X-Git-Url: https://git.gag.com/?a=blobdiff_plain;f=doc%2Faltusmetrum.xsl;h=d44cd784c888322e7282ae6c6741b80f44d0ec32;hb=fcb523cd083503591fa1277648e5deb258bbbaf4;hp=ee809f081f971d15bac1af75b77b046087f45979;hpb=8da565bbafa2925aa889cf9249497a709a814b7f;p=fw%2Faltos
diff --git a/doc/altusmetrum.xsl b/doc/altusmetrum.xsl
index ee809f08..d44cd784 100644
--- a/doc/altusmetrum.xsl
+++ b/doc/altusmetrum.xsl
@@ -22,9 +22,14 @@
Towns
- 2013
+ 2015
Bdale Garbee and Keith Packard
+
+
+
+
+
This document is released under the terms of the
@@ -35,6 +40,49 @@
+
+ 1.6
+ 8 January 2015
+
+ Major release adding TeleDongle v3.0 support.
+
+
+
+ 1.5
+ 6 September 2014
+
+ Major release adding EasyMega support.
+
+
+
+ 1.4.1
+ 20 June 2014
+
+ Minor release fixing some installation bugs.
+
+
+
+ 1.4
+ 15 June 2014
+
+ Major release adding TeleGPS support.
+
+
+
+ 1.3.2
+ 24 January 2014
+
+ Bug fixes for TeleMega and AltosUI.
+
+
+
+ 1.3.1
+ 21 January 2014
+
+ Bug fixes for TeleMega and TeleMetrum v2.0 along with a few
+ small UI improvements.
+
+
1.3
12 November 2013
@@ -104,7 +152,7 @@
- Acknowledgements
+ Acknowledgments
Thanks to Bob Finch, W9YA, NAR 12965, TRA 12350 for writing âThe
Mere-Mortals Quick Start/Usage Guide to the Altus Metrum Starter
@@ -169,19 +217,26 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
USB data download.
- TeleDongle was our first ground station, providing a USB to RF
+ EasyMega is essentially a TeleMega board with the GPS receiver
+ and telemetry transmitter removed. It offers the same 6 pyro
+ channels and integrated gyroscopes for staging/air-start inhibit.
+
+
+ TeleDongle v0.2 was our first ground station, providing a USB to RF
interfaces for communicating with the altimeters. Combined with
your choice of antenna and notebook computer, TeleDongle and our
associated user interface software form a complete ground
station capable of logging and displaying in-flight telemetry,
aiding rocket recovery, then processing and archiving flight
- data for analysis and review.
+ data for analysis and review. The latest version, TeleDongle
+ v3, has all new electronics with a higher performance radio
+ for improved range.
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.
@@ -197,7 +252,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
âstarter kitâ is to charge the battery.
- For TeleMetrum and TeleMega, the battery can be charged by plugging it into the
+ For TeleMetrum, TeleMega and EasyMega, the battery can be charged by plugging it into the
corresponding socket of the device and then using the USB
cable to plug the flight computer into your computer's USB socket. The
on-board circuitry will charge the battery whenever it is plugged
@@ -207,7 +262,7 @@ 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
@@ -218,7 +273,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
deeply discharged battery.
- TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega use a higher power battery charger,
+ TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMega and EasyMega use a higher power battery charger,
allowing them to charge the battery while running the board at
maximum power. When the battery is charging, or when the board
is consuming a lot of power, the red LED will be lit. When the
@@ -238,7 +293,7 @@ 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 +302,13 @@ 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 +317,9 @@ 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 +352,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
sensitive to sunlight. In normal mounting situations, the baro sensor
and all of the other surface mount components
are âdownâ 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
âtopâ of the board, and because many model rockets with payload bays
use clear plastic for the payload bay! Replacing these with an opaque
@@ -322,13 +377,122 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Altus Metrum Hardware
- Overview
+ General Usage Instructions
+
+ Here are general instructions for hooking up an Altus Metrum
+ flight computer. Instructions specific to each model will be
+ found in the section devoted to that model below.
+
+
+ To prevent electrical interference from affecting the
+ operation of the flight computer, it's important to always
+ twist pairs of wires connected to the board. Twist the switch
+ leads, the pyro leads and the battery leads. This reduces
+ interference through a mechanism called common mode rejection.
+
+
+ Hooking Up Lithium Polymer Batteries
+
+ All Altus Metrum flight computers have a two pin JST PH
+ series connector to connect up a single-cell Lithium Polymer
+ cell (3.7V nominal). You can purchase matching batteries
+ from the Altus Metrum store, or other vendors, or you can
+ make your own. Pin 1 of the connector is positive, pin 2 is
+ negative. Spark Fun sells a cable with the connector
+ attached, which they call a JST Jumper 2
+ Wire Assembly.
+
+
+ Many RC vendors also sell lithium polymer batteries with
+ this same connector. All that we have found use the opposite
+ polarity, and if you use them that way, you will damage or
+ destroy the flight computer.
+
+
+
+ Hooking Up Pyro Charges
+
+ Altus Metrum flight computers always have two screws for
+ each pyro charge. This means you shouldn't need to put two
+ wires into a screw terminal or connect leads from pyro
+ charges together externally.
+
+
+ On the flight computer, one lead from each charge is hooked
+ to the positive battery terminal through the power switch.
+ The other lead is connected through the pyro circuit, which
+ is connected to the negative battery terminal when the pyro
+ circuit is fired.
+
+
+
+ Hooking Up a Power Switch
+
+ Altus Metrum flight computers need an external power switch
+ to turn them on. This disconnects both the computer and the
+ pyro charges from the battery, preventing the charges from
+ firing when in the Off position. The switch is in-line with
+ the positive battery terminal.
+
+
+ Using an External Active Switch Circuit
+
+ You can use an active switch circuit, such as the
+ Featherweight Magnetic Switch, with any Altus Metrum
+ flight computer. These require three connections, one to
+ the battery, one to the positive power input on the flight
+ computer and one to ground. Find instructions on how to
+ hook these up for each flight computer below. The follow
+ the instructions that come with your active switch to
+ connect it up.
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery
+
+ As mentioned above in the section on hooking up pyro
+ charges, one lead for each of the pyro charges is connected
+ through the power switch directly to the positive battery
+ terminal. The other lead is connected to the pyro circuit,
+ which connects it to the negative battery terminal when the
+ pyro circuit is fired. The pyro circuit on all of the flight
+ computers is designed to handle up to 16V.
+
+
+ To use a separate pyro battery, connect the negative pyro
+ battery terminal to the flight computer ground terminal,
+ the positive battery terminal to the igniter and the other
+ igniter lead to the negative pyro terminal on the flight
+ computer. When the pyro channel fires, it will complete the
+ circuit between the negative pyro terminal and the ground
+ terminal, firing the igniter. Specific instructions on how
+ to hook this up will be found in each section below.
+
+
+
+ Using a Different Kind of Battery
+
+ EasyMini and TeleMini v2 are designed to use either a
+ lithium polymer battery or any other battery producing
+ between 4 and 12 volts, such as a rectangular 9V
+ battery. TeleMega, EasyMega and TeleMetrum are not designed for this,
+ and must only be powered by a lithium polymer battery. Find
+ instructions on how to use other batteries in the EasyMini
+ and TeleMini sections below.
+
+
+
+
+ Specifications
Here's the full set of Altus Metrum products, both in
production and retired.
Altus Metrum Electronics
+
@@ -431,11 +595,22 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
40mW
3.7V
+
+ EasyMega v1.0
+ MS5607 30km (100k')
+ MMA6555 102g
+ -
+ MPU6000 HMC5883
+ 8MB
+ -
+ 3.7V
+
Altus Metrum Boards
+
@@ -481,7 +656,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
½ inch (1.27cm)
1½ inch (3.81cm)
- 18mm aiframe
+ 18mm coupler
TeleMini v2.0
@@ -538,12 +713,38 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
3¼ inch (8.26cm)
38mm coupler
+
+ EasyMega
+
+ Debug
+ Companion
+ USB
+ Battery
+
+
+ Apogee pyro
+ Main pyro
+ Pyro A-D
+ Switch
+ Pyro battery
+
+ 1¼ inch (3.18cm)
+ 2¼ inch (5.62cm)
+ 38mm coupler
+
TeleMetrum
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
TeleMetrum is a 1 inch by 2¾ inch circuit board. It was designed to
fit inside coupler for 29mm air-frame tubing, but using it in a tube that
@@ -556,9 +757,114 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
fin can end of the board, meaning an ideal âsimpleâ avionics
bay for TeleMetrum should have at least 10 inches of interior length.
+
+ TeleMetrum Screw Terminals
+
+ TeleMetrum has six screw terminals on the end of the board
+ opposite the telemetry antenna. Two are for the power
+ switch, and two each for the apogee and main igniter
+ circuits. Using the picture above and starting from the top,
+ the terminals are as follows:
+
+
+ TeleMetrum Screw Terminals
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Terminal #
+ Terminal Name
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ 1
+ Switch Output
+ Switch connection to flight computer
+
+
+ 2
+ Switch Input
+ Switch connection to positive battery terminal
+
+
+ 3
+ Main +
+ Main pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ 4
+ Main -
+ Main pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ 5
+ Apogee +
+ Apogee pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ 6
+ Apogee -
+ Apogee pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery with TeleMetrum
+
+ As described above, using an external pyro battery involves
+ connecting the negative battery terminal to the flight
+ computer ground, connecting the positive battery terminal to
+ one of the igniter leads and connecting the other igniter
+ lead to the per-channel pyro circuit connection.
+
+
+ To connect the negative battery terminal to the TeleMetrum
+ ground, insert a small piece of wire, 24 to 28 gauge
+ stranded, into the GND hole just above the screw terminal
+ strip and solder it in place.
+
+
+ Connecting the positive battery terminal to the pyro
+ charges must be done separate from TeleMetrum, by soldering
+ them together or using some other connector.
+
+
+ The other lead from each pyro charge is then inserted into
+ the appropriate per-pyro channel screw terminal (terminal 4 for the
+ Main charge, terminal 6 for the Apogee charge).
+
+
+
+ Using an Active Switch with TeleMetrum
+
+ As explained above, an external active switch requires three
+ connections, one to the positive battery terminal, one to
+ the flight computer positive input and one to ground.
+
+
+ The positive battery terminal is available on screw terminal
+ 2, the positive flight computer input is on terminal 1. To
+ hook a lead to ground, solder a piece of wire, 24 to 28
+ gauge stranded, to the GND hole just above terminal 1.
+
+
- TeleMini
+ TeleMini v1.0
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
TeleMini v1.0 is ½ inches by 1½ inches. It was
designed to fit inside an 18mm air-frame tube, but using it in
@@ -573,6 +879,120 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
the board, meaning an ideal âsimpleâ avionics bay for TeleMini
should have at least 9 inches of interior length.
+
+ TeleMini v1.0 Screw Terminals
+
+ TeleMini v1.0 has four screw terminals on the end of the
+ board opposite the telemetry antenna. Two are for the apogee
+ and two are for main igniter circuits. There are also wires
+ soldered to the board for the power switch. Using the
+ picture above and starting from the top for the terminals
+ and from the left for the power switch wires, the
+ connections are as follows:
+
+
+ TeleMini v1.0 Connections
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Terminal #
+ Terminal Name
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ 1
+ Apogee -
+ Apogee pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ 2
+ Apogee +
+ Apogee pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ 3
+ Main -
+ Main pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ 4
+ Main +
+ Main pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Left
+ Switch Output
+ Switch connection to flight computer
+
+
+ Right
+ Switch Input
+ Switch connection to positive battery terminal
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery with TeleMini v1.0
+
+ As described above, using an external pyro battery involves
+ connecting the negative battery terminal to the flight
+ computer ground, connecting the positive battery terminal to
+ one of the igniter leads and connecting the other igniter
+ lead to the per-channel pyro circuit connection. Because
+ there is no solid ground connection to use on TeleMini, this
+ is not recommended.
+
+
+ The only available ground connection on TeleMini v1.0 are
+ the two mounting holes next to the telemetry
+ antenna. Somehow connect a small piece of wire to one of
+ those holes and hook it to the negative pyro battery terminal.
+
+
+ Connecting the positive battery terminal to the pyro
+ charges must be done separate from TeleMini v1.0, by soldering
+ them together or using some other connector.
+
+
+ The other lead from each pyro charge is then inserted into
+ the appropriate per-pyro channel screw terminal (terminal 3 for the
+ Main charge, terminal 1 for the Apogee charge).
+
+
+
+ Using an Active Switch with TeleMini v1.0
+
+ As explained above, an external active switch requires three
+ connections, one to the positive battery terminal, one to
+ the flight computer positive input and one to ground. Again,
+ because TeleMini doesn't have any good ground connection,
+ this is not recommended.
+
+
+ The positive battery terminal is available on the Right
+ power switch wire, the positive flight computer input is on
+ the left power switch wire. Hook a lead to either of the
+ mounting holes for a ground connection.
+
+
+
+
+ TeleMini v2.0
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
TeleMini v2.0 is 0.8 inches by 1½ inches. It adds more
on-board data logging memory, a built-in USB connector and
@@ -580,18 +1000,254 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
board fits in a 24mm coupler. There's also a battery connector
for a LiPo battery if you want to use one of those.
+
+ TeleMini v2.0 Screw Terminals
+
+ TeleMini v2.0 has two sets of four screw terminals on the end of the
+ board opposite the telemetry antenna. Using the picture
+ above, the top four have connections for the main pyro
+ circuit and an external battery and the bottom four have
+ connections for the apogee pyro circuit and the power
+ switch. Counting from the left, the connections are as follows:
+
+
+ TeleMini v2.0 Connections
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Terminal #
+ Terminal Name
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ Top 1
+ Main -
+ Main pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 2
+ Main +
+ Main pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Top 3
+ Battery +
+ Positive external battery terminal
+
+
+ Top 4
+ Battery -
+ Negative external battery terminal
+
+
+ Bottom 1
+ Apogee -
+ Apogee pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 2
+ Apogee +
+ Apogee pyro channel common connection to
+ battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 3
+ Switch Output
+ Switch connection to flight computer
+
+
+ Bottom 4
+ Switch Input
+ Switch connection to positive battery terminal
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery with TeleMini v2.0
+
+ As described above, using an external pyro battery involves
+ connecting the negative battery terminal to the flight
+ computer ground, connecting the positive battery terminal to
+ one of the igniter leads and connecting the other igniter
+ lead to the per-channel pyro circuit connection.
+
+
+ To connect the negative pyro battery terminal to TeleMini
+ ground, connect it to the negative external battery
+ connection, top terminal 4.
+
+
+ Connecting the positive battery terminal to the pyro
+ charges must be done separate from TeleMini v2.0, by soldering
+ them together or using some other connector.
+
+
+ The other lead from each pyro charge is then inserted into
+ the appropriate per-pyro channel screw terminal (top
+ terminal 1 for the Main charge, bottom terminal 1 for the
+ Apogee charge).
+
+
+
+ Using an Active Switch with TeleMini v2.0
+
+ As explained above, an external active switch requires three
+ connections, one to the positive battery terminal, one to
+ the flight computer positive input and one to ground. Use
+ the negative external battery connection, top terminal 4 for
+ ground.
+
+
+ The positive battery terminal is available on bottom
+ terminal 4, the positive flight computer input is on the
+ bottom terminal 3.
+
+
EasyMini
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
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.
+
+ EasyMini Screw Terminals
+
+ EasyMini has two sets of four screw terminals on the end of the
+ board opposite the telemetry antenna. Using the picture
+ above, the top four have connections for the main pyro
+ circuit and an external battery and the bottom four have
+ connections for the apogee pyro circuit and the power
+ switch. Counting from the left, the connections are as follows:
+
+
+ EasyMini Connections
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Terminal #
+ Terminal Name
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ Top 1
+ Main -
+ Main pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 2
+ Main +
+ Main pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Top 3
+ Battery +
+ Positive external battery terminal
+
+
+ Top 4
+ Battery -
+ Negative external battery terminal
+
+
+ Bottom 1
+ Apogee -
+ Apogee pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 2
+ Apogee +
+ Apogee pyro channel common connection to
+ battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 3
+ Switch Output
+ Switch connection to flight computer
+
+
+ Bottom 4
+ Switch Input
+ Switch connection to positive battery terminal
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery with EasyMini
+
+ As described above, using an external pyro battery involves
+ connecting the negative battery terminal to the flight
+ computer ground, connecting the positive battery terminal to
+ one of the igniter leads and connecting the other igniter
+ lead to the per-channel pyro circuit connection.
+
+
+ To connect the negative pyro battery terminal to TeleMini
+ ground, connect it to the negative external battery
+ connection, top terminal 4.
+
+
+ Connecting the positive battery terminal to the pyro
+ charges must be done separate from EasyMini, by soldering
+ them together or using some other connector.
+
+
+ The other lead from each pyro charge is then inserted into
+ the appropriate per-pyro channel screw terminal (top
+ terminal 1 for the Main charge, bottom terminal 1 for the
+ Apogee charge).
+
+
+
+ Using an Active Switch with EasyMini
+
+ As explained above, an external active switch requires three
+ connections, one to the positive battery terminal, one to
+ the flight computer positive input and one to ground. Use
+ the negative external battery connection, top terminal 4 for
+ ground.
+
+
+ The positive battery terminal is available on bottom
+ terminal 4, the positive flight computer input is on the
+ bottom terminal 3.
+
+
TeleMega
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
TeleMega is a 1¼ inch by 3¼ inch circuit board. It was
designed to easily fit in a 38mm coupler. Like TeleMetrum,
@@ -599,6 +1255,333 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
the board is aligned with the flight axis. It can be mounted
either antenna up or down.
+
+ TeleMega Screw Terminals
+
+ TeleMega has two sets of nine screw terminals on the end of
+ the board opposite the telemetry antenna. They are as follows:
+
+
+ TeleMega Screw Terminals
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Terminal #
+ Terminal Name
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ Top 1
+ Switch Input
+ Switch connection to positive battery terminal
+
+
+ Top 2
+ Switch Output
+ Switch connection to flight computer
+
+
+ Top 3
+ GND
+ Ground connection for use with external active switch
+
+
+ Top 4
+ Main -
+ Main pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 5
+ Main +
+ Main pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Top 6
+ Apogee -
+ Apogee pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 7
+ Apogee +
+ Apogee pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Top 8
+ D -
+ D pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 9
+ D +
+ D pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 1
+ GND
+ Ground connection for negative pyro battery terminal
+
+
+ Bottom 2
+ Pyro
+ Positive pyro battery terminal
+
+
+ Bottom 3
+ Lipo
+
+ Power switch output. Use to connect main battery to
+ pyro battery input
+
+
+
+ Bottom 4
+ A -
+ A pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 5
+ A +
+ A pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 6
+ B -
+ B pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 7
+ B +
+ B pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 8
+ C -
+ C pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 9
+ C +
+ C pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery with TeleMega
+
+ TeleMega provides explicit support for an external pyro
+ battery. All that is required is to remove the jumper
+ between the lipo terminal (Bottom 3) and the pyro terminal
+ (Bottom 2). Then hook the negative pyro battery terminal to ground
+ (Bottom 1) and the positive pyro battery to the pyro battery
+ input (Bottom 2). You can then use the existing pyro screw
+ terminals to hook up all of the pyro charges.
+
+
+
+ Using Only One Battery With TeleMega
+
+ Because TeleMega has built-in support for a separate pyro
+ battery, if you want to fly with just one battery running
+ both the computer and firing the charges, you need to
+ connect the flight computer battery to the pyro
+ circuit. TeleMega has two screw terminals for thisâhook a
+ wire from the Lipo terminal (Bottom 3) to the Pyro terminal
+ (Bottom 2).
+
+
+
+ Using an Active Switch with TeleMega
+
+ As explained above, an external active switch requires three
+ connections, one to the positive battery terminal, one to
+ the flight computer positive input and one to ground.
+
+
+ The positive battery terminal is available on Top terminal
+ 1, the positive flight computer input is on Top terminal
+ 2. Ground is on Top terminal 3.
+
+
+
+
+ EasyMega
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ EasyMega is a 1¼ inch by 2¼ inch circuit board. It was
+ designed to easily fit in a 38mm coupler. Like TeleMetrum,
+ EasyMega has an accelerometer and so it must be mounted so that
+ the board is aligned with the flight axis. It can be mounted
+ either antenna up or down.
+
+
+ EasyMega Screw Terminals
+
+ EasyMega has two sets of nine screw terminals on the end of
+ the board opposite the telemetry antenna. They are as follows:
+
+
+ EasyMega Screw Terminals
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Terminal #
+ Terminal Name
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ Top 1
+ Switch Input
+ Switch connection to positive battery terminal
+
+
+ Top 2
+ Switch Output
+ Switch connection to flight computer
+
+
+ Top 3
+ GND
+ Ground connection for use with external active switch
+
+
+ Top 4
+ Main -
+ Main pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 5
+ Main +
+ Main pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Top 6
+ Apogee -
+ Apogee pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 7
+ Apogee +
+ Apogee pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Top 8
+ D -
+ D pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Top 9
+ D +
+ D pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 1
+ GND
+ Ground connection for negative pyro battery terminal
+
+
+ Bottom 2
+ Pyro
+ Positive pyro battery terminal
+
+
+ Bottom 3
+ Lipo
+
+ Power switch output. Use to connect main battery to
+ pyro battery input
+
+
+
+ Bottom 4
+ A -
+ A pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 5
+ A +
+ A pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 6
+ B -
+ B pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 7
+ B +
+ B pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+ Bottom 8
+ C -
+ C pyro channel connection to pyro circuit
+
+
+ Bottom 9
+ C +
+ C pyro channel common connection to battery +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Using a Separate Pyro Battery with EasyMega
+
+ EasyMega provides explicit support for an external pyro
+ battery. All that is required is to remove the jumper
+ between the lipo terminal (Bottom 3) and the pyro terminal
+ (Bottom 2). Then hook the negative pyro battery terminal to ground
+ (Bottom 1) and the positive pyro battery to the pyro battery
+ input (Bottom 2). You can then use the existing pyro screw
+ terminals to hook up all of the pyro charges.
+
+
+
+ Using Only One Battery With EasyMega
+
+ Because EasyMega has built-in support for a separate pyro
+ battery, if you want to fly with just one battery running
+ both the computer and firing the charges, you need to
+ connect the flight computer battery to the pyro
+ circuit. EasyMega has two screw terminals for thisâhook a
+ wire from the Lipo terminal (Bottom 3) to the Pyro terminal
+ (Bottom 2).
+
+
+
+ Using an Active Switch with EasyMega
+
+ As explained above, an external active switch requires three
+ connections, one to the positive battery terminal, one to
+ the flight computer positive input and one to ground.
+
+
+ The positive battery terminal is available on Top terminal
+ 1, the positive flight computer input is on Top terminal
+ 2. Ground is on Top terminal 3.
+
+
Flight Data Recording
@@ -612,6 +1595,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Data Storage on Altus Metrum altimeters
+
@@ -669,6 +1653,12 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
8MB
40
+
+ EasyMega
+ 32
+ 8MB
+ 40
+
@@ -682,7 +1672,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Configuration data is also stored in the flash memory on
TeleMetrum v1.x, TeleMini and EasyMini. This consumes 64kB
of flash space. This configuration space is not available
- for storing flight log data. TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega
+ for storing flight log data. TeleMetrum v2.0, TeleMega and EasyMega
store configuration data in a bit of eeprom available within
the processor chip, leaving that space available in flash for
more flight data.
@@ -720,7 +1710,7 @@ 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
@@ -743,7 +1733,6 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
pyro battery, check out the âExternal Pyro Batteryâ section in this
manual for instructions on how to wire that up. The altimeters are
designed to work with an external pyro battery of no more than 15 volts.
-
Ejection charges are wired directly to the screw terminal block
@@ -762,8 +1751,8 @@ 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 +1766,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
The AltOS firmware build for the altimeters has two
fundamental modes, âidleâ and âflightâ. 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, TeleMega and EasyMega, 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 ânose upâ, 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
@@ -791,22 +1781,152 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
first five seconds of operation.
- At power on, you will hear three beeps or see three flashes
- (âSâ in Morse code for start up) and then a pause while
- the altimeter completes initialization and self test, and decides
- which mode to enter next.
+ At power on, the altimeter will beep out the battery voltage
+ to the nearest tenth of a volt. Each digit is represented by
+ a sequence of short âditâ beeps, with a pause between
+ digits. A zero digit is represented with one long âdahâ
+ beep. Then there will be a short pause while the altimeter
+ completes initialization and self test, and decides which mode
+ to enter next.
+
+
+ Here's a short summary of all of the modes and the beeping (or
+ flashing, in the case of TeleMini v1) that accompanies each
+ mode. In the description of the beeping pattern, âditâ means a
+ short beep while "dah" means a long beep (three times as
+ long). âBrapâ means a long dissonant tone.
+
+ AltOS Modes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Mode Name
+ Abbreviation
+ Beeps
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ Startup
+ S
+ battery voltage in decivolts
+
+
+ Calibrating sensors, detecting orientation.
+
+
+
+
+ Idle
+ I
+ dit dit
+
+
+ Ready to accept commands over USB or radio link.
+
+
+
+
+ Pad
+ P
+ dit dah dah dit
+
+
+ Waiting for launch. Not listening for commands.
+
+
+
+
+ Boost
+ B
+ dah dit dit dit
+
+
+ Accelerating upwards.
+
+
+
+
+ Fast
+ F
+ dit dit dah dit
+
+
+ Decelerating, but moving faster than 200m/s.
+
+
+
+
+ Coast
+ C
+ dah dit dah dit
+
+
+ Decelerating, moving slower than 200m/s
+
+
+
+
+ Drogue
+ D
+ dah dit dit
+
+
+ Descending after apogee. Above main height.
+
+
+
+
+ Main
+ M
+ dah dah
+
+
+ Descending. Below main height.
+
+
+
+
+ Landed
+ L
+ dit dah dit dit
+
+
+ Stable altitude for at least ten seconds.
+
+
+
+
+ Sensor error
+ X
+ dah dit dit dah
+
+
+ Error detected during sensor calibration.
+
+
+
+
+
+
In flight or âpadâ mode, the altimeter engages the flight
- state machine, goes into transmit-only mode to
- send telemetry, and waits for launch to be detected.
- Flight mode is indicated by an âdi-dah-dah-ditâ (âPâ for pad)
- on the beeper or lights, followed by beeps or flashes
- indicating the state of the pyrotechnic igniter continuity.
- One beep/flash indicates apogee continuity, two beeps/flashes
- indicate main continuity, three beeps/flashes indicate both
- apogee and main continuity, and one longer âbrapâ sound or
- rapidly alternating lights indicates no continuity. For a
+ state machine, goes into transmit-only mode to send telemetry,
+ and waits for launch to be detected. Flight mode is indicated
+ by an âdi-dah-dah-ditâ (âPâ for pad) on the beeper or lights,
+ followed by beeps or flashes indicating the state of the
+ pyrotechnic igniter continuity. One beep/flash indicates
+ apogee continuity, two beeps/flashes indicate main continuity,
+ three beeps/flashes indicate both apogee and main continuity,
+ and one longer âbrapâ sound which is made by rapidly
+ alternating between two tones indicates no continuity. For a
dual deploy flight, make sure you're getting three beeps or
flashes before launching! For apogee-only or motor eject
flights, do what makes sense.
@@ -824,7 +1944,95 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
ground testing pyro charges.
- One âneat trickâ of particular value when TeleMetrum or TeleMega are used with
+ In âIdleâ and âPadâ modes, once the mode indication
+ beeps/flashes and continuity indication has been sent, if
+ there is no space available to log the flight in on-board
+ memory, the flight computer will emit a warbling tone (much
+ slower than the âno continuity toneâ)
+
+
+ Here's a summary of all of the âpadâ and âidleâ mode indications.
+
+ Pad/Idle Indications
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Name
+ Beeps
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ Neither
+ brap
+
+
+ No continuity detected on either apogee or main
+ igniters.
+
+
+
+
+ Apogee
+ dit
+
+
+ Continuity detected only on apogee igniter.
+
+
+
+
+ Main
+ dit dit
+
+
+ Continuity detected only on main igniter.
+
+
+
+
+ Both
+ dit dit dit
+
+
+ Continuity detected on both igniters.
+
+
+
+
+ Storage Full
+ warble
+
+
+ On-board data logging storage is full. This will
+ not prevent the flight computer from safely
+ controlling the flight or transmitting telemetry
+ signals, but no record of the flight will be
+ stored in on-board flash.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Once landed, the flight computer will signal that by emitting
+ the âLandedâ sound described above, after which it will beep
+ out the apogee height (in meters). Each digit is represented
+ by a sequence of short âditâ beeps, with a pause between
+ digits. A zero digit is represented with one long âdahâ
+ beep. The flight computer will continue to report landed mode
+ and beep out the maximum height until turned off.
+
+
+ One âneat trickâ of particular value when TeleMetrum, TeleMega
+ or EasyMega are used with
very large air-frames, is that you can power the board up while the
rocket is horizontal, such that it comes up in idle mode. Then you can
raise the air-frame to launch position, and issue a 'reset' command
@@ -1012,7 +2220,7 @@ 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.
@@ -1047,22 +2255,126 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
time, and would of course appreciate customer feedback on
performance in higher altitude flights!
-
- TeleMetrum v2.0 and TeleMega can send APRS if desired, the
+
+
+ APRS
+
+ 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
- battery power or radio channel bandwidth.
+ battery power or radio channel bandwidth. You can configure
+ the APRS interval using AltosUI; that process is described in
+ the Configure Altimeter section of the AltosUI chapter.
+
+
+ AltOS uses the APRS compressed position report data format,
+ which provides for higher position precision and shorter
+ packets than the original APRS format. It also includes
+ altitude data, which is invaluable when tracking rockets. We
+ haven't found a receiver which doesn't handle compressed
+ positions, but it's just possible that you have one, so if you
+ have an older device that can receive the raw packets but
+ isn't displaying position information, it's possible that this
+ is the cause.
+
+
+ APRS packets include an SSID (Secondary Station Identifier)
+ field that allows one operator to have multiple
+ transmitters. AltOS allows you to set this to a single digit
+ from 0 to 9, allowing you to fly multiple transmitters at the
+ same time while keeping the identify of each one separate in
+ the receiver. By default, the SSID is set to the last digit of
+ the device serial number.
+
+
+ The APRS packet format includes a comment field that can have
+ arbitrary text in it. AltOS uses this to send status
+ information about the flight computer. It sends four fields as
+ shown in the following table.
+
+
+ Altus Metrum APRS Comments
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Field
+ Example
+ Description
+
+
+
+
+ 1
+ L
+ GPS Status U for unlocked, L for locked
+
+
+ 2
+ 6
+ Number of Satellites in View
+
+
+ 3
+ B4.0
+ Altimeter Battery Voltage
+
+
+ 4
+ A3.7
+ Apogee Igniter Voltage
+
+
+ 5
+ M3.7
+ Main Igniter Voltage
+
+
+ 6
+ 1286
+ Device Serial Number
+
+
+
+
+
+ Here's an example of an APRS comment showing GPS lock with 6
+ satellites in view, a primary battery at 4.0V, and
+ apogee and main igniters both at 3.7V from device 1286.
+
+ L6 B4.0 A3.7 M3.7 1286
+
+
+
+ Make sure your primary battery is above 3.8V, any connected
+ igniters are above 3.5V and GPS is locked with at least 5 or 6
+ satellites in view before flying. If GPS is switching between
+ L and U regularly, then it doesn't have a good lock and you
+ should wait until it becomes stable.
+
+
+ If the GPS receiver loses lock, the APRS data transmitted will
+ contain the last position for which GPS lock was
+ available. You can tell that this has happened by noticing
+ that the GPS status character switches from 'L' to 'U'. Before
+ GPS has locked, APRS will transmit zero for latitude,
+ longitude and altitude.
Configurable Parameters
Configuring an Altus Metrum altimeter for flight is very
- simple. Even on our baro-only TeleMini and EasyMini boards, the use of a Kalman
- filter means there is no need to set a âmach delayâ. The few
- configurable parameters can all be set using AltosUI over USB or
- or radio link via TeleDongle.
+ simple. Even on our baro-only TeleMini and EasyMini boards,
+ the use of a Kalman filter means there is no need to set a
+ âmach delayâ. The few configurable parameters can all be set
+ using AltosUI over USB or or radio link via TeleDongle. Read
+ the Configure Altimeter section in the AltosUI chapter below
+ for more information.
Radio Frequency
@@ -1078,6 +2390,55 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
frequency to successfully communicate with each other.
+
+ Callsign
+
+ This sets the callsign used for telemetry, APRS and the
+ packet link. For telemetry and APRS, this is used to
+ identify the device. For the packet link, the callsign must
+ match that configured in AltosUI or the link will not
+ work. This is to prevent accidental configuration of another
+ Altus Metrum flight computer operating on the same frequency nearby.
+
+
+
+ Telemetry/RDF/APRS Enable
+
+ You can completely disable the radio while in flight, if
+ necessary. This doesn't disable the packet link in idle
+ mode.
+
+
+
+ Telemetry baud rate
+
+ This sets the modulation bit rate for data transmission for
+ both telemetry and packet link mode. Lower bit
+ rates will increase range while reducing the amount of data
+ that can be sent and increasing battery consumption. All
+ telemetry is done using a rate 1/2 constraint 4 convolution
+ code, so the actual data transmission rate is 1/2 of the
+ modulation bit rate specified here.
+
+
+
+ APRS Interval
+
+ This selects how often APRS packets are transmitted. Set
+ this to zero to disable APRS without also disabling the
+ regular telemetry and RDF transmissions. As APRS takes a
+ full second to transmit a single position report, we
+ recommend sending packets no more than once every 5 seconds.
+
+
+
+ APRS SSID
+
+ This selects the SSID reported in APRS packets. By default,
+ it is set to the last digit of the serial number, but you
+ can change this to any value from 0 to 9.
+
+
Apogee Delay
@@ -1099,6 +2460,20 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
way quite happily, including Keith's successful L3 cert.
+
+ Apogee Lockout
+
+ Apogee lockout is the number of seconds after boost where
+ the flight computer will not fire the apogee charge, even if
+ the rocket appears to be at apogee. This is often called
+ 'Mach Delay', as it is intended to prevent a flight computer
+ from unintentionally firing apogee charges due to the pressure
+ spike that occurrs across a mach transition. Altus Metrum
+ flight computers include a Kalman filter which is not fooled
+ by this sharp pressure increase, and so this setting should
+ be left at the default value of zero to disable it.
+
+
Main Deployment Altitude
@@ -1123,6 +2498,11 @@ 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 +2510,8 @@ 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
@@ -1144,7 +2523,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Pad Orientation
- TeleMetrum and TeleMega measure acceleration along the axis
+ TeleMetrum, TeleMega and EasyMega measure acceleration along the axis
of the board. Which way the board is oriented affects the
sign of the acceleration value. Instead of trying to guess
which way the board is mounted in the air frame, the
@@ -1156,10 +2535,10 @@ 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
+ TeleMega and EasyMega have four additional channels that can be configured
to activate when various flight conditions are
satisfied. You can select as many conditions as necessary;
all of them must be met in order to activate the
@@ -1196,7 +2575,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Orientation. TeleMega contains a 3-axis gyroscope and
+ Orientation. TeleMega and EasyMega contain a 3-axis gyroscope and
accelerometer which is used to measure the current
angle. Note that this angle is not the change in angle
from the launch pad, but rather absolute relative to
@@ -1205,7 +2584,7 @@ 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°).
@@ -1241,9 +2620,9 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
After Motor. The flight software counts each time the
- rocket starts accelerating (presumably due to a motor or
- motors igniting). Use this value to count ignitions for
- multi-staged or multi-airstart launches.
+ rocket starts accelerating and then decelerating
+ (presumably due to a motor or motors burning). Use this
+ value for multi-staged or multi-airstart launches.
@@ -1268,7 +2647,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Fast. The motor has burned out and the rocket is
- descellerating, but it is going faster than 200m/s.
+ decelerating, but it is going faster than 200m/s.
@@ -1286,7 +2665,7 @@ 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 +2679,9 @@ 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
+ âgreater than Boostâ means that the rocket is currently
+ in boost or some later state.
When a motor burns out, the rocket enters either Fast or
@@ -1317,15 +2696,21 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
-
AltosUI
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
The AltosUI program provides a graphical user interface for
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.
@@ -1337,6 +2722,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
AltosUI will create a window to display telemetry data as
received by the selected TeleDongle device.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
All telemetry data received are automatically recorded in
suitable log files. The name of the files includes the current
@@ -1377,9 +2769,12 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
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;
- weaker signals may not be receivable. The packet link uses
+ you know how strong a signal TeleDongle is receiving. At
+ the default data rate, 38400 bps, in bench testing, the
+ radio inside TeleDongle v0.2 operates down to about
+ -106dBm, while the v3 radio works down to about -111dBm.
+ Weaker signals, or an environment with radio noise may
+ cause the data to not be received. The packet link uses
error detection and correction techniques which prevent
incorrect data from being reported.
@@ -1405,69 +2800,96 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Launch Pad
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
The 'Launch Pad' tab shows information used to decide when the
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
@@ -1477,19 +2899,26 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Ascent
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
This tab is shown during Boost, Fast and Coast
phases. The information displayed here helps monitor the
rocket as it heads towards apogee.
- The height, speed and acceleration are shown along with the
- maximum values for each of them. This allows you to quickly
- answer the most commonly asked questions you'll hear during
- flight.
+ The height, speed, acceleration and tilt are shown along
+ with the maximum values for each of them. This allows you to
+ quickly answer the most commonly asked questions you'll hear
+ during 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
@@ -1503,6 +2932,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Descent
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Once the rocket has reached apogee and (we hope) activated the
apogee charge, attention switches to tracking the rocket on
@@ -1517,7 +2953,7 @@ 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
@@ -1539,6 +2975,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Landed
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Once the rocket is on the ground, attention switches to
recovery. While the radio signal is often lost once the
@@ -1554,7 +2997,7 @@ 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 +3008,7 @@ 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.
@@ -1574,8 +3017,32 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
graph window for the current flight.
+
+ Table
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The table view shows all of the data available from the
+ flight computer. Probably the most useful data on
+ this tab is the detailed GPS information, which includes
+ horizontal dilution of precision information, and
+ information about the signal being received from the satellites.
+
+
Site Map
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
When the TeleMetrum has a GPS fix, the Site Map tab will map
the rocket's position to make it easier for you to locate the
@@ -1585,10 +3052,19 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
dark blue for main, and black for landed.
- The map's scale is approximately 3m (10ft) per pixel. The map
+ The map's default scale is approximately 3m (10ft) per pixel. The map
can be dragged using the left mouse button. The map will attempt
to keep the rocket roughly centered while data is being received.
+
+ You can adjust the style of map and the zoom level with
+ buttons on the right side of the map window. You can draw a
+ line on the map by moving the mouse over the map with a
+ button other than the left one pressed, or by pressing the
+ left button while also holding down the shift key. The
+ length of the line in real-world units will be shown at the
+ start of the line.
+
Images are fetched automatically via the Google Maps Static API,
and cached on disk for reuse. If map images cannot be downloaded,
@@ -1600,6 +3076,24 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
before you leave home; check out the 'Preload Maps' section below.
+
+ Ignitor
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ TeleMega includes four additional programmable pyro
+ channels. The Ignitor tab shows whether each of them has
+ continuity. If an ignitor has a low resistance, then the
+ voltage measured here will be close to the pyro battery
+ voltage. A value greater than 3.2V is required for a 'GO'
+ status.
+
+
Save Flight Data
@@ -1609,16 +3103,14 @@ 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.
@@ -1662,16 +3154,27 @@ 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.
+ Note that telemetry files will generally produce poor graphs
+ due to the lower sampling rate and missed telemetry packets.
+ Use saved flight data in .eeprom files for graphing where possible.
+
+
+ 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).
+
The graph can be zoomed into a particular area by clicking and
dragging down and to the right. Once zoomed, the graph can be
@@ -1680,21 +3183,61 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
The right mouse button causes a pop-up menu to be displayed, giving
you the option save or print the plot.
-
- Note that telemetry files will generally produce poor graphs
- due to the lower sampling rate and missed telemetry packets.
- Use saved flight data in .eeprom files for graphing where possible.
-
+
+
+ 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.
+
+
Export Data
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.
@@ -1728,6 +3271,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Configure Altimeter
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Select this button and then select either an altimeter or
TeleDongle Device from the list provided. Selecting a TeleDongle
@@ -1742,35 +3292,47 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
At the bottom of the dialog, there are four buttons:
-
-
-
- Save. This writes any changes to the
- configuration parameter block in flash memory. If you don't
- press this button, any changes you make will be lost.
-
-
-
-
- Reset. This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values,
- erasing any changes you have made.
-
-
-
-
- Reboot. This reboots the device. Use this to
- switch from idle to pad mode by rebooting once the rocket is
- oriented for flight, or to confirm changes you think you saved
- are really saved.
-
-
-
-
- Close. This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be
- lost.
-
-
-
+
+
+ Save
+
+
+ This writes any changes to the
+ configuration parameter block in flash memory. If you don't
+ press this button, any changes you make will be lost.
+
+
+
+
+ Reset
+
+
+ This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values,
+ erasing any changes you have made.
+
+
+
+
+ Reboot
+
+
+ This reboots the device. Use this to
+ switch from idle to pad mode by rebooting once the rocket is
+ oriented for flight, or to confirm changes you think you saved
+ are really saved.
+
+
+
+
+ Close
+
+
+ This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be
+ lost.
+
+
+
+
The rest of the dialog contains the parameters to be configured.
@@ -1798,7 +3360,21 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Radio Frequency
+ Apogee Lockoug
+
+ Apogee lockout is the number of seconds after boost where
+ the flight computer will not fire the apogee charge, even if
+ the rocket appears to be at apogee. This is often called
+ 'Mach Delay', as it is intended to prevent a flight computer
+ from unintentionally firing apogee charges due to the pressure
+ spike that occurrs across a mach transition. Altus Metrum
+ flight computers include a Kalman filter which is not fooled
+ by this sharp pressure increase, and so this setting should
+ be left at the default value of zero to disable it.
+
+
+
+ Frequency
This configures which of the frequencies to use for both
telemetry and packet command mode. Note that if you set this
@@ -1827,17 +3403,38 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
at all.
+
+ Telemetry baud rate
+
+ This sets the modulation bit rate for data transmission for
+ both telemetry and packet link mode. Lower bit
+ rates will increase range while reducing the amount of data
+ that can be sent and increasing battery consumption. All
+ telemetry is done using a rate 1/2 constraint 4 convolution
+ code, so the actual data transmission rate is 1/2 of the
+ modulation bit rate specified here.
+
+
APRS Interval
- How often to transmit GPS information via APRS. This option
- is available on TeleMetrum v2 and TeleMega
- boards. TeleMetrum v1 boards cannot transmit APRS
+ How often to transmit GPS information via APRS (in
+ seconds). When set to zero, APRS transmission is
+ disabled. This option is available on TeleMetrum v2 and
+ TeleMega boards. TeleMetrum v1 boards cannot transmit APRS
packets. Note that a single APRS packet takes nearly a full
second to transmit, so enabling this option will prevent
sending any other telemetry during that time.
+
+ APRS SSID
+
+ Which SSID to report in APRS packets. By default, this is
+ set to the last digit of the serial number, but can be
+ configured to any value from 0 to 9.
+
+
Callsign
@@ -1855,86 +3452,138 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Ignite Mode
+ Ignitor Firing Mode
- TeleMetrum and TeleMini provide two igniter channels as they
- were originally designed as dual-deploy flight
- computers. This configuration parameter allows the two
- channels to be used in different configurations.
+ This configuration parameter allows the two standard ignitor
+ channels (Apogee and Main) to be used in different
+ configurations.
-
-
-
- Dual Deploy. This is the usual mode of operation; the
- 'apogee' channel is fired at apogee and the 'main'
- channel at the height above ground specified by the
- 'Main Deploy Altitude' during descent.
-
-
-
-
- Redundant Apogee. This fires both channels at
- apogee, the 'apogee' channel first followed after a two second
- delay by the 'main' channel.
-
-
-
-
- Redundant Main. This fires both channels at the
- height above ground specified by the Main Deploy
- Altitude setting during descent. The 'apogee'
- channel is fired first, followed after a two second
- delay by the 'main' channel.
-
-
-
+
+
+ Dual Deploy
+
+
+ This is the usual mode of operation; the
+ 'apogee' channel is fired at apogee and the 'main'
+ channel at the height above ground specified by the
+ 'Main Deploy Altitude' during descent.
+
+
+
+
+ Redundant Apogee
+
+
+ This fires both channels at
+ apogee, the 'apogee' channel first followed after a two second
+ delay by the 'main' channel.
+
+
+
+
+ Redundant Main
+
+
+ This fires both channels at the
+ height above ground specified by the Main Deploy
+ Altitude setting during descent. The 'apogee'
+ channel is fired first, followed after a two second
+ delay by the 'main' channel.
+
+
+
+
Pad Orientation
- Because it includes an accelerometer, TeleMetrum and
- TeleMega are sensitive to the orientation of the board. By
- default, it expects the antenna end to point forward. This
+ Because they include accelerometers, TeleMetrum,
+ TeleMega and EasyMega are sensitive to the orientation of the board. By
+ 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.
-
-
-
- Antenna Up. In this mode, the antenna end of the
- TeleMetrum board 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
- expected flight path.
-
-
-
+
+
+ Antenna Up
+
+
+ In this mode, the antenna end of the
+ flight computer must point forward, in line with the
+ expected flight path.
+
+
+
+
+ Antenna Down
+
+
+ In this mode, the antenna end of the
+ flight computer must point aft, in line with the
+ expected flight path.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Beeper Frequency
+
+ The beeper on all Altus Metrum flight computers works best
+ at 4000Hz, however if you have more than one flight computer
+ in a single airframe, having all of them sound at the same
+ frequency can be confusing. This parameter lets you adjust
+ the base beeper frequency value.
+
Configure Pyro Channels
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
This opens a separate window to configure the additional
- 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.
+ pyro channels available on TeleMega and EasyMega. 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. See the Pyro Channels
+ section in the System Operation chapter above for a
+ description of these parameters.
+
+
+ Select conditions and set the related value; the pyro
+ channel will be activated when all of the
+ conditions are met. Each pyro channel has a separate set of
+ configuration values, so you can use different values for
+ the same condition with different channels.
+
+
+ At the bottom of the window, the 'Pyro Firing Time'
+ configuration sets the length of time (in seconds) which
+ each of these pyro channels will fire for.
+
+
+ Once you have selected the appropriate configuration for all
+ of the necessary pyro channels, you can save the pyro
+ configuration along with the rest of the flight computer
+ configuration by pressing the 'Save' button in the main
+ Configure Flight Computer window.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Configure AltosUI
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
This button presents a dialog so that you can configure the AltosUI global settings.
@@ -1946,18 +3595,24 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
the current flight status. However, sometimes you don't want
to hear them.
-
-
- Enableâturns all voice announcements on and off
-
-
-
- Test VoiceâPlays a short message allowing you to verify
- that the audio system is working and the volume settings
- are reasonable
-
-
-
+
+
+ Enable
+
+ Turns all voice announcements on and off
+
+
+
+ Test Voice
+
+
+ Plays a short message allowing you to verify
+ that the audio system is working and the volume settings
+ are reasonable
+
+
+
+
Log Directory
@@ -1995,9 +3650,10 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
This switches between metric units (meters) and imperial
units (feet and miles). This affects the display of values
- use during flight monitoring, data graphing and all of the
- voice announcements. It does not change the units used when
- exporting to CSV files, those are always produced in metric units.
+ use during flight monitoring, configuration, data graphing
+ and all of the voice announcements. It does not change the
+ units used when exporting to CSV files, those are always
+ produced in metric units.
@@ -2031,8 +3687,15 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Configure Groundstation
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
- Select this button and then select a TeleDongle Device from the list provided.
+ Select this button and then select a TeleDongle or TeleBT Device from the list provided.
The first few lines of the dialog provide information about the
@@ -2041,36 +3704,45 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
individual configuration entries.
- Note that the TeleDongle itself doesn't save any configuration
+ Note that TeleDongle and TeleBT don't save any configuration
data, the settings here are recorded on the local machine in
- the Java preferences database. Moving the TeleDongle to
+ the Java preferences database. Moving the device to
another machine, or using a different user account on the same
machine will cause settings made here to have no effect.
At the bottom of the dialog, there are three buttons:
-
-
-
- Save. This writes any changes to the
- local Java preferences file. If you don't
- press this button, any changes you make will be lost.
-
-
-
-
- Reset. This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values,
- erasing any changes you have made.
-
-
-
-
- Close. This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be
- lost.
-
-
-
+
+
+ Save
+
+
+ This writes any changes to the
+ local Java preferences file. If you don't
+ press this button, any changes you make will be lost.
+
+
+
+
+ Reset
+
+
+ This resets the dialog to the most recently saved values,
+ erasing any changes you have made.
+
+
+
+
+ Close
+
+
+ This closes the dialog. Any unsaved changes will be
+ lost.
+
+
+
+
The rest of the dialog contains the parameters to be configured.
@@ -2086,69 +3758,58 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Radio Calibration
+ RF Calibration
The radios in every Altus Metrum device are calibrated at the
factory to ensure that they transmit and receive on the
- specified frequency. To change a TeleDongle's calibration,
+ specified frequency. To change a TeleDongle or TeleBT's calibration,
you must reprogram the unit completely, so this entry simply
shows the current value and doesn't allow any changes.
-
-
+
+ Telemetry Rate
+
+ This lets you match the telemetry and packet link rate from
+ the transmitter. If they don't match, the device won't
+ receive any data.
+
+
+
+
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
+ This reprograms Altus Metrum devices with new
+ firmware. TeleMetrum v1.x, TeleDongle v0.2, TeleMini and
+ TeleBT are all reprogrammed by using another similar unit as a
+ programming dongle (pair programming). TeleMega, EasyMega,
+ TeleMetrum v2, EasyMini and TeleDongle v3 are all programmed
+ directly over their USB ports (self programming). Please read
+ the directions for flashing devices in the Updating Device
Firmware chapter below.
-
- 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
- with the product name and firmware version. The file selector
- will start in the directory containing the firmware included
- with the AltosUI package. Navigate to the directory containing
- the desired firmware if it isn't there.
-
-
- Next, a small dialog containing the device serial number and
- RF calibration values should appear. If these values are
- incorrect (possibly due to a corrupted image in the device),
- enter the correct values here.
-
-
- Finally, a dialog containing a progress bar will follow the
- programming process.
-
-
- 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.
-
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 all
+ of the pyro channels.
Next, select the desired igniter to fire. This will enable the
@@ -2164,17 +3825,31 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Scan Channels
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
This listens for telemetry packets on all of the configured
frequencies, displaying information about each device it
- receives a packet from. You can select which of the three
- telemetry formats should be tried; by default, it only listens
- for the standard telemetry packets used in v1.0 and later
+ receives a packet from. You can select which of the baud rates
+ and telemetry formats should be tried; by default, it only listens
+ at 38400 baud with the standard telemetry format used in v1.0 and later
firmware.
Load Maps
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Before heading out to a new launch site, you can use this to
load satellite images in case you don't have internet
@@ -2185,11 +3860,64 @@ 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
- If the launch site isn't in the list, you can manually enter the lat/lon values
+ There are four different kinds of maps you can view; you can
+ select which to download by selecting as many as you like from
+ the available types:
+
+
+ Hybrid
+
+
+ A combination of satellite imagery and road data. This
+ is the default view.
+
+
+
+
+ Satellite
+
+
+ Just the satellite imagery without any annotation.
+
+
+
+
+ Roadmap
+
+
+ Roads, political boundaries and a few geographic features.
+
+
+
+
+ Terrain
+
+
+ Contour intervals and shading that show hills and
+ valleys.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ You can specify the range of zoom levels to download; smaller
+ numbers show more area with less resolution. The default
+ level, 0, shows about 3m/pixel. One zoom level change
+ doubles or halves that number.
+
+
+ The Tile Radius value sets how large an area around the center
+ point to download. Each tile is 512x512 pixels, and the
+ 'radius' value specifies how many tiles away from the center
+ will be downloaded. Specify a radius of 0 and you get only the
+ center tile. A radius of 1 loads a 3x3 grid, centered on the
+ specified location.
Clicking the 'Load Map' button will fetch images from Google
@@ -2205,7 +3933,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
This brings up a dialog similar to the Monitor Flight UI,
except it works with the altimeter in âidleâ mode by sending
query commands to discover the current state rather than
- listening for telemetry packets.
+ listening for telemetry packets. Because this uses command
+ mode, it needs to have the TeleDongle and flight computer
+ callsigns match exactly. If you can receive telemetry, but
+ cannot manage to run Monitor Idle, then it's very likely that
+ your callsigns are different in some way.
@@ -2214,7 +3946,7 @@ 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 Bluetoothâ¢. Altos Droid monitors
+ to a TeleBT receiver over Bluetoothâ¢. 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.
@@ -2227,8 +3959,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Installing AltosDroid
- AltosDroid is included in the Google Play store. To install
- it on your Android device, open open the Google Play Store
+ AltosDroid is available from the Google Play store. To install
+ it on your Android device, open the Google Play Store
application and search for âaltosdroidâ. Make sure you don't
have a space between âaltosâ and âdroidâ or you probably won't
find what you want. That should bring you to the right page
@@ -2261,9 +3993,9 @@ 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
@@ -2276,64 +4008,82 @@ 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
@@ -2345,7 +4095,7 @@ 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
@@ -2367,20 +4117,22 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
In the Rocket
- In the rocket itself, you just need a TeleMetrum or
- TeleMini board and
+ In the rocket itself, you just need a flight computer and
a single-cell, 3.7 volt nominal Li-Po rechargeable battery. An
850mAh battery weighs less than a 9V 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.
+ run a TeleMetrum, TeleMega or EasyMega for hours.
+ A 110mAh battery weighs less than a triple A battery and is a good
+ choice for use with TeleMini or EasyMini.
- By default, we ship the altimeters with a simple wire antenna. If your
- electronics bay or the air-frame it resides within is made of carbon fiber,
- 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.
+ By default, we ship TeleMini, TeleMetrum and TeleMega flight computers with a simple wire antenna.
+ If your electronics bay or the air-frame it resides within is made
+ of carbon fiber, which is opaque to RF signals, you may prefer to
+ install an SMA connector so that you can run a coaxial cable to an
+ antenna mounted elsewhere in the rocket. However, note that the
+ GPS antenna is fixed on all current products, so you really want
+ to install the flight computer in a bay made of RF-transparent
+ materials if at all possible.
@@ -2399,6 +4151,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Linux, Mac OS and Windows. There's also a suite of C tools
for Linux which can perform most of the same tasks.
+
+ Alternatively, a TeleBT attached with an SMA to BNC adapter at the
+ feed point of a hand-held yagi used in conjunction with an Android
+ device running AltosDroid makes an outstanding ground station.
+
After the flight, you can use the radio 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
@@ -2408,10 +4165,12 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
of digital cameras and other modern electronic stuff will work fine.
- 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
- position before touch-down. This makes looking for your rocket a lot like
- Geo-Caching... just go to the way-point and look around starting from there.
+ If your 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 position before touch-down. This makes looking for
+ your rocket a lot like Geo-Caching... just go to the way-point and
+ look around starting from there. AltosDroid on an Android device
+ with GPS receiver works great for this, too!
You may also enjoy having a ham radio âHTâ that covers the 70cm band... you
@@ -2420,7 +4179,8 @@ 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 FT1D, Bdale has a Yaesu VX-7R, which
+ is a nicer radio in most ways but doesn't support APRS.
So, to recap, on the ground the hardware you'll need includes:
@@ -2487,24 +4247,15 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Future Plans
- In the future, we intend to offer âcompanion boardsâ for the rocket
- that will plug in to TeleMetrum to collect additional data, provide
- more pyro channels, and so forth.
-
-
- Also under design is a new flight computer with more sensors, more
- pyro channels, and a more powerful radio system designed for use
- in multi-stage, complex, and extreme altitude projects.
-
-
- We are also working on alternatives to TeleDongle. One is a
- a stand-alone, hand-held ground terminal that will allow monitoring
- the rocket's status, collecting data during flight, and logging data
- after flight without the need for a notebook computer on the
- 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.
+ We have designed and prototyped several âcompanion boardsâ that
+ can attach to the companion connector on TeleMetrum,
+ TeleMega and EasyMega
+ flight computers to collect more data, provide more pyro channels,
+ and so forth. We do not yet know if or when any of these boards
+ will be produced in enough quantity to sell. If you have specific
+ interests for data collection or control of events in your rockets
+ beyond the capabilities of our existing productions, please let
+ us know!
Because all of our work is open, both the hardware designs and the
@@ -2525,19 +4276,21 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
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
+ and some creativity and/or compromise may be required. This chapter
contains some suggestions about how to install Altus Metrum
- products into the rocket air-frame, including how to safely and
+ products into a rocket air-frame, including how to safely and
reliably mix a variety of electronics into the same air-frame.
Mounting the Altimeter
The first consideration is to ensure that the altimeter is
- securely fastened to the air-frame. For TeleMetrum, we use
- 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 inch balsa to fit
+ securely fastened to the air-frame. For most of our products, we
+ prefer nylon standoffs and nylon screws; they're good to at least 50G
+ and cannot cause any electrical issues on the board. Metal screws
+ and standoffs are fine, too, just be careful to avoid electrical
+ shorts! For TeleMini v1.0, we usually cut small pieces of 1/16 inch
+ balsa to fit
under the screw holes, and then take 2x56 nylon screws and
screw them through the TeleMini mounting holes, through the
balsa and into the underlying material.
@@ -2545,7 +4298,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Make sure TeleMetrum is aligned precisely along the axis of
+ Make sure accelerometer-equipped products like TeleMetrum,
+ TeleMega and EasyMega are aligned precisely along the axis of
acceleration so that the accelerometer can accurately
capture data during the flight.
@@ -2583,7 +4337,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
culprit here -- CF is a good conductor and will effectively
shield the antenna, dramatically reducing signal strength and
range. Metallic flake paint is another effective shielding
- material which is to be avoided around any antennas.
+ material which should be avoided around any antennas.
If the ebay is large enough, it can be convenient to simply
@@ -2604,7 +4358,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
consuming very little space.
- If you need to place the antenna at a distance from the
+ If you need to place the UHF antenna at a distance from the
altimeter, you can replace the antenna with an edge-mounted
SMA connector, and then run 50Ω coax from the board to the
antenna. Building a remote antenna is beyond the scope of this
@@ -2614,11 +4368,11 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Preserving GPS Reception
- The GPS antenna and receiver in TeleMetrum are highly
- sensitive and normally have no trouble tracking enough
+ The GPS antenna and receiver used in TeleMetrum and TeleMega is
+ highly sensitive and normally have no trouble tracking enough
satellites to provide accurate position information for
- recovering the rocket. However, there are many ways to
- attenuate the GPS signal.
+ recovering the rocket. However, there are many ways the GPS signal
+ can end up attenuated, negatively affecting GPS performance.
@@ -2691,7 +4445,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Avoid resonant lengths. Know what frequencies are present
in the environment and avoid having wire lengths near a
- natural resonant length. Altusmetrum products transmit on the
+ natural resonant length. Altus Metrum products transmit on the
70cm amateur band, so you should avoid lengths that are a
simple ratio of that length; essentially any multiple of ¼
of the wavelength (17.5cm).
@@ -2717,10 +4471,10 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
decreasing pressure.
- The barometric sensor in the altimeter is quite sensitive to
- chemical damage from the products of APCP or BP combustion, so
- make sure the ebay is carefully sealed from any compartment
- which contains ejection charges or motors.
+ All barometric sensors are quite sensitive to chemical damage from
+ the products of APCP or BP combustion, so make sure the ebay is
+ carefully sealed from any compartment which contains ejection
+ charges or motors.
@@ -2755,11 +4509,12 @@ 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, EasyMega, EasyMini and TeleDongle v3
+ are all programmed directly over their USB connectors (self
+ programming). TeleMetrum v1, TeleMini and TeleDongle v0.2 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.
@@ -2771,10 +4526,211 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
version from .
- We recommend updating the altimeter first, before updating TeleDongle.
+ If you need to update the firmware on a TeleDongle v0.2, we recommend
+ updating the altimeter first, before updating TeleDongle. However,
+ note that TeleDongle rarely need to be updated. Any firmware version
+ 1.0.1 or later will work, version 1.2.1 may have improved receiver
+ performance slightly.
+
+
+ Self-programmable devices (TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2, EasyMega and EasyMini)
+ are reprogrammed by connecting them to your computer over USB
- Updating TeleMetrum Firmware
+
+ Updating TeleMega, TeleMetrum v2, EasyMega, EasyMini or
+ TeleDongle v3 Firmware
+
+
+
+
+ Attach a battery if necessary 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' or 'Configure Groundstation' 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.
+
+
+
+
+ EasyMega
+
+
+ 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.
+
+
+
+
+ TeleDongle v3
+
+
+ Connect pin 32 on the CPU to ground. Pin 32 is closest
+ to the USB wires on the row of pins towards the center
+ of the board. Ground is available on the capacitor
+ next to it, on the end towards the USB wires.
+
+
+
+
+
+ Once you've located the right pins:
+
+
+
+
+ Turn the altimeter power off.
+
+
+
+
+ Connect a battery.
+
+
+
+
+ Connect the indicated terminals together with a short
+ piece of wire. Take care not to accidentally connect
+ anything else.
+
+
+
+
+ Connect USB
+
+
+
+
+ Turn the board power on.
+
+
+
+
+ The board should now be visible over USB as 'AltosFlash'
+ and be ready to receive firmware.
+
+
+
+
+ Once the board has been powered up, you can remove the
+ piece of wire.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ Pair Programming
+
+ The big concept to understand is that you have to use a
+ TeleMetrum v1.0, TeleBT v1.0 or TeleDongle v0.2 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
@@ -2785,14 +4741,14 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle case to get access
- to the circuit board.
+ Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0
+ case to get access to the circuit board.
Plug the 8-pin end of the programming cable to the
- matching connector on the TeleDongle, and the 4-pin end to the
+ matching connector on the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0, and the 4-pin end to the
matching connector on the TeleMetrum.
Note that each MicroMaTch connector has an alignment pin that
goes through a hole in the PC board when you have the cable
@@ -2806,7 +4762,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Plug the TeleDongle into your computer's USB port, and power
+ Plug the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 into your computer's USB port, and power
up the TeleMetrum.
@@ -2817,7 +4773,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Pick the TeleDongle device from the list, identifying it as the
+ Pick the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 device from the list, identifying it as the
programming device.
@@ -2863,21 +4819,20 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
You'll need a special 'programming cable' to reprogram the
- TeleMini. It's available on the Altus Metrum web store, or
- you can make your own using an 8-pin MicroMaTch connector on
- one end and a set of four pins on the other.
+ TeleMini. You can make your own using an 8-pin MicroMaTch
+ connector on one end and a set of four pins on the other.
- Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle case to get access
+ Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 case to get access
to the circuit board.
Plug the 8-pin end of the programming cable to the matching
- connector on the TeleDongle, and the 4-pins into the holes
+ connector on the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0, and the 4-pins into the holes
in the TeleMini circuit board. Note that the MicroMaTch
connector has an alignment pin that goes through a hole in
the PC board when you have the cable oriented correctly, and
@@ -2892,7 +4847,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Plug the TeleDongle into your computer's USB port, and power
+ Plug the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 into your computer's USB port, and power
up the TeleMini
@@ -2903,7 +4858,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Pick the TeleDongle device from the list, identifying it as the
+ Pick the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 device from the list, identifying it as the
programming device.
@@ -2943,10 +4898,12 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Updating TeleDongle Firmware
+ Updating TeleDongle v0.2 Firmware
- Updating TeleDongle's firmware is just like updating TeleMetrum or TeleMini
- firmware, but you use either a TeleMetrum or another TeleDongle as the programmer.
+ Updating TeleDongle v0.2 firmware is just like updating
+ TeleMetrum v1.x or TeleMini
+ firmware, but you use either a TeleMetrum v1.x, TeleDongle
+ v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 as the programmer.
@@ -2959,12 +4916,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Find the USB cable that you got as part of the starter kit, and
- plug the âminiâ end in to the mating connector on TeleMetrum or TeleDongle.
+ plug the âminiâ end in to the mating connector on TeleMetrum
+ v1.x, TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0.
- Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle case to get access
+ Take the 2 screws out of the TeleDongle v0.2 or TeleBT v1.0 case to get access
to the circuit board.
@@ -2972,7 +4930,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Plug the 8-pin end of the programming cable to the
matching connector on the programmer, and the 4-pin end to the
- matching connector on the TeleDongle.
+ matching connector on the TeleDongle v0.2.
Note that each MicroMaTch connector has an alignment pin that
goes through a hole in the PC board when you have the cable
oriented correctly.
@@ -2980,7 +4938,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Attach a battery to the TeleMetrum board if you're using one.
+ Attach a battery to the TeleMetrum v1.x board if you're using one.
@@ -3002,7 +4960,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- Select the image you want put on the TeleDongle, which should have a
+ Select the image you want put on the TeleDongle v0.2, which should have a
name in the form teledongle-v0.2-1.0.0.ihx. It should be visible
in the default directory, if not you may have to poke around
your system to find it.
@@ -3012,7 +4970,8 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
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. The TeleDongle
+ values aren't right, you'll need to change them. The
+ TeleDongle v0.2
serial number is on the âbottomâ of the circuit board, and can
usually be read through the translucent blue plastic case without
needing to remove the board from the case.
@@ -3021,16 +4980,16 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Hit the 'OK' button and the software should proceed to flash
- the TeleDongle with new firmware, showing a progress bar.
+ the TeleDongle v0.2 with new firmware, showing a progress bar.
- Confirm that the TeleDongle board seems to have updated OK, which you
+ Confirm that the TeleDongle v0.2 board seems to have updated OK, which you
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
- and put the cover back on the TeleDongle.
+ and put the cover back on the TeleDongle v0.2.
@@ -3052,7 +5011,203 @@ 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.
+
+
+
+
+ Can use either main system Li-Po or optional separate pyro battery
+ to fire e-matches.
+
+
+
+
+ 3.25 x 1.25 inch board designed to fit inside 38mm air-frame coupler tube.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ EasyMega Specifications
+
+
+
+
+ Recording altimeter for model rocketry.
+
+
+
+
+ Supports dual deployment and four auxiliary pyro channels
+ (a total of 6 events).
+
+
+
+
+ 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 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.
+
+
+
+
+ Can use either main system Li-Po or optional separate pyro battery
+ to fire e-matches.
+
+
+
+
+ 1.25 x 1.25 inch board designed to fit inside 38mm air-frame coupler tube.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ TeleMetrum v2 Specifications
+
+
+
+
+ Recording altimeter for model rocketry.
+
+
+
+
+ Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges).
+
+
+
+
+ 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
@@ -3066,7 +5221,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link.
+ 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link.
@@ -3114,7 +5269,63 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- TeleMini Specifications
+
+ TeleMini v2.0 Specifications
+
+
+
+
+ Recording altimeter for model rocketry.
+
+
+
+
+ Supports dual deployment (can fire 2 ejection charges).
+
+
+
+
+ 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
+
@@ -3128,7 +5339,7 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- 70cm ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link.
+ 70cm, 10mW ham-band transceiver for telemetry down-link.
@@ -3164,19 +5375,70 @@ 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
- TeleMetrum seems to shut off when disconnected from the
- computer. Make sure the battery is adequately charged. Remember the
+ TeleMetrum seems to shut off when disconnected from the
+ computer.
+ Make sure the battery is adequately charged. Remember the
unit will pull more power than the USB port can deliver before the
GPS enters âlockedâ mode. The battery charges best when TeleMetrum
is turned off.
- It's impossible to stop the TeleDongle when it's in âpâ mode, I have
- to unplug the USB cable? Make sure you have tried to âescape outâ of
+ It's impossible to stop the TeleDongle when it's in âpâ mode, I have
+ to unplug the USB cable?
+ Make sure you have tried to âescape outâ of
this mode. If this doesn't work the reboot procedure for the
TeleDongle *is* to simply unplug it. 'cu' however will retain it's
outgoing buffer IF your âescape outâ ('~~') does not work.
@@ -3185,21 +5447,24 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
communication.
- The amber LED (on the TeleMetrum) lights up when both
- battery and USB are connected. Does this mean it's charging?
+ The amber LED (on the TeleMetrum) lights up when both
+ battery and USB are connected. Does this mean it's charging?
+
Yes, the yellow LED indicates the charging at the 'regular' rate.
If the led is out but the unit is still plugged into a USB port,
then the battery is being charged at a 'trickle' rate.
- There are no âdit-dah-dah-ditâ sound or lights like the manual mentions?
+ There are no âdit-dah-dah-ditâ sound or lights like the manual
+ mentions?
That's the âpadâ mode. Weak batteries might be the problem.
- It is also possible that the TeleMetrum is horizontal and the output
+ It is also possible that the flight computer is horizontal and the
+ output
is instead a âdit-ditâ meaning 'idle'. For TeleMini, it's possible that
it received a command packet which would have left it in âpadâ mode.
- How do I save flight data?
+ How do I save flight data?
Live telemetry is written to file(s) whenever AltosUI is connected
to the TeleDongle. The file area defaults to ~/TeleMetrum
but is easily changed using the menus in AltosUI. The files that
@@ -3317,11 +5582,12 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
Then, divide 434.550 MHz by the
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'
+ is 1186611 for cc1111 based products and 7119667 for cc1120
+ based products. Take the resulting integer and program it using the 'c f'
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 configuration memory.
Note that the 'reboot' command, which is very useful on the altimeters,
@@ -3419,46 +5685,98 @@ 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ EasyMega template
+
+ EasyMega has overall dimensions of 1.250 x 2.250 inches, and
+ the mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
TeleMetrum template
TeleMetrum has overall dimensions of 1.000 x 2.750 inches, and the
mounting holes are sized for use with 4-40 or M3 screws.
-
-
-
-
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ 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 template
+ 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.
-
-
-
-
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
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 EasyMega, 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
@@ -3471,13 +5789,14 @@ 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
@@ -3488,7 +5807,7 @@ 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
@@ -3498,21 +5817,13 @@ NAR #88757, TRA #12200
- TeleMetrum Accelerometer
+ TeleMetrum, TeleMega and EasyMega 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
@@ -3533,24 +5844,119 @@ 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, TeleMega or EasyMega 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.
+
+ Igniter Current
+
+ The question "how much igniter current can Altus Metrum products
+ handle?" comes up fairly frequently. The short answer is "more than
+ you're likely to need", the remainder of this appendix provides a
+ longer answer.
+
+
+ Current Products
+
+ The FET switches we're using on all of our current products that
+ have pyro channels are the Vishay Siliconix Si7232DN. These parts
+ have exceptionally low Rds(on) values, better than 0.02 ohms! That
+ means they aren't making a lot of heat... and the limit on current
+ is "package limited", meaning it's all about how much you can heat
+ the die before something breaks.
+
+
+ Cutting to the chase, the Si7232DN specs are 25 amps continuous at
+ 20V at a temperature of 25C. In pulsed mode, they're rated for 40A.
+ However, those specs are a little mis-leading because it really is
+ all about the heat generated... you can get something like 85A
+ through one briefly. Note that a typical commercial e-match only
+ needed about 13 microseconds to fire in tests on my bench a couple
+ years ago!
+
+
+ So a great plan is to use something like an e-match as the initiator
+ and build up pyrogen(s) as required to actually light what you're
+ trying to light... But if you want to use a high-current igniter,
+ we can probably handle it!
+
+
+
+ Version 1 Products
+
+ The FET switches used on TeleMetrum v1 and TeleMini v1 products
+ were Fairchild FDS9926A. The Rds(on) values under our operating
+ conditions are on the order of 0.04 ohms. These parts were rated
+ for a continuous current-carrying capacity of 6.5A, and a pulsed
+ current capacity of 20A.
+
+
+ As with the more modern parts, the real limit is based on the heat
+ generated in the part during the firing interval. So, while the
+ specs on these parts aren't as good as the ones we use on current
+ products, they were still great, and we never had a complaint about
+ current carrying capacity with any of our v1 boards.
+
+
+
Release Notes
+
+ Version 1.6
+
+
+
+ Version 1.5
+
+
+
+ Version 1.4.1
+
+
+
+ Version 1.4
+
+
+
+ Version 1.3.2
+
+
+
+ Version 1.3.1
+
+
Version 1.3
\ No newline at end of file
+-->