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 TeleLCO controls up to 100 TeleFire banks, comes packaged in a rugged
33 case, and is typically placed on a table for use by the designated LCO.
35 * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected bank and pad
37 * Rotary knob for pad selection
39 The TeleLCO hardware design is available from
40 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
41 [hw/telelco](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelco;a=summary).
45 <img src="protos/telelcotwo.jpg">
47 A small LCO board capable of handling up to two TeleFireOne pyro
48 boards, or one channel each on TeleFireEight boards. TeleLCOTwo is ideal
49 for individuals or clubs that have an existing launch control system but
50 want to use TeleLaunch for an "away" launch cell.
52 TeleLCOTwo is configured in advance by USB to know which two pyro channels
53 it should interact with, and then a simple rocker switch selects between
56 TeleLCOTwo comes packaged in a weather-sealed polycarbonate box with
57 switches on one face, and BNC antenna connector and USB connectors
58 through the box walls. It can be placed on a table, but is typically
59 hand-held during operation.
61 The TeleLCOTwo hardware design is available from
62 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
63 [hw/telelcotwo](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelcotwo;a=summary).
67 Each pyro board in the TeleLaunch system uses FET technology for lowest
68 possible resistance paths, allowing maximum current to be reliably
69 delivered from the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire boards can
70 be powered by any 10-15V supply. This would typically be a 12V lead acid
71 battery, but 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft are also
76 * Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing
77 system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false
80 * Super-bright LEDs for continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
82 * Strobe and Siren. TeleFireFour has two 12V medium current (5A) outputs
83 to drive a siren and strobe light when the launch system is armed
86 * Local arming switch. When in the safe position, power is completely
87 disconnected from the igniter circuits to prevent any possibility
88 of the LCO accidentally engaging firing circuits during rocket
89 preparations at the pad.
91 * Each board is designed to fit in a standard Hammond weather-sealed
92 polycarbonate enclosure with weather-sealed rocker switches for
93 power and arming plus cable glands for DC input cable and igniter
94 output cables. Alternatively, boards can be configured to mount
95 in the user's choice of enclosure, such as a metal ammo box or
96 larger NEMA enclosure with space for the user's choice of
101 <img src="protos/telefireone.jpg">
103 TeleFireOne is a pyro board supporting a single igniter circuit. This
104 makes TeleFireOne ideal for individuals, launch trailers, or for "away
105 cells" at larger club launches.
107 All high-current connections are made on the board using standard
108 1/4-inch spade lugs, with screw terminals for the siren and strobe. This
109 allows for easy packaging and quick board swaps.
111 The photo above is of an early prototype, the design has changed slightly
112 since then. It is still possible to package the board as shown in a Hammond
113 polycarbonate box, but metal ammo boxes are a credible alternative. The two
114 switches are for power on/off and safe/arm. The two cables are for DC power
115 in and igniter leads out.
117 The TeleFireOne hardware design is available from
118 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
119 [hw/telefireone](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireone;a=summary).
121 ### TeleFireEight ###
123 TeleFireEight has eight igniter circuits, making it ideal for use at
124 club launches. Larger clubs or launch site setups can use multiple
125 boards to organize the site into multiple banks with up to 8 rockets
128 All connections are made on the board using 1/4-in spade lugs for
129 eash packaging and quick board swaps.
131 The TeleFireEight hardware design is available from
132 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
133 [hw/telefireeight](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireeight;a=summary).
141 TeleLaunch firmware is part of the larger [AltOS](/AltOS) suite of
146 Several prototype systems have been built and successfully
147 deployed. Lessons learned from use of those systems are currently
148 being incorporated into new board revisions, and general availability
149 of the system for sale is expected in the first half of 2018.
153 TeleLaunch hardware is licensed under the [TAPR](http://www.tapr.org)
154 [Open Hardware License](http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html)
156 TeleLaunch software is licensed
157 [GPL version 2](http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html)