switch selects between
72 TeleLCOTwo comes packaged in a weather-sealed polycarbonate box with
73 switches on one face, and BNC antenna connector and USB connectors
74 through the box walls. It can be placed on a table, but is typically
75 hand-held during operation.
77 The TeleLCOTwo hardware design is available from
78 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
79 [hw/telelcotwo](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelcotwo;a=summary).
83 Each pyro board in the TeleLaunch system uses FET technology for lowest
84 possible resistance paths, allowing maximum current to be reliably
85 delivered from the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire boards can
86 be powered by any 10-15V supply. This would typically be a 12V lead acid
87 battery, but 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft are also
92 * Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing
93 system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false
96 * Super-bright LEDs for continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
98 * Strobe and Siren. TeleFireFour has two 12V medium current (5A) outputs
99 to drive a siren and strobe light when the launch system is armed
102 * Local arming switch. When in the safe position, power is completely
103 disconnected from the igniter circuits to prevent any possibility
104 of the LCO accidentally engaging firing circuits during rocket
105 preparations at the pad.
107 * Each board is designed to fit in a standard Hammond weather-sealed
108 polycarbonate enclosure with weather-sealed rocker switches for
109 power and arming plus cable glands for DC input cable and igniter
110 output cables. Alternatively, boards can be configured to mount
111 in the user's choice of enclosure, such as a metal ammo box or
112 larger NEMA enclosure with space for the user's choice of
117 <img src="protos/telefireone.jpg">
119 TeleFireOne is a pyro board supporting a single igniter circuit. This
120 makes TeleFireOne ideal for individuals, launch trailers, or for "away
121 cells" at larger club launches.
123 All high-current connections are made on the board using standard
124 1/4-inch spade lugs, with screw terminals for the siren and strobe. This
125 allows for easy packaging and quick board swaps.
127 The photo above is of an early prototype, the design has changed slightly
128 since then. It is still possible to package the board as shown in a Hammond
129 polycarbonate box, but metal ammo boxes are a credible alternative. The two
130 switches are for power on/off and safe/arm. The two cables are for DC power
131 in and igniter leads out.
133 The TeleFireOne hardware design is available from
134 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
135 [hw/telefireone](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireone;a=summary).
137 An alternate load of the TeleFireOne including support for data logging
138 sensors from a rocket motor test stand is available as a separate
139 [TeleStatic](../TeleStatic) product. A TeleStatic board can be used as the
140 equivalent of a TeleFireOne when not in use with a test stand.
142 ### TeleFireEight ###
144 <img src="protos/telefireeight.jpg">
146 TeleFireEight has eight igniter circuits, making it ideal for use at
147 club launches. Larger clubs or launch site setups can use multiple
148 boards to organize the site into multiple banks with up to 8 rockets
151 All connections are made on the board using 1/4-in spade lugs for
152 eash packaging and quick board swaps.
154 The above photo shows the unpopulated circuit board for the first version
155 of this design, it will be replaced with a photo of a packaged version when
156 we have a prototype completed. In the meantime, see the photo of a packaged
157 [TeleStatic](../TeleStatic) board for a rough idea of what we're planning,
158 except that there will be 4 AC outlets with flip-lid covers on each long
159 face of the ammo box with per-pad LED continuity indicators in the top cover.
161 The TeleFireEight hardware design is available from
162 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
163 [hw/telefireeight](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireeight;a=summary).
171 TeleLaunch firmware is part of the larger [AltOS](/AltOS) suite of
176 Several prototype systems have been built and successfully
177 deployed. Lessons learned from use of those systems are currently
178 being incorporated into new board revisions, and general availability
179 of the system for sale is expected in the first half of 2018. Watch
180 this space for updates on price and availability.
184 TeleLaunch hardware is licensed under the [TAPR](http://www.tapr.org)
185 [Open Hardware License](http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html)
187 TeleLaunch software is licensed
188 [GPL version 2](http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html)