# TeleLaunch — Multi-channel Wireless Launch Controller System #
TeleLaunch is secure radio-controlled rocket launch system capable of
-operating up to 400 pads from a single controler. TeleLaunch consists
-of two pieces, TeleLCO and TeleFire.
+operating up to 792 pads from a single controler. A typical TeleLaunch
+system consists of one LCO board and one or more pyro boards.
-## TeleLCO ##
+TeleLaunch uses a two-way digital radio communications system for
+positive indication of all operations. The communications link is
+secured with AES CBC-MAC to prevent accidental or intentional
+operation from unauthorized transmitters.
+
+TeleLaunch operates in the 70cm amateur band at low power using
+Altus Metrum's proven modulation and coding schem to avoid interference
+with any rocketry electronics or other communication devices.
+
+All boards in the TeleLaunch system are easily configured using USB for
+parameters like operating frequency, callsign, cryptographic key, and
+in the case of pyro boards the designated bank number.
+
+## Launch Control Boards ##
+
+All launch control boards in the TeleLaunch system are designed to use
+a lithium polymer battery that can be recharged over USB. They support
+distinct arm and fire switches, continuous indication of igniter
+continuity, and have super-bright LED indicators for remote arming,
+continuity, and RF link quality plus an audible indication of arming.
+
+### TeleLCO ###
+
+<a href="telelco-v2.0/telelco-v2.0-open.jpg"> <img src="telelco-v2.0/telelco-v2.0-open_small.jpg"></a>
-TeleLCO controls up to 100 TeleFire boxes and is powered by a
-rechargable lithium polymer
+TeleLCO controls up to 100 TeleFire banks, comes packaged in a rugged
+case, and is typically placed on a table for use by the designated LCO.
- * USB connection to charge battery.
+ * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected bank and pad
- * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected pad
+ * Rotary knob for pad selection
- * Rotary knobs for pad selection
+ * Packaged in [Pelican 1170 orange box](https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/protector/1170)
- * LED indicators for remote arming, continuity and RF quality
+Drag races are supported with a separate normal/drag mode selection switch,
+drag mode LED, and select pushbutton. Channels that are included in the
+current drag race selection have blinking continuity indicators.
- * Arming switch and firing button
+The TeleLCO hardware design is available from
+[git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
+[hw/telelco](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelco;a=summary).
-Circuit diagrams and PCB layouts are provided here:
+### TeleLCOTwo ###
-[[!map pages="TeleLaunch/telelco-v0.2/* and ! TeleLaunch/telelco-v0.2/*/*"]]
+<img src="protos/telelcotwo.jpg">
-## TeleFire ##
+A small LCO board capable of handling up to two pyro channels. TeleLCOTwo
+is ideal for individuals or clubs that have an existing launch control
+system but want to use TeleLaunch for an "away" launch cell.
-TeleFire has four igniter circuits, each of which uses a 70A
-automotive relay to provide a low resistance path, high-current from
-the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire can be powered by any
-10-15V supply, from 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft
-to a 12V lead acid battery.
+TeleLCOTwo is configured in advance by USB to know which two pyro channels
+it should interact with, and then a simple rocker switch selects between
+the two during use.
+
+TeleLCOTwo comes packaged in a weather-sealed polycarbonate box with
+switches on one face, and BNC antenna connector and USB connectors
+through the box walls. It can be placed on a table, but is typically
+hand-held during operation.
+
+The TeleLCOTwo hardware design is available from
+[git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
+[hw/telelcotwo](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelcotwo;a=summary).
+
+## Pyro Boards ##
+
+Each pyro board in the TeleLaunch system uses FET technology for lowest
+possible resistance paths, allowing maximum current to be reliably
+delivered from the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire boards can
+be powered by any 10-15V supply. This would typically be a 12V lead acid
+battery, but 3-cell lithium polymer packs used in RC aircraft are also
+suitable.
+
+Each board features:
* Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing
system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false
- ignition. The circuit also detects a shorted relay.
+ ignition.
- * Local LED continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
+ * Super-bright LEDs for continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
- * Strobe and Siren. TeleFire has two 12V medium current (5A) outputs
+ * Strobe and Siren. TeleFireFour has two 12V medium current (5A) outputs
to drive a siren and strobe light when the launch system is armed
and ready to fire.
- * Local arming switch. A positive power switch shutting off the
- igniters and relays prevents the LCO from engaging the firing
- circuit.
+ * Local arming switch. When in the safe position, power is completely
+ disconnected from the igniter circuits to prevent any possibility
+ of the LCO accidentally engaging firing circuits during rocket
+ preparations at the pad.
-Circuit diagrams and PCB layouts are provided here:
+ * Each board is designed to fit in a standard Hammond weather-sealed
+ polycarbonate enclosure with weather-sealed rocker switches for
+ power and arming plus cable glands for DC input cable and igniter
+ output cables. Alternatively, boards can be configured to mount
+ in the user's choice of enclosure, such as a metal ammo box or
+ larger NEMA enclosure with space for the user's choice of
+ external connectors.
-[[!map pages="TeleLaunch/telefire-v0.2/* and ! TeleLaunch/telefire-v0.2/*/*"]]
+### TeleFireTwo ###
-## Radio Communications ##
+<img src="protos/telefireone.jpg">
-TeleLaunch uses a two-way digital radio communications system for
-positive indication of all operations. The communications link is
-secured with AES CBC-MAC to prevent accidental or intentional
-operation from unauthorized transmitters.
+TeleFireTwo is a pyro board supporting two igniter circuits. This
+makes TeleFireTwo ideal for individuals, launch trailers, or for "away
+cells" at larger club launches.
+
+All high-current connections are made on the board using standard
+1/4-inch spade lugs, with screw terminals for the siren and strobe. This
+allows for easy packaging and quick board swaps.
+
+The photo above is of an early single-channel prototype, the design has
+changed significantly since then and we'll take new photos soon. It is
+still possible to package the board as shown in a Hammond polycarbonate
+box, but the plan is for all production units to be sold packaged in
+50-cal ammo boxes. The two switches are for power on/off and safe/arm. The
+two cables are for DC power in and igniter leads out.
+
+The TeleFireOne hardware design is available from
+[git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
+[hw/telefireone](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireone;a=summary).
+
+### TeleFireEight ###
+
+<a href="telefireeight-v2/tf8-packaged.jpg"> <img src="telefireeight-v2/tf8-packaged_small.jpg"></a>
+
+TeleFireEight has eight igniter circuits, making it ideal for use at
+club launches. Larger clubs or launch site setups can use multiple
+boards to organize the site into multiple banks with up to 8 rockets
+each.
+
+All connections are made on the board using 1/4-in spade lugs for
+eash packaging and quick board swaps.
+
+The above photo shows the unpopulated circuit board for the first version
+of this design, it will be replaced with a photo of a packaged version when
+we have a prototype completed. In the meantime, see the photo of a packaged
+[TeleStatic](../TeleStatic) board for a rough idea of what we're planning,
+except that there will be 4 AC outlets with flip-lid covers on each long
+face of the ammo box with per-pad LED continuity indicators in the top cover.
+
+The TeleFireEight hardware design is available from
+[git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
+[hw/telefireeight](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireeight;a=summary).
+
+## Documentation ##
+
+There's a cheat-sheat inside the lid of TeleLCO that has proven to be
+completely sufficient for our prototype users to figure out and use the
+system, but we do plan to eventually write a real manual.
+
+## Software ##
+
+TeleLaunch firmware is part of the larger [AltOS](/AltOS) suite of
+software. For now, configuration of frequencies, callsigns, and crypto
+keys requires a laptop with terminal emulator and a USB cable, but we plan
+to produce an easier to use configuration program eventually.
+
+## Availability ##
+
+TeleLCO and TeleFireEight are now in production. TeleLCO is available now,
+and TeleFireEight is anticipated to be ready to ship in February 2019.
+
+Prototypes of the other products in this family have been built, deployed,
+and used successfully. Updates to the designs are underway and we hope to
+have additional products available in 2019.
+
+## Licenses ##
+
+TeleLaunch hardware is licensed under the [TAPR](http://www.tapr.org)
+[Open Hardware License](http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html)
+
+TeleLaunch software is licensed
+[GPL version 2](http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html)
-TeleLaunch operates in the 70cm amateur band at 10mW to avoid
-interference with any rocketry electronics.
projects / web / altusmetrum / blobdiff