X-Git-Url: https://git.gag.com/?a=blobdiff_plain;ds=sidebyside;f=doc%2Faltusmetrum.xsl;h=3e6b402526964eb8ed1041023227ad9b7164a568;hb=d5d6d10ceb724081c7cf89a3885d7e6c3da14604;hp=0fb26e68125694939c73ac2fc0f9b0a98581b327;hpb=73b1a7e644e255558378ab66de6426a7dfd8a7dc;p=fw%2Faltos diff --git a/doc/altusmetrum.xsl b/doc/altusmetrum.xsl index 0fb26e68..3e6b4025 100644 --- a/doc/altusmetrum.xsl +++ b/doc/altusmetrum.xsl @@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ - Acknowledgements + Acknowledgments Thanks to Bob Finch, W9YA, NAR 12965, TRA 12350 for writing “The Mere-Mortals Quick Start/Usage Guide to the Altus Metrum Starter @@ -180,8 +180,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 For a slightly more portable ground station experience that also provides direct rocket recovery support, TeleBT offers flight - monitoring and data logging using a Bluetooth connection between - the receiver and an Android device that has the Altos Droid + monitoring and data logging using a Bluetooth™ connection between + the receiver and an Android device that has the AltosDroid application installed from the Google Play store. @@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 On TeleMetrum v1 boards, when the GPS chip is initially searching for satellites, TeleMetrum will consume more current - than it can pull from the USB port, so the battery must be + than it pulls from the USB port, so the battery must be attached in order to get 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 @@ -238,7 +238,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 and EasyMini, anything supplying between 4 and 12 volts should work fine (like a standard 9V battery), but if you are planning to fire pyro charges, ground testing is required to verify that - the battery supplies enough current. + the battery supplies enough current to fire your chosen e-matches. The other active device in the starter kit is the TeleDongle USB to @@ -247,13 +247,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 driver information that is part of the AltOS download to know that the existing USB modem driver will work. We therefore recommend installing our software before plugging in TeleDongle if you are using a Windows - computer. If you are using Linux and are having problems, try moving - to a fresher kernel (2.6.33 or newer), as the USB serial driver had - ugly bugs in some earlier versions. + computer. If you are using an older version of Linux and are having + problems, try moving to a fresher kernel (2.6.33 or newer). - Next you should obtain and install the AltOS software. These - include the AltosUI ground station program, current firmware + Next you should obtain and install the AltOS software. The AltOS + distribution includes the AltosUI ground station program, current + firmware images for all of the hardware, and a number of standalone utilities that are rarely needed. Pre-built binary packages are available for Linux, Microsoft Windows, and recent MacOSX @@ -262,9 +262,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 . - If you're using a TeleBT instead of the TeleDongle, you'll want - to go install the Altos Droid application from the Google Play - store. You don't need a data plan to use Altos Droid, but + If you're using a TeleBT instead of the TeleDongle, you'll want to + install the AltosDroid application from the Google Play store on an + Android device. You don't need a data plan to use AltosDroid, but without network access, the Map view will be less useful as it won't contain any map data. You can also use TeleBT connected over USB with your laptop computer; it acts exactly like a @@ -297,9 +297,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 sensitive to sunlight. In normal mounting situations, the baro sensor 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 - designing an installation, for example, in an air-frame with a - see-through plastic payload bay. It is particularly important to + this is not normally a problem. Please consider this when designing an + installation in an air-frame with a see-through plastic payload bay. It + is particularly important to consider this with TeleMini v1.0, both because the baro sensor is on the “top” of the board, and because many model rockets with payload bays use clear plastic for the payload bay! Replacing these with an opaque @@ -481,7 +481,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 ½ inch (1.27cm) 1½ inch (3.81cm) - 18mm aiframe + 18mm coupler TeleMini v2.0 @@ -586,8 +586,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 EasyMini is built on a 0.8 inch by 1½ inch circuit board. It's designed to fit in a 24mm coupler tube. The connectors and - screw terminals match TeleMini, so you can swap an EasyMini - with a TeleMini. + screw terminals match TeleMini v2.0, so you can easily swap between + EasyMini and TeleMini.
@@ -720,7 +720,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 apogee and main ejection charges. All Altus Metrum products are designed for use with single-cell batteries with 3.7 volts nominal. TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini may also be used with other - batteries as long as they supply between 4 and 12 volts. + batteries as long as they supply between 4 and 12 volts. The battery connectors are a standard 2-pin JST connector and @@ -762,8 +762,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 adequate. However, if you are installing in a carbon-fiber or metal electronics bay which is opaque to RF signals, you may need to use off-board external antennas instead. In this case, you can - order an altimeter with an SMA connector for the UHF antenna - connection, and, on TeleMetrum v1, you can unplug the integrated GPS + replace the stock UHF antenna wire with an edge-launched SMA connector, + and, on TeleMetrum v1, you can unplug the integrated GPS antenna and select an appropriate off-board GPS antenna with cable terminating in a U.FL connector. @@ -777,10 +777,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 The AltOS firmware build for the altimeters has two fundamental modes, “idle” and “flight”. Which of these modes the firmware operates in is determined at start up time. For - TeleMetrum, the mode is controlled by the orientation of the + TeleMetrum and TeleMega, which have accelerometers, 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 assumes it's on a rail or rod being prepared for + the flight computer assumes it's on a rail or rod being prepared for launch, so the firmware chooses flight mode. However, if the rocket is more or less horizontal, the firmware instead enters idle mode. Since TeleMini v2.0 and EasyMini don't have an @@ -1012,7 +1013,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Radio Link - The chip our boards are based on incorporates an RF transceiver, but + Our flight computers all incorporate an RF transceiver, but it's not a full duplex system... each end can only be transmitting or receiving at any given moment. So we had to decide how to manage the link. @@ -1048,7 +1049,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 performance in higher altitude flights! - TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega can send APRS if desired, the + TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega can send APRS if desired, and the interval between APRS packets can be configured. As each APRS packet takes a full second to transmit, we recommend an interval of at least 5 seconds to avoid consuming too much @@ -1123,6 +1124,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 the available storage, future flights will not get logged until you erase some of the stored ones. + + Even though our flight computers (except TeleMini v1.0) can store + multiple flights, we strongly recommend downloading and saving + flight data after each flight. +
Ignite Mode @@ -1130,9 +1136,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 Instead of firing one charge at apogee and another charge at a fixed height above the ground, you can configure the altimeter to fire both at apogee or both during - descent. This was added to support an airframe that has two - altimeters, one in the fin can and one in the - nose. + descent. This was added to support an airframe Bdale designed that + had two altimeters, one in the fin can and one in the nose. Providing the ability to use both igniters for apogee or @@ -1156,7 +1161,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Pyro Channels + Configurable Pyro Channels In addition to the usual Apogee and Main pyro channels, TeleMega has four additional channels that can be configured @@ -1205,7 +1210,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 system. Because this value is computed by integrating rate gyros, it gets progressively less accurate as the flight goes on. It should have an accumulated error of - less than .2°/second (after 10 seconds of flight, the + less than 0.2°/second (after 10 seconds of flight, the error should be less than 2°). @@ -1286,7 +1291,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 - Main. The rocket is still descending, and is blow + Main. The rocket is still descending, and is below the Main altitude @@ -1300,9 +1305,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 You can select a state to limit when the pyro channel may activate; note that the check is based on when the - rocket transitions *into* the state, and so checking for - 'greater than Boost' means that the rocket is currently - in boost state. + rocket transitions into the state, and so checking for + “greater than Boost” means that the rocket is currently + in boost or some later state. When a motor burns out, the rocket enters either Fast or @@ -1324,8 +1329,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 interacting with the Altus Metrum product family. AltosUI can monitor telemetry data, configure devices and many other tasks. The primary interface window provides a selection of - buttons, one for each major activity in the system. This manual - is split into chapters, each of which documents one of the tasks + buttons, one for each major activity in the system. This chapter + is split into sections, each of which documents one of the tasks provided from the top-level toolbar.
@@ -1410,64 +1415,84 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 rocket is ready for flight. The first elements include red/green indicators, if any of these is red, you'll want to evaluate whether the rocket is ready to launch: - - - - Battery Voltage. This indicates whether the Li-Po battery - 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 - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. - - - - - 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 - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. - - - - - On-board Data Logging. This indicates whether there is - space remaining on-board to store flight data for the - upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed - to erase flights, there may not be any space - left. TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, depending - on the configured maximum flight log size. TeleMini - stores only a single flight, so it will need to be - downloaded and erased after each flight to capture - data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the - altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire - ejection charges at the proper times. - - - - - GPS Locked. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is - currently able to compute position information. GPS requires - at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. - - - - - GPS Ready. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least - 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures - that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the - satellites. - - - + + + Battery Voltage + + + This indicates whether the Li-Po battery powering the + flight computer has sufficient charge to last for + the duration of the flight. A value of more than + 3.8V 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 + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. + + + + + 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 + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. + + + + + On-board Data Logging + + + This indicates whether there is + space remaining on-board to store flight data for the + upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed + to erase flights, there may not be any space + left. Most of our flight computers can store multiple + flights, depending on the configured maximum flight log + size. TeleMini v1.0 stores only a single flight, so it + will need to be + downloaded and erased after each flight to capture + data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the + altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire + ejection charges at the proper times even if the flight + data storage is full. + + + + + GPS Locked + + + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is + currently able to compute position information. GPS requires + at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. + + + + + GPS Ready + + + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least + 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures + that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the + satellites. + + + + The Launchpad tab also shows the computed launch pad position @@ -1489,7 +1514,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 flight. - The current latitude and longitude reported by the TeleMetrum GPS are + The current latitude and longitude reported by the GPS are also shown. Note that under high acceleration, these values may not get updated as the GPS receiver loses position fix. Once the rocket starts coasting, the receiver should @@ -1517,7 +1542,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 be below 10m/s when under the main parachute in a dual-deploy flight. - For TeleMetrum altimeters, you can locate the rocket in the + With GPS-equipped flight computers, you can locate the rocket in the sky using the elevation and bearing information to figure out where to look. Elevation is in degrees above the horizon. Bearing is reported in degrees relative to true @@ -1554,7 +1579,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 unit and have that compute a track to the landing location. - Both TeleMini and TeleMetrum will continue to transmit RDF + Our flight computers will continue to transmit RDF tones after landing, allowing you to locate the rocket by following the radio signal if necessary. You may need to get away from the clutter of the flight line, or even get up on @@ -1565,7 +1590,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 during the flight are displayed for your admiring observers. The accuracy of these immediate values depends on the quality of your radio link and how many packets were received. - Recovering the on-board data after flight will likely yield + Recovering the on-board data after flight may yield more precise results. @@ -1609,16 +1634,14 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 system can handle, and is not subject to radio drop-outs. As such, it provides a more complete and precise record of the flight. The 'Save Flight Data' button allows you to read the - flash memory and write it to disk. As TeleMini has only a barometer, it - records data at the same rate as the telemetry signal, but there will be - no data lost due to telemetry drop-outs. + flash memory and write it to disk. Clicking on the 'Save Flight Data' button brings up a list of - connected TeleMetrum and TeleDongle devices. If you select a - TeleMetrum device, the flight data will be downloaded from that + connected flight computers and TeleDongle devices. If you select a + flight computer, the flight data will be downloaded from that device directly. If you select a TeleDongle device, flight data - will be downloaded from an altimeter over radio link via the + will be downloaded from a flight computer over radio link via the specified TeleDongle. See the chapter on Controlling An Altimeter Over The Radio Link for more information. @@ -1662,15 +1685,48 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 flash memory. - Once a flight record is selected, a window with four tabs is - opened. The first tab contains a graph with acceleration - (blue), velocity (green) and altitude (red) of the flight, - measured in metric units. The apogee(yellow) and main(magenta) - igniter voltages are also displayed; high voltages indicate - continuity, low voltages indicate open circuits. The second - tab lets you configure which data to show in the graph. The - third contains some basic flight statistics while the fourth - has a map with the ground track of the flight displayed. + Once a flight record is selected, a window with multiple tabs is + opened. + + + Flight Graph + + + By default, the graph contains acceleration (blue), + velocity (green) and altitude (red). + + + + + Configure Graph + + + This selects which graph elements to show, and, at the + very bottom, lets you switch between metric and + imperial units + + + + + Flight Statistics + + + Shows overall data computed from the flight. + + + + + Map + + + Shows a satellite image of the flight area overlaid + with the path of the flight. The red concentric + circles mark the launch pad, the black concentric + circles mark the landing location. + + + + The graph can be zoomed into a particular area by clicking and @@ -1691,10 +1747,10 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 This tool takes the raw data files and makes them available for external analysis. When you select this button, you are prompted to - select a flight - data file (either .eeprom or .telem will do, remember that - .eeprom files contain higher resolution and more continuous - data). Next, a second dialog appears which is used to select + select a flight data file, which can be either a .eeprom or .telem. + The .eeprom files contain higher resolution and more continuous data, + while .telem files contain receiver signal strength information. + Next, a second dialog appears which is used to select where to write the resulting file. It has a selector to choose between CSV and KML file formats. @@ -1892,9 +1948,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Pad Orientation - Because it includes an accelerometer, TeleMetrum and + Because they include accelerometers, TeleMetrum and TeleMega are sensitive to the orientation of the board. By - default, it expects the antenna end to point forward. This + default, they expect the antenna end to point forward. This parameter allows that default to be changed, permitting the board to be mounted with the antenna pointing aft instead. @@ -1902,14 +1958,14 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 Antenna Up. In this mode, the antenna end of the - TeleMetrum board must point forward, in line with the + flight computer must point forward, in line with the expected flight path. Antenna Down. In this mode, the antenna end of the - TeleMetrum board must point aft, in line with the + flight computer must point aft, in line with the expected flight path. @@ -1922,92 +1978,10 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 pyro channels available on TeleMega. One column is presented for each channel. Each row represents a single parameter, if enabled the parameter must meet the specified - test for the pyro channel to be fired. + test for the pyro channel to be fired. See the Pyro Channels + section in the System Operation chapter above for a + description of these parameters. - - - - Acceleration less than. - - - - - Acceleration greater than. - - - - - Speed less than. - - - - - Speed greater than. - - - - - Height less than. - - - - - Height greater than. - - - - - Angle from vertical less than. - - - - - Angle from vertical greater than. - - - - - Time since boost less than. - - - - - Time since boost greater than. - - - - - Ascending. This is exactly the same as setting a - condition for speed > 0. - - - - - Descending. This is exactly the same as setting a - condition for speed < 0. - - - - - After motor number. - - - - - Delay after other conditions. - - - - - Flight state before. - - - - - Flight state after. - - - Select conditions and set the related value; the pyro channel will be activated when all of the @@ -2191,16 +2165,26 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Flash Image - This reprograms any Altus Metrum device by using a TeleMetrum - or TeleDongle as a programming dongle. Please read the - directions for flashing devices in the Updating Device - Firmware chapter below. + This reprograms Altus Metrum devices with new + firmware. TeleMetrum v1.x, TeleDongle, TeleMini and TeleBT are + all reprogrammed by using another similar unit as a + programming dongle (pair programming). TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 + and EasyMini are all programmed directly over their USB ports + (self programming). Please read the directions for flashing + devices in the Updating Device Firmware chapter below. + + + For “self programming”, connect USB to the device to be + programmed and push the 'Flash Image' button. That will + present a dialog box listing all of the connected + devices. Carefully select the device to be programmed. - Once you have the programmer and target devices connected, - push the 'Flash Image' button. That will present a dialog box - listing all of the connected devices. Carefully select the - programmer device, not the device to be programmed. + For “pair programming”, once you have the programmer and + target devices connected, push the 'Flash Image' button. That + will present a dialog box listing all of the connected + devices. Carefully select the programmer device, not the + device to be programmed. Next, select the image to flash to the device. These are named @@ -2221,26 +2205,26 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 When programming is complete, the target device will - reboot. Note that if the target device is connected via USB, you - will have to unplug it and then plug it back in for the USB - connection to reset so that you can communicate with the device - again. + reboot. Note that if a pair programmed target device is + connected via USB, you will have to unplug it and then plug it + back in for the USB connection to reset so that you can + communicate with the device again.
Fire Igniter - This activates the igniter circuits in TeleMetrum to help test - recovery systems deployment. Because this command can operate + This activates the igniter circuits in the flight computer to help + test 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 to snake wires inside the air-frame. 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 - continuity test status for both apogee and main charges. + selection dialog. Pick the desired device. This brings up another + window which shows the current continuity test status for both + apogee and main charges. Next, select the desired igniter to fire. This will enable the @@ -2277,8 +2261,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 There's a drop-down menu of launch sites we know about; if your favorites aren't there, please let us know the lat/lon and name of the site. The contents of this list are actually - downloaded at run-time, so as new sites are sent in, they'll - get automatically added to this list. + downloaded from our server at run-time, so as new sites are sent + in, they'll get automatically added to this list. If the launch site isn't in the list, you can manually enter the lat/lon values @@ -2310,7 +2294,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 AltosDroid provides the same flight monitoring capabilities as AltosUI, but runs on Android devices and is designed to connect - to a TeleBT receiver over Bluetooth™. Altos Droid monitors + to a TeleBT receiver over Bluetooth™. AltosDroid monitors telemetry data, logging it to internal storage in the Android device, and presents that data in a UI the same way the 'Monitor Flight' window does in AltosUI. @@ -2357,9 +2341,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Altos Droid Flight Monitoring + AltosDroid Flight Monitoring - Altos Droid is designed to mimic the AltosUI flight monitoring + AltosDroid is designed to mimic the AltosUI flight monitoring display, providing separate tabs for each stage of your rocket flight along with a tab containing a map of the local area with icons marking the current location of the altimeter and @@ -2372,64 +2356,82 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 rocket is ready for flight. The first elements include red/green indicators, if any of these is red, you'll want to evaluate whether the rocket is ready to launch: - - - - Battery Voltage. This indicates whether the Li-Po battery - 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 - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. - - - - - 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 - to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is - required for a 'GO' status. - - - - - On-board Data Logging. This indicates whether there is - space remaining on-board to store flight data for the - upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed - to erase flights, there may not be any space - left. TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, depending - on the configured maximum flight log size. TeleMini - stores only a single flight, so it will need to be - downloaded and erased after each flight to capture - data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the - altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire - ejection charges at the proper times. - - - - - GPS Locked. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is - currently able to compute position information. GPS requires - at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. - - - - - GPS Ready. For a TeleMetrum device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least - 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures - that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the - satellites. - - - + + + Battery Voltage + + + This indicates whether the Li-Po battery + powering the TeleMetrum has sufficient charge to last for + the duration of the flight. A value of more than + 3.8V 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 + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. + + + + + 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 + to the Li-Po battery voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is + required for a 'GO' status. + + + + + On-board Data Logging + + + This indicates whether there is + space remaining on-board to store flight data for the + upcoming flight. If you've downloaded data, but failed + to erase flights, there may not be any space + left. TeleMetrum can store multiple flights, depending + on the configured maximum flight log size. TeleMini + stores only a single flight, so it will need to be + downloaded and erased after each flight to capture + data. This only affects on-board flight logging; the + altimeter will still transmit telemetry and fire + ejection charges at the proper times. + + + + + GPS Locked + + + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether the GPS receiver is + currently able to compute position information. GPS requires + at least 4 satellites to compute an accurate position. + + + + + GPS Ready + + + For a TeleMetrum or TeleMega device, this indicates whether GPS has reported at least + 10 consecutive positions without losing lock. This ensures + that the GPS receiver has reliable reception from the + satellites. + + + + The Launchpad tab also shows the computed launch pad position @@ -2441,7 +2443,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Downloading Flight Logs - Altos Droid always saves every bit of telemetry data it + AltosDroid always saves every bit of telemetry data it receives. To download that to a computer for use with AltosUI, simply remove the SD card from your Android device, or connect your device to your computer's USB port and browse the files @@ -2516,7 +2518,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 if the rocket is hiding in sage brush or a tree, or if the last GPS position doesn't get you close enough because the rocket dropped into a canyon, or the wind is blowing it across a dry lake bed, or something like that... Keith - and Bdale both currently own and use the Yaesu VX-7R at launches. + currently uses a Yaesu VX-7R, Bdale has a Baofung UV-5R + which isn't as nice, but was a whole lot cheaper. So, to recap, on the ground the hardware you'll need includes: @@ -2600,7 +2603,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 flight line. Particularly since it is so difficult to read most notebook screens in direct sunlight, we think this will be a great thing to have. We are also working on a TeleDongle variant with - Bluetooth that will work with Android phones and tablets. + Bluetooth™ that will work with Android phones and tablets. Because all of our work is open, both the hardware designs and the @@ -2851,11 +2854,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 Updating Device Firmware - The big concept to understand is that you have to use a - TeleDongle as a programmer to update a TeleMetrum or TeleMini, - and a TeleMetrum or other TeleDongle to program the TeleDongle - Due to limited memory resources in the cc1111, we don't support - programming directly over USB. + TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 and EasyMini are all programmed directly + over their USB connectors (self programming). TeleMetrum v1, TeleMini and + TeleDongle are all programmed by using another device as a + programmer (pair programming). It's important to recognize which + kind of devices you have before trying to reprogram them. You may wish to begin by ensuring you have current firmware images. @@ -2869,8 +2872,134 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 We recommend updating the altimeter first, before updating TeleDongle. + + Self-programmable devices (TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 and EasyMini) + are reprogrammed by connecting them to your computer over USB + +
+ + Updating TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2 or EasyMini Firmware + + + + + Attach a battery and power switch to the target + device. Power up the device. + + + + + Using a Micro USB cable, connect the target device to your + computer's USB socket. + + + + + Run AltosUI, and select 'Flash Image' from the File menu. + + + + + Select the target device in the Device Selection dialog. + + + + + Select the image you want to flash to the device, which + should have a name in the form + <product>-v<product-version>-<software-version>.ihx, such + as TeleMega-v1.0-1.3.0.ihx. + + + + + Make sure the configuration parameters are reasonable + looking. If the serial number and/or RF configuration + values aren't right, you'll need to change them. + + + + + Hit the 'OK' button and the software should proceed to flash + the device with new firmware, showing a progress bar. + + + + + Verify that the device is working by using the 'Configure + Altimeter' item to check over the configuration. + + + +
+ Recovering From Self-Flashing Failure + + If the firmware loading fails, it can leave the device + unable to boot. Not to worry, you can force the device to + start the boot loader instead, which will let you try to + flash the device again. + + + On each device, connecting two pins from one of the exposed + connectors will force the boot loader to start, even if the + regular operating system has been corrupted in some way. + + + + TeleMega + + + Connect pin 6 and pin 1 of the companion connector. Pin 1 + can be identified by the square pad around it, and then + the pins could sequentially across the board. Be very + careful to not short pin 8 to + anything as that is connected directly to the battery. Pin + 7 carries 3.3V and the board will crash if that is + connected to pin 1, but shouldn't damage the board. + + + + + TeleMetrum v2 + + + Connect pin 6 and pin 1 of the companion connector. Pin 1 + can be identified by the square pad around it, and then + the pins could sequentially across the board. Be very + careful to not short pin 8 to + anything as that is connected directly to the battery. Pin + 7 carries 3.3V and the board will crash if that is + connected to pin 1, but shouldn't damage the board. + + + + + EasyMini + + + Connect pin 6 and pin 1 of the debug connector, which is + the six holes next to the beeper. Pin 1 can be identified + by the square pad around it, and then the pins could + sequentially across the board, making Pin 6 the one on the + other end of the row. + + + + +
+
- Updating TeleMetrum Firmware + Pair Programming + + The big concept to understand is that you have to use a + TeleMega, TeleMetrum or TeleDongle as a programmer to update a + pair programmed device. Due to limited memory resources in the + cc1111, we don't support programming directly over USB for these + devices. + +
+
+ Updating TeleMetrum v1.x Firmware @@ -3148,7 +3277,80 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 Hardware Specifications
- TeleMetrum Specifications + + TeleMega Specifications + + + + + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. + + + + + Supports dual deployment and four auxiliary pyro channels + (a total of 6 events). + + + + + 70cm 40mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + + + + + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. + + + + + 1-axis high-g accelerometer for motor characterization, capable of + +/- 102g. + + + + + 9-axis IMU including integrated 3-axis accelerometer, + 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis magnetometer. + + + + + On-board, integrated uBlox Max 7 GPS receiver with 5Hz update rate capability. + + + + + On-board 8 Megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. + + + + + USB interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. + + + + + Fully integrated support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries. + + + + + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. + + + + + 3.25 x 1.25 inch board designed to fit inside 38mm air-frame coupler tube. + + + +
+
+ + TeleMetrum v2 Specifications + @@ -3162,7 +3364,69 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 - 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + 70cm, 40mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + + + + + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. + + + + + 1-axis high-g accelerometer for motor characterization, capable of + +/- 102g. + + + + + On-board, integrated uBlox Max 7 GPS receiver with 5Hz update rate capability. + + + + + On-board 8 Megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. + + + + + USB interface for battery charging, configuration, and data recovery. + + + + + Fully integrated support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries. + + + + + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. + + + + + 2.75 x 1 inch board designed to fit inside 29mm air-frame coupler tube. + + + +
+
+ TeleMetrum v1 Specifications + + + + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. + + + + + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). + + + + + 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. @@ -3210,7 +3474,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- TeleMini Specifications + + TeleMini v2.0 Specifications + @@ -3224,7 +3490,61 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 - 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. + + + + + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. + + + + + On-board 1 megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. + + + + + USB interface for configuration, and data recovery. + + + + + Support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries (using an + external charger), or any 3.7-15V external battery. + + + + + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. + + + + + 1.5 x .8 inch board designed to fit inside 24mm air-frame coupler tube. + + + +
+
+ + TeleMini v1.0 Specifications + + + + + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. + + + + + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). + + + + + 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link. @@ -3260,6 +3580,55 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
+
+ + EasyMini Specifications + + + + + Recording altimeter for model rocketry. + + + + + Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges). + + + + + Barometric pressure sensor good to 100k feet MSL. + + + + + On-board 1 megabyte non-volatile memory for flight data storage. + + + + + USB interface for configuration, and data recovery. + + + + + Support for Li-Po rechargeable batteries (using an + external charger), or any 3.7-15V external battery. + + + + + Uses Li-Po to fire e-matches, can be modified to support + optional separate pyro battery if needed. + + + + + 1.5 x .8 inch board designed to fit inside 24mm air-frame coupler tube. + + + +
FAQ @@ -3515,6 +3884,18 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 These images, when printed, provide precise templates for the mounting holes in Altus Metrum flight computers +
+ TeleMega template + + TeleMega has overall dimensions of 1.250 x 3.250 inches, and + the mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws. + + + + + + +
TeleMetrum template @@ -3528,7 +3909,19 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- TeleMini template + TeleMini v2/EasyMini template + + TeleMini v2 and EasyMini have overall dimensions of 0.800 x 1.500 inches, and the + mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws. + + + + + + +
+
+ TeleMini v1 template TeleMini has overall dimensions of 0.500 x 1.500 inches, and the mounting holes are sized for use with 2-56 or M2 screws. @@ -3543,18 +3936,19 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 Calibration - There are only two calibrations required for a TeleMetrum board, and - only one for TeleDongle and TeleMini. All boards are shipped from - the factory pre-calibrated, but the procedures are documented here - in case they are ever needed. Re-calibration is not supported by - AltosUI, you must connect to the board with a serial terminal program - and interact directly with the on-board command interpreter to effect - calibration. + There are only two calibrations required for TeleMetrum and + TeleMega, and only one for TeleDongle, TeleMini and EasyMini. + All boards are shipped from the factory pre-calibrated, but + the procedures are documented here in case they are ever + needed. Re-calibration is not supported by AltosUI, you must + connect to the board with a serial terminal program and + interact directly with the on-board command interpreter to + effect calibration.
Radio Frequency - The radio frequency is synthesized from a clock based on the 48 MHz + The radio frequency is synthesized from a clock based on the crystal on the board. The actual frequency of this oscillator must be measured to generate a calibration constant. While our GFSK modulation @@ -3567,13 +3961,14 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 should generally not be required. - To calibrate the radio frequency, connect the UHF antenna port to a - frequency counter, set the board to 434.550MHz, and use the 'C' - command in the on-board command interpreter to generate a CW - carrier. For TeleMetrum, this is best done over USB. For TeleMini, - note that the only way to escape the 'C' command is via power cycle - since the board will no longer be listening for commands once it - starts generating a CW carrier. + To calibrate the radio frequency, connect the UHF antenna + port to a frequency counter, set the board to 434.550MHz, + and use the 'C' command in the on-board command interpreter + to generate a CW carrier. For USB-enabled boards, this is + best done over USB. For TeleMini v1, note that the only way + to escape the 'C' command is via power cycle since the board + will no longer be listening for commands once it starts + generating a CW carrier. Wait for the transmitter temperature to stabilize and the frequency @@ -3584,7 +3979,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 command. Testing with the 'C' command again should show a carrier within a few tens of Hertz of the intended frequency. As with all 'c' sub-commands, follow this with a 'c w' to write the - change to the parameter block in the on-board DataFlash chip. + change to the parameter block in the on-board storage chip. Note that any time you re-do the radio frequency calibration, the @@ -3594,21 +3989,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- TeleMetrum Accelerometer + TeleMetrum and TeleMega Accelerometers - The TeleMetrum accelerometer we use has its own 5 volt power - supply and - 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 - sensor, the output of the acceleration sensor is not ratio-metric to - the ADC converter, and calibration is required. Explicitly - calibrating the accelerometers also allows us to load any device - from a Freescale family that includes at least +/- 40g, 50g, 100g, - and 200g parts. Using gravity, - a simple 2-point calibration yields acceptable results capturing both - the different sensitivities and ranges of the different accelerometer - parts and any variation in power supply voltages or resistor values - in the divider network. + While barometric sensors are factory-calibrated, + accelerometers are not, and so each must be calibrated once + installed in a flight computer. Explicitly calibrating the + accelerometers also allows us to load any compatible device. + We perform a two-point calibration using gravity. To calibrate the acceleration sensor, use the 'c a 0' command. You @@ -3629,19 +4016,20 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 In the unlikely event an accel cal goes badly, it is possible - that TeleMetrum may always come up in 'pad mode' and as such not be - listening to either the USB or radio link. If that happens, - there is a special hook in the firmware to force the board back - in to 'idle mode' so you can re-do the cal. To use this hook, you - just need to ground the SPI clock pin at power-on. This pin is - available as pin 2 on the 8-pin companion connector, and pin 1 is - ground. So either carefully install a fine-gauge wire jumper - between the two pins closest to the index hole end of the 8-pin - connector, or plug in the programming cable to the 8-pin connector - and use a small screwdriver or similar to short the two pins closest - to the index post on the 4-pin end of the programming cable, and - power up the board. It should come up in 'idle mode' (two beeps), - allowing a re-cal. + that TeleMetrum or TeleMega may always come up in 'pad mode' + and as such not be listening to either the USB or radio link. + If that happens, there is a special hook in the firmware to + force the board back in to 'idle mode' so you can re-do the + cal. To use this hook, you just need to ground the SPI clock + pin at power-on. This pin is available as pin 2 on the 8-pin + companion connector, and pin 1 is ground. So either + carefully install a fine-gauge wire jumper between the two + pins closest to the index hole end of the 8-pin connector, or + plug in the programming cable to the 8-pin connector and use + a small screwdriver or similar to short the two pins closest + to the index post on the 4-pin end of the programming cable, + and power up the board. It should come up in 'idle mode' + (two beeps), allowing a re-cal.
@@ -3721,4 +4109,4 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200 \ No newline at end of file +-->