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 <img src="protos/telelco.jpg">
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.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HGW8SG)
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 The TeleLCO hardware design is available from
51 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
52 [hw/telelco](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelco;a=summary).
56 <img src="protos/telelcotwo.jpg">
58 A small LCO board capable of handling up to two TeleFireOne pyro
59 boards, or one channel each on TeleFireEight boards. TeleLCOTwo is ideal
60 for individuals or clubs that have an existing launch control system but
61 want to use TeleLaunch for an "away" launch cell.
63 TeleLCOTwo is configured in advance by USB to know which two pyro channels
64 it should interact with, and then a simple rocker switch selects between
67 TeleLCOTwo comes packaged in a weather-sealed polycarbonate box with
68 switches on one face, and BNC antenna connector and USB connectors
69 through the box walls. It can be placed on a table, but is typically
70 hand-held during operation.
72 The TeleLCOTwo hardware design is available from
73 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
74 [hw/telelcotwo](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelcotwo;a=summary).
78 Each pyro board in the TeleLaunch system uses FET technology for lowest
79 possible resistance paths, allowing maximum current to be reliably
80 delivered from the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire boards can
81 be powered by any 10-15V supply. This would typically be a 12V lead acid
82 battery, but 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft are also
87 * Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing
88 system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false
91 * Super-bright LEDs for continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
93 * Strobe and Siren. TeleFireFour has two 12V medium current (5A) outputs
94 to drive a siren and strobe light when the launch system is armed
97 * Local arming switch. When in the safe position, power is completely
98 disconnected from the igniter circuits to prevent any possibility
99 of the LCO accidentally engaging firing circuits during rocket
100 preparations at the pad.
102 * Each board is designed to fit in a standard Hammond weather-sealed
103 polycarbonate enclosure with weather-sealed rocker switches for
104 power and arming plus cable glands for DC input cable and igniter
105 output cables. Alternatively, boards can be configured to mount
106 in the user's choice of enclosure, such as a metal ammo box or
107 larger NEMA enclosure with space for the user's choice of
112 <img src="protos/telefireone.jpg">
114 TeleFireOne is a pyro board supporting a single igniter circuit. This
115 makes TeleFireOne ideal for individuals, launch trailers, or for "away
116 cells" at larger club launches.
118 All high-current connections are made on the board using standard
119 1/4-inch spade lugs, with screw terminals for the siren and strobe. This
120 allows for easy packaging and quick board swaps.
122 The photo above is of an early prototype, the design has changed slightly
123 since then. It is still possible to package the board as shown in a Hammond
124 polycarbonate box, but metal ammo boxes are a credible alternative. The two
125 switches are for power on/off and safe/arm. The two cables are for DC power
126 in and igniter leads out.
128 The TeleFireOne hardware design is available from
129 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
130 [hw/telefireone](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireone;a=summary).
132 ### TeleFireEight ###
134 TeleFireEight has eight igniter circuits, making it ideal for use at
135 club launches. Larger clubs or launch site setups can use multiple
136 boards to organize the site into multiple banks with up to 8 rockets
139 All connections are made on the board using 1/4-in spade lugs for
140 eash packaging and quick board swaps.
142 The TeleFireEight hardware design is available from
143 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
144 [hw/telefireeight](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireeight;a=summary).
152 TeleLaunch firmware is part of the larger [AltOS](/AltOS) suite of
157 Several prototype systems have been built and successfully
158 deployed. Lessons learned from use of those systems are currently
159 being incorporated into new board revisions, and general availability
160 of the system for sale is expected in the first half of 2018. Watch
161 this space for updates on price and availability.
165 TeleLaunch hardware is licensed under the [TAPR](http://www.tapr.org)
166 [Open Hardware License](http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html)
168 TeleLaunch software is licensed
169 [GPL version 2](http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html)