Kit" which has turned into the Getting Started chapter in this
book. Bob was one of our first customers for a production
TeleMetrum, and the enthusiasm that led to his contribution of
Kit" which has turned into the Getting Started chapter in this
book. Bob was one of our first customers for a production
TeleMetrum, and the enthusiasm that led to his contribution of
<para>
The newest device is TeleMini, a dual deploy altimeter with
radio telemetry and radio direction finding. This device is only
<para>
The newest device is TeleMini, a dual deploy altimeter with
radio telemetry and radio direction finding. This device is only
The TeleMetrum battery can be charged by plugging it into the
corresponding socket of the TeleMetrum and then using the USB A to
mini B
The TeleMetrum battery can be charged by plugging it into the
corresponding socket of the TeleMetrum and then using the USB A to
mini B
TeleMetrum circuitry will charge the battery whenever it is plugged
in, because the TeleMetrum's on-off switch does NOT control the
charging circuitry.
TeleMetrum circuitry will charge the battery whenever it is plugged
in, because the TeleMetrum's on-off switch does NOT control the
charging circuitry.
<para>
When the GPS chip is initially searching for
satellites, TeleMetrum will consume more current than it can pull
<para>
When the GPS chip is initially searching for
satellites, TeleMetrum will consume more current than it can pull
satellite lock. Once GPS is locked, the current consumption goes back
down enough to enable charging while
running. So it's a good idea to fully charge the battery as your
satellite lock. Once GPS is locked, the current consumption goes back
down enough to enable charging while
running. So it's a good idea to fully charge the battery as your
the AltosUI ground station program, current firmware images for
TeleMetrum, TeleMini and TeleDongle, and a number of standalone utilities that
are rarely needed. Pre-built binary packages are available for Debian
the AltosUI ground station program, current firmware images for
TeleMetrum, TeleMini and TeleDongle, and a number of standalone utilities that
are rarely needed. Pre-built binary packages are available for Debian
and build instructions for some other Linux variants are also available.
The latest version may always be downloaded from
<ulink url="http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS"/>.
and build instructions for some other Linux variants are also available.
The latest version may always be downloaded from
<ulink url="http://altusmetrum.org/AltOS"/>.
will deliver impressive results. However, like all electronic
devices, there are some precautions you must take.
</para>
will deliver impressive results. However, like all electronic
devices, there are some precautions you must take.
</para>
or their leads are allowed to short, they can and will release their
energy very rapidly!
Thus we recommend that you take some care when handling our batteries
or their leads are allowed to short, they can and will release their
energy very rapidly!
Thus we recommend that you take some care when handling our batteries
often wrap them in suitable scraps of closed-cell packing foam before
strapping them down, for example.
</para>
often wrap them in suitable scraps of closed-cell packing foam before
strapping them down, for example.
</para>
and all of the other surface mount components
are "down" towards whatever the underlying mounting surface is, so
this is not normally a problem. Please consider this, though, when
and all of the other surface mount components
are "down" towards whatever the underlying mounting surface is, so
this is not normally a problem. Please consider this, though, when
see-through plastic payload bay. It is particularly important to
consider this with TeleMini, both because the baro sensor is on the
"top" of the board, and because many model rockets with payload bays
see-through plastic payload bay. It is particularly important to
consider this with TeleMini, both because the baro sensor is on the
"top" of the board, and because many model rockets with payload bays
<title>Hardware Overview</title>
<para>
TeleMetrum is a 1 inch by 2.75 inch circuit board. It was designed to
<title>Hardware Overview</title>
<para>
TeleMetrum is a 1 inch by 2.75 inch circuit board. It was designed to
small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring
to succeed! The default 1/4
wave UHF wire antenna attached to the center of the nose-cone end of
small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring
to succeed! The default 1/4
wave UHF wire antenna attached to the center of the nose-cone end of
small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring
to succeed! The default 1/4
wave UHF wire antenna attached to the center of the nose-cone end of
small in diameter may require some creativity in mounting and wiring
to succeed! The default 1/4
wave UHF wire antenna attached to the center of the nose-cone end of
to fire ejection charges. This works marvelously with standard
low-current e-matches like the J-Tek from MJG Technologies, and with
Quest Q2G2 igniters. However, if you
to fire ejection charges. This works marvelously with standard
low-current e-matches like the J-Tek from MJG Technologies, and with
Quest Q2G2 igniters. However, if you
adequate However, if you are installing in a carbon-fiber
electronics bay which is opaque to RF signals, you may need to
use off-board external antennas instead. In this case, you can
adequate However, if you are installing in a carbon-fiber
electronics bay which is opaque to RF signals, you may need to
use off-board external antennas instead. In this case, you can
<para>
The AltOS firmware build for the altimeters has two
fundamental modes, "idle" and "flight". Which of these modes
<para>
The AltOS firmware build for the altimeters has two
fundamental modes, "idle" and "flight". Which of these modes
TeleMetrum, the mode is controlled by the orientation of the
rocket (well, actually the board, of course...) at the time
power is switched on. If the rocket is "nose up", then
TeleMetrum, the mode is controlled by the orientation of the
rocket (well, actually the board, of course...) at the time
power is switched on. If the rocket is "nose up", then
a packet connection, and issue a 'reset' command which will cause
the altimeter to reboot and come up in
flight mode. This is much safer than standing on the top step of a
a packet connection, and issue a 'reset' command which will cause
the altimeter to reboot and come up in
flight mode. This is much safer than standing on the top step of a
battery is connected. This allows the receiver to "warm start" on
the launch rail much faster than if every power-on were a "cold start"
for the GPS receiver. In typical operations, powering up TeleMetrum
battery is connected. This allows the receiver to "warm start" on
the launch rail much faster than if every power-on were a "cold start"
for the GPS receiver. In typical operations, powering up TeleMetrum
preparation will be sufficient to allow the GPS receiver to cold
start and acquire lock. Then the board can be powered down during
RSO review and installation on a launch rod or rail. When the board
preparation will be sufficient to allow the GPS receiver to cold
start and acquire lock. Then the board can be powered down during
RSO review and installation on a launch rod or rail. When the board
starting the RF packet connection for TeleMini). This will cause the
firmware to go into "idle" mode, in which the normal flight
state machine is disabled and charges will not fire without
starting the RF packet connection for TeleMini). This will cause the
firmware to go into "idle" mode, in which the normal flight
state machine is disabled and charges will not fire without
it's in "idle mode", which
allows us to use the RF link to configure the rocket, do things like
ejection tests, and extract data after a flight without having to
it's in "idle mode", which
allows us to use the RF link to configure the rocket, do things like
ejection tests, and extract data after a flight without having to
mode", the altimeter only
transmits and doesn't listen at all. That's because we want to put
ultimate priority on event detection and getting telemetry out of
mode", the altimeter only
transmits and doesn't listen at all. That's because we want to put
ultimate priority on event detection and getting telemetry out of
<para>
We don't use a 'normal packet radio' mode because they're just too
inefficient. The GFSK modulation we use is just FSK with the
<para>
We don't use a 'normal packet radio' mode because they're just too
inefficient. The GFSK modulation we use is just FSK with the
Gaussian filter before they go into the modulator to limit the
transmitted bandwidth. When combined with the hardware forward error
correction support in the cc1111 chip, this allows us to have a very
Gaussian filter before they go into the modulator to limit the
transmitted bandwidth. When combined with the hardware forward error
correction support in the cc1111 chip, this allows us to have a very
To set the radio frequency, use the 'c R' command to specify the
radio transceiver configuration parameter. This parameter is computed
using the desired frequency, 'F', the radio calibration parameter, 'C' (showed by the 'c s' command) and
To set the radio frequency, use the 'c R' command to specify the
radio transceiver configuration parameter. This parameter is computed
using the desired frequency, 'F', the radio calibration parameter, 'C' (showed by the 'c s' command) and
set the MAWD to 0 seconds delay and set the TeleMetrum to
fire your backup 2 or 3 seconds later to avoid any chance of
both charges firing simultaneously. We've flown several
set the MAWD to 0 seconds delay and set the TeleMetrum to
fire your backup 2 or 3 seconds later to avoid any chance of
both charges firing simultaneously. We've flown several
<para>
By default, the altimeter will fire the main deployment charge at an
elevation of 250 meters (about 820 feet) above ground. We think this
<para>
By default, the altimeter will fire the main deployment charge at an
elevation of 250 meters (about 820 feet) above ground. We think this
to suit. In particular, if you are flying two altimeters, you may
wish to set the
deployment elevation for the backup altimeter to be something lower
to suit. In particular, if you are flying two altimeters, you may
wish to set the
deployment elevation for the backup altimeter to be something lower
crystal on the board. The actual frequency of this oscillator must be
measured to generate a calibration constant. While our GFSK modulation
bandwidth is wide enough to allow boards to communicate even when
crystal on the board. The actual frequency of this oscillator must be
measured to generate a calibration constant. While our GFSK modulation
bandwidth is wide enough to allow boards to communicate even when
frequency counter, set the board to 434.550MHz, and use the 'C'
command to generate a CW carrier. Wait for the transmitter temperature
to stabilize and the frequency to settle down.
frequency counter, set the board to 434.550MHz, and use the 'C'
command to generate a CW carrier. Wait for the transmitter temperature
to stabilize and the frequency to settle down.
measured frequency and multiply by the current radio cal value show
in the 'c s' command. For an unprogrammed board, the default value
is 1186611. Take the resulting integer and program it using the 'c f'
measured frequency and multiply by the current radio cal value show
in the 'c s' command. For an unprogrammed board, the default value
is 1186611. Take the resulting integer and program it using the 'c f'
the output must be passed through a resistive voltage divider to match
the input of our 3.3 volt ADC. This means that unlike the barometric
the output must be passed through a resistive voltage divider to match
the input of our 3.3 volt ADC. This means that unlike the barometric
the ADC converter, and calibration is required. We also support the
use of any of several accelerometers from a Freescale family that
includes at least +/- 40g, 50g, 100g, and 200g parts. Using gravity,
the ADC converter, and calibration is required. We also support the
use of any of several accelerometers from a Freescale family that
includes at least +/- 40g, 50g, 100g, and 200g parts. Using gravity,
can do by plugging in to it over USB and using a terminal program
to connect to the board and issue the 'v' command to check
the version, etc.
can do by plugging in to it over USB and using a terminal program
to connect to the board and issue the 'v' command to check
the version, etc.
can do by configuring it over the RF link through the TeleDongle, or
letting it come up in "flight" mode and listening for telemetry.
</listitem>
can do by configuring it over the RF link through the TeleDongle, or
letting it come up in "flight" mode and listening for telemetry.
</listitem>
can do by plugging in to it over USB and using a terminal program
to connect to the board and issue the 'v' command to check
the version, etc. Once you're happy, remove the programming cable
can do by plugging in to it over USB and using a terminal program
to connect to the board and issue the 'v' command to check
the version, etc. Once you're happy, remove the programming cable
<para>
The radio frequency being monitored by the TeleDongle device is
displayed at the top of the window. You can configure the
<para>
The radio frequency being monitored by the TeleDongle device is
displayed at the top of the window. You can configure the
frequency. AltosUI remembers the last frequency selected for each
TeleDongle and selects that automatically the next time you use
that device.
frequency. AltosUI remembers the last frequency selected for each
TeleDongle and selects that automatically the next time you use
that device.
The Received Signal Strength Indicator value. This lets
you know how strong a signal TeleDongle is receiving. The
radio inside TeleDongle operates down to about -99dBm;
The Received Signal Strength Indicator value. This lets
you know how strong a signal TeleDongle is receiving. The
radio inside TeleDongle operates down to about -99dBm;
powering the TeleMetrum has sufficient charge to last for
the duration of the flight. A value of more than
3.7V is required for a 'GO' status.
powering the TeleMetrum has sufficient charge to last for
the duration of the flight. A value of more than
3.7V is required for a 'GO' status.
Apogee Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the apogee
igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low
resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close
Apogee Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the apogee
igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low
resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close
Main Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the main
igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low
resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close
Main Igniter Voltage. This indicates whether the main
igniter has continuity. If the igniter has a low
resistance, then the voltage measured here will be close
latitude and longitude as well as a bearing and distance from
the launch pad. The distance should give you a good idea of
whether you'll want to walk or hitch a ride. Take the reported
latitude and longitude as well as a bearing and distance from
the launch pad. The distance should give you a good idea of
whether you'll want to walk or hitch a ride. Take the reported
When the TeleMetrum gets a GPS fix, the Site Map tab will map
the rocket's position to make it easier for you to locate the
rocket, both while it is in the air, and when it has landed. The
When the TeleMetrum gets a GPS fix, the Site Map tab will map
the rocket's position to make it easier for you to locate the
rocket, both while it is in the air, and when it has landed. The
boost, pink for fast, yellow for coast, light blue for drogue,
dark blue for main, and black for landed.
</para>
<para>
The map's scale is approximately 3m (10ft) per pixel. The map
can be dragged using the left mouse button. The map will attempt
boost, pink for fast, yellow for coast, light blue for drogue,
dark blue for main, and black for landed.
</para>
<para>
The map's scale is approximately 3m (10ft) per pixel. The map
can be dragged using the left mouse button. The map will attempt
</para>
<para>
Images are fetched automatically via the Google Maps Static API,
and are cached for reuse. If map images cannot be downloaded,
</para>
<para>
Images are fetched automatically via the Google Maps Static API,
and are cached for reuse. If map images cannot be downloaded,
to respond to changing launch conditions. You can also
'reboot' the altimeter. Use this to remotely enable the
flight computer by turning TeleMetrum on in "idle" mode,
to respond to changing launch conditions. You can also
'reboot' the altimeter. Use this to remotely enable the
flight computer by turning TeleMetrum on in "idle" mode,
rocket as if for flight with the apogee and main charges
loaded, then remotely command the altimeter to fire the
igniters.
rocket as if for flight with the apogee and main charges
loaded, then remotely command the altimeter to fire the
igniters.
from the recorded flight date, altimeter serial number and
flight number information.
</para>
from the recorded flight date, altimeter serial number and
flight number information.
</para>
dragging down and to the right. Once zoomed, the graph can be
reset by clicking and dragging up and to the left. Holding down
control and clicking and dragging allows the graph to be panned.
dragging down and to the right. Once zoomed, the graph can be
reset by clicking and dragging up and to the left. Holding down
control and clicking and dragging allows the graph to be panned.
<para>
Select this button and then select either a TeleMetrum or
TeleDongle Device from the list provided. Selecting a TeleDongle
<para>
Select this button and then select either a TeleMetrum or
TeleDongle Device from the list provided. Selecting a TeleDongle
<para>
When flying redundant electronics, it's often important to
ensure that multiple apogee charges don't fire at precisely
<para>
When flying redundant electronics, it's often important to
ensure that multiple apogee charges don't fire at precisely
- the same time as that can overpressurize the apogee deployment
- bay and cause a structural failure of the airframe. The Apogee
+ the same time as that can over pressurize the apogee deployment
+ bay and cause a structural failure of the air-frame. The Apogee
Delay parameter tells the flight computer to fire the apogee
charge a certain number of seconds after apogee has been
detected.
Delay parameter tells the flight computer to fire the apogee
charge a certain number of seconds after apogee has been
detected.
can keep your eyes on the sky and still get information about
the current flight status. However, sometimes you don't want
to hear them.
can keep your eyes on the sky and still get information about
the current flight status. However, sometimes you don't want
to hear them.
in each packet sent from TeleDongle and received from
TeleMetrum. It is not used in telemetry mode as that transmits
packets only from TeleMetrum to TeleDongle. Configure this
in each packet sent from TeleDongle and received from
TeleMetrum. It is not used in telemetry mode as that transmits
packets only from TeleMetrum to TeleDongle. Configure this
recovery systems deployment. Because this command can operate
over the Packet Command Link, you can prepare the rocket as
for flight and then test the recovery system without needing
recovery systems deployment. Because this command can operate
over the Packet Command Link, you can prepare the rocket as
for flight and then test the recovery system without needing
</para>
<para>
Selecting the 'Fire Igniter' button brings up the usual device
selection dialog. Pick the desired TeleDongle or TeleMetrum
device. This brings up another window which shows the current
</para>
<para>
Selecting the 'Fire Igniter' button brings up the usual device
selection dialog. Pick the desired TeleDongle or TeleMetrum
device. This brings up another window which shows the current
<para>
In the rocket itself, you just need a <ulink url="http://www.altusmetrum.org/TeleMetrum/">TeleMetrum</ulink> or
<ulink url="http://www.altusmetrum.org/TeleMini/">TeleMini</ulink> board and
<para>
In the rocket itself, you just need a <ulink url="http://www.altusmetrum.org/TeleMetrum/">TeleMetrum</ulink> or
<ulink url="http://www.altusmetrum.org/TeleMini/">TeleMini</ulink> board and
alkaline battery, and will run a TeleMetrum for hours.
A 110mAh battery weighs less than a triple A battery and will run a TeleMetrum for
a few hours, or a TeleMini for much (much) longer.
</para>
<para>
By default, we ship the altimeters with a simple wire antenna. If your
alkaline battery, and will run a TeleMetrum for hours.
A 110mAh battery weighs less than a triple A battery and will run a TeleMetrum for
a few hours, or a TeleMini for much (much) longer.
</para>
<para>
By default, we ship the altimeters with a simple wire antenna. If your
which is opaque to RF signals, you may choose to have an SMA connector
installed so that you can run a coaxial cable to an antenna mounted
elsewhere in the rocket.
which is opaque to RF signals, you may choose to have an SMA connector
installed so that you can run a coaxial cable to an antenna mounted
elsewhere in the rocket.
<title>On the Ground</title>
<para>
To receive the data stream from the rocket, you need an antenna and short
<title>On the Ground</title>
<para>
To receive the data stream from the rocket, you need an antenna and short
TeleDongle in turn plugs directly into the USB port on a notebook
computer. Because TeleDongle looks like a simple serial port, your computer
does not require special device drivers... just plug it in.
TeleDongle in turn plugs directly into the USB port on a notebook
computer. Because TeleDongle looks like a simple serial port, your computer
does not require special device drivers... just plug it in.
After the flight, you can use the RF link to extract the more detailed data
logged in either TeleMetrum or TeleMini devices, or you can use a mini USB cable to plug into the
TeleMetrum board directly. Pulling out the data without having to open up
After the flight, you can use the RF link to extract the more detailed data
logged in either TeleMetrum or TeleMini devices, or you can use a mini USB cable to plug into the
TeleMetrum board directly. Pulling out the data without having to open up
battery, so you'll want one of those anyway... the same cable used by lots
of digital cameras and other modern electronic stuff will work fine.
</para>
<para>
battery, so you'll want one of those anyway... the same cable used by lots
of digital cameras and other modern electronic stuff will work fine.
</para>
<para>
- If your TeleMetrum-equiped rocket lands out of sight, you may enjoy having a hand-held GPS
- receiver, so that you can put in a waypoint for the last reported rocket
+ If your TeleMetrum-equipped rocket lands out of sight, you may enjoy having a hand-held GPS
+ receiver, so that you can put in a way-point for the last reported rocket
So, to recap, on the ground the hardware you'll need includes:
<orderedlist inheritnum='inherit' numeration='arabic'>
<listitem>
So, to recap, on the ground the hardware you'll need includes:
<orderedlist inheritnum='inherit' numeration='arabic'>
<listitem>
Our software makes it easy to log the data from each flight, both the
telemetry received over the RF link during the flight itself, and the more
complete data log recorded in the flash memory on the altimeter
Our software makes it easy to log the data from each flight, both the
telemetry received over the RF link during the flight itself, and the more
complete data log recorded in the flash memory on the altimeter
easy to quickly get to the numbers everyone wants, like apogee altitude,
max acceleration, and max velocity. You can also generate and view a
standard set of plots showing the altitude, acceleration, and
velocity of the rocket during flight. And you can even export a TeleMetrum data file
easy to quickly get to the numbers everyone wants, like apogee altitude,
max acceleration, and max velocity. You can also generate and view a
standard set of plots showing the altitude, acceleration, and
velocity of the rocket during flight. And you can even export a TeleMetrum data file
Building high-power rockets that fly safely is hard enough. Mix
in some sophisticated electronics and a bunch of radio energy
and oftentimes you find few perfect solutions. This chapter
Building high-power rockets that fly safely is hard enough. Mix
in some sophisticated electronics and a bunch of radio energy
and oftentimes you find few perfect solutions. This chapter
- contains some suggestions about how to install AltusMetrum
- products into the rocket airframe, including how to safely and
- reliably mix a variety of electronics into the same airframe.
+ contains some suggestions about how to install Altus Metrum
+ products into the rocket air-frame, including how to safely and
+ reliably mix a variety of electronics into the same air-frame.
nylon standoffs and nylon screws; they're good to at least 50G
and cannot cause any electrical issues on the board. For
TeleMini, we usually cut small pieces of 1/16" balsa to fit
nylon standoffs and nylon screws; they're good to at least 50G
and cannot cause any electrical issues on the board. For
TeleMini, we usually cut small pieces of 1/16" balsa to fit
wire. If it gets damaged or broken, it can be easily
replaced. It should be kept straight and not cut; bending or
cutting it will change the resonant frequency and/or
wire. If it gets damaged or broken, it can be easily
replaced. It should be kept straight and not cut; bending or
cutting it will change the resonant frequency and/or
culprit here -- CF is a good conductor and will effectively
shield the antenna, dramatically reducing signal strength and
culprit here -- CF is a good conductor and will effectively
shield the antenna, dramatically reducing signal strength and
<orderedlist inheritnum='inherit' numeration='arabic'>
<listitem>
Conductive tubing or coatings. Carbon fiber and metal
<orderedlist inheritnum='inherit' numeration='arabic'>
<listitem>
Conductive tubing or coatings. Carbon fiber and metal
<para>
To accurately measure atmospheric pressure, the ebay
containing the altimeter must be vented outside the
<para>
To accurately measure atmospheric pressure, the ebay
containing the altimeter must be vented outside the
hasn't been ground tested can lead to delays or ejection
charges firing on the pad, or, even worse, a recovery system
failure.
hasn't been ground tested can lead to delays or ejection
charges firing on the pad, or, even worse, a recovery system
failure.
without any BP and turning on all of the electronics in flight
mode. This will catch any mistakes in wiring and any residual
RFI issues that might accidentally fire igniters at the wrong
without any BP and turning on all of the electronics in flight
mode. This will catch any mistakes in wiring and any residual
RFI issues that might accidentally fire igniters at the wrong
adequate telemetry signal strength and GPS lock.
</para>
<para>
Ground test the ejection charges. Prepare the rocket for
flight, loading ejection charges and igniters. Completely
adequate telemetry signal strength and GPS lock.
</para>
<para>
Ground test the ejection charges. Prepare the rocket for
flight, loading ejection charges and igniters. Completely
interface through a TeleDongle to command each charge to
fire. Make sure the charge is sufficient to robustly separate
interface through a TeleDongle to command each charge to
fire. Make sure the charge is sufficient to robustly separate
<para>
There are no "dit-dah-dah-dit" sound or lights like the manual mentions?
That's the "pad" mode. Weak batteries might be the problem.
<para>
There are no "dit-dah-dah-dit" sound or lights like the manual mentions?
That's the "pad" mode. Weak batteries might be the problem.
is instead a "dit-dit" meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that
it received a command packet which would have left it in "pad" mode.
</para>
is instead a "dit-dit" meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that
it received a command packet which would have left it in "pad" mode.
</para>
but is easily changed using the menus in AltosUI. The files that
are written end in '.telem'. The after-flight
data-dumped files will end in .eeprom and represent continuous data
but is easily changed using the menus in AltosUI. The files that
are written end in '.telem'. The after-flight
data-dumped files will end in .eeprom and represent continuous data
See the above instructions on what and how to save the eeprom stored
data after physically retrieving your altimeter. Make sure to save
the on-board data after each flight; while the TeleMetrum can store
See the above instructions on what and how to save the eeprom stored
data after physically retrieving your altimeter. Make sure to save
the on-board data after each flight; while the TeleMetrum can store
'ao-list' from a terminal-window to see what port-device-name each
device has been assigned by the operating system.
You will need this information to access the devices via their
'ao-list' from a terminal-window to see what port-device-name each
device has been assigned by the operating system.
You will need this information to access the devices via their
place to start is by setting your call sign. By default, the boards
use 'N0CALL' which is cute, but not exactly legal!
Spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the units, their
place to start is by setting your call sign. By default, the boards
use 'N0CALL' which is cute, but not exactly legal!
Spend a few minutes getting comfortable with the units, their
between an altimeter and the TeleDongle. Be aware that you *must* create
some physical separation between the devices, otherwise the link will
not function due to signal overload in the receivers in each device.
between an altimeter and the TeleDongle. Be aware that you *must* create
some physical separation between the devices, otherwise the link will
not function due to signal overload in the receivers in each device.
by issuing a 'p' command to the TeleDongle. Practice connecting and
disconnecting ('~~' while using 'cu') from the altimeter. If
you cannot escape out of the "p" command, (by using a '~~' when in
CU) then it is likely that your kernel has issues. Try a newer version.
</para>
<para>
by issuing a 'p' command to the TeleDongle. Practice connecting and
disconnecting ('~~' while using 'cu') from the altimeter. If
you cannot escape out of the "p" command, (by using a '~~' when in
CU) then it is likely that your kernel has issues. Try a newer version.
</para>
<para>
fire e-matches and igniters from the flight line, check pyro-match
continuity and so forth. You can leave the unit turned on while it
is in 'idle mode' and then place the
rocket vertically on the launch pad, walk away and then issue a
reboot command. The altimeter will reboot and start sending data
having changed to the "pad" mode. If the TeleDongle is not receiving
fire e-matches and igniters from the flight line, check pyro-match
continuity and so forth. You can leave the unit turned on while it
is in 'idle mode' and then place the
rocket vertically on the launch pad, walk away and then issue a
reboot command. The altimeter will reboot and start sending data
having changed to the "pad" mode. If the TeleDongle is not receiving
procedures mentioned above and THEN connect to the TeleDongle from
inside 'ao-view'. If this doesn't work, disconnect from the
TeleDongle, unplug it, and try again after plugging it back in.
</para>
<para>
On TeleMetrum, the GPS will eventually find enough satellites, lock in on them,
procedures mentioned above and THEN connect to the TeleDongle from
inside 'ao-view'. If this doesn't work, disconnect from the
TeleDongle, unplug it, and try again after plugging it back in.
</para>
<para>
On TeleMetrum, the GPS will eventually find enough satellites, lock in on them,
that GPS is ready.
Now you can launch knowing that you have a good data path and
good satellite lock for flight data and recovery. Remember
that GPS is ready.
Now you can launch knowing that you have a good data path and
good satellite lock for flight data and recovery. Remember
contents using either 'ao-dumplog' (or possibly 'ao-eeprom'), over
either a USB cable or over the radio link using TeleDongle.
And by following the man page for 'ao-postflight' you can create
contents using either 'ao-dumplog' (or possibly 'ao-eeprom'), over
either a USB cable or over the radio link using TeleDongle.
And by following the man page for 'ao-postflight' you can create
- various data output reports, graphs, and even kml data to see the
- flight trajectory in google-earth. (Moving the viewing angle making
- sure to connect the yellow lines while in google-earth is the proper
+ various data output reports, graphs, and even KML data to see the
+ flight trajectory in Google-earth. (Moving the viewing angle making
+ sure to connect the yellow lines while in Google-earth is the proper